College of Education

Alternative Routes to Teacher Licensure

SOE students prepare to teach.

Alternative Licensure Program

Following the guidelines set forth by the New Mexico Public Education department, the WNMU College of Education provides coursework and field experience opportunities for the student who wishes to pursue an alternative route to teaching licensure. These students work to obtain their field experience at the same time they are taking courses towards licensure. Programs are offered in Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Special Education.

There are two options for the SOE student to choose from:

Option 1> Alternative Licensure Only (18-21 credit requirement)

This option is for students who hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, with 30 credit hours in an endorsement field. These students must be employed in a teaching position in an accredited school, and be accepted to a state-approved mentorship program.

Option 2> Alternative Licensure embedded in the MA-T program (36 credit requirement)

To apply for this option, SOE students must hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Furthermore, they must submit transcripts from an accredited undergraduate institution which indicate a minimum of 30 undergraduate credits which pertain to the license area/endorsement being sought.  Upon final admission to the graduate program, these students must be employed in a teaching position in an accredited school, and be accepted to a state-approved mentorship program.

Both options require SOE students to pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments in Basic Skills and in related competencies.  For more information, students should refer to the WNMU Course Catalog and to the New Mexico Public Education Department web page for licensure. Your faculty advisor will also assist you in navigating through this process.