Alternative Teacher Licensure

Certificates

Admission Requirements

For admission to the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program, you are required to have one of the following:

• a Bachelor's degree including 30* credit hours in a particular field that appertains to the licensure area sought; OR
• a Master's degree including 12 graduate credit hours in a particular field that appertains to the licensure area sought; OR
• a Ph.D. in a particular field that appertains to the licensure area sought.

*Note: If you are a candidate in the Elementary or Special Education program, the 30 credit hours must include a minimum of 6 credit hours in each of the core subject areas (math, science, social studies, and language arts) for a total of 24 credit hours. Here is a list of acceptable coursework for each Endorsement Area.

FAQ's & Other Resources

Frequently asked questions about the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program

The ATL Program Candidate Information packet outlines qualifications, program expectations,  testing requirements, required coursework, and other related program information.

Attend an Information Session

All applicants should plan to attend an information session prior to the application deadline for which they are applying. An RSVP is not required.

During the Information Session, you will obtain vital information regarding NM licensure requirements, the Program expectations, as well as information on the application and screening process.

Information Sessions are held 5:30-7:30pm:

• Tuesday, April 9th at CNM's Main campus in Smith Brasher Hall (SB) Auditorium
• Thursday, May 16th at CNM's Main campus in Smith Brasher Hall (SB) Auditorium
• Wednesday, June 5th at CNM's Westside campus in WSII, room 115
• Tuesday, July 9th at CNM's Workforce Training Center, room 101

Apply to the Program

The application process includes admission to CNM as a non-degree student, submission of official transcripts and submission of Online ATL Program application forms.

Application requirements will include:

• Submission of official transcript to CNM Records Office confirming Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Submission of passing score on the three NES Essential Academic Skills subtests*:
  
  I Reading
  II Writing

  III Mathematics

• GPA of 3.0 on highest degree earned (or passing score on appropriate Assessment exam)
• Ability to pass a Criminal Background Check

*Passing results from a NMTA Basic Skills exam - or a comparable out of state teacher assessments—will be accepted in lieu of the Essential Academic Skills tests.

High-Need Areas: CNM strives to fill the needs of area schools by giving priority to candidates who are qualified to teach in designated high need areas. We are currently recruiting teachers in the areas of special education, secondary math and science, and bilingual elementary.

Financial Aid

If you are a student in the ATL Program, you may be eligible for the Pell grants and are eligible to borrow at the 5th year undergraduate level.

Please refer to the Financial Aid information page for details about eligibility.

Questions about aid availability should be directed to the Financial Aid Office at (505) 224-3090.

Program Contact Information

If you have additional questions about the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program, or the application process, go to Program Contact Options.