Alternative Teacher Licensure Program Starts First Term

Central New Mexico Community will welcome its first class of students to the Alternative Teacher Licensure Certificate Program this fall.

The Alternative Teacher Licensure Program is designed for working professionals who aspire to mentor students. The program is for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree, but who want to teach in elementary and secondary education. Special education will begin in Spring 2008 and early childhood in Fall 2008.

Students who successfully complete the program will be prepared to meet the requirements of the New Mexico Teacher Assessment, which will allow them to apply for a level one, five-year provisional teaching license.

CNM’s Alternative Teacher Licensure Program is geared to working professionals by offering evening and weekend classes and takes three to four terms to complete. Students should expect to spend five to seven hours per week outside of the classroom per three-credit hour course.

The program focuses on helping students successfully complete the New Mexico Public Education Department’s entry-level teacher competencies. These competencies comply with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

New Mexico is facing a significant shortage of teachers and that shortage is expected to increase over the next several years as many teachers approach retirement. The New Mexico Department of Labor is projecting that there will be 400 teaching vacancies per year in the Albuquerque metro area.

The fall term is full, but for more information about applying for spring call (505) 224-3588 or click here.