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Apply to the ATL Program

Learn more about the minimum requirements and application process for the CNM Alternative Teacher Licensure Program.

Minimum Requirements

CNM's Alternative Teacher Licensure Program screens applicants based on licensure requirements enforced by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Minimum requirements for program acceptance include: 

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
    • Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education licenses require 30 semester hours of core subjects (math, science, social studies, and/or language arts) with a grade of C or higher.
    • Secondary Education licenses require 30 semester hours in a single content area (12 credits must be upper-level credits) with a grade of C or higher. All semester hours must be completed prior to application. If you are unsure whether you meet the 30 credit hour requirement with your coursework, you can use our Transcript Analysis form to check. Your coursework will also be evaluated when you apply to the program.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check is required to work in schools (to be completed prior to the supervised field experience). If you have concerns about the background check process and requirements, the NMPED Licensure Background Information webpage provides additional details.

Important Coursework Notes

  • Completion of courses in desired licensure area must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
  • A list of “accepted” courses for each endorsement area is available on the Application Resources page.
Important Assessment Notes

Steps to Apply

Application Deadlines

Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Summer Term
March 1

Fall Term
July 1

Spring Term
November 1

Admittance Notification

Summer Term

Applicants who meet the March 1 deadline will be notified by April 1.

Fall Term

Applicants who met the July 1 deadline will be notified by August 1.

Spring Term

Applicants who met the November 1 deadline will be notified by December 1.

1) Apply to CNM. You first need to apply to CNM and become an active student. 

2) Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended through Parchment. If your transcripts are from a university outside of the U.S., you will need to have them evaluated by a NACES-approved evaluation service.

3) Attend a Q&A Session with ATL Program Staff. If you have already attended a Q&A session, you’ve met this requirement! If not, you have two options:

During the Q&A sessions, we discuss our program offerings and expectations and help you decide if CNM's licensure program is right for you. You will receive the ATL application link once you’ve attended a Q&A Session.

4) Apply to the ATL Program. Submit the Alternative Teacher Licensure application using the link sent to you following your attendance of a Q&A session. On this Microsoft Form, you will enter your relevant personal and professional information.

Please reach out to us at [email protected] or call (505) 224-3040 if you have any questions.

After You Apply

  • Check your CNM email account regularly.  
  • Admittance notifications are sent to CNM email accounts.
  • Admittance notifications can take up to four weeks to be delivered after the deadline date.