Apply to the ATL Program

How to apply to the 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. Before applying to the ATL Program, you must meet the following minimum requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree
    • Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education licenses require 30 semester hours of core subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts (minimum 6 semester hours of each)
    • Secondary Education licenses require 30 semester hours in a single content area (12 credits must be upper-level credits). All semester hours must be complete prior to application.

  • Overall GPA of 3.0 on highest degree earned
    •  Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 may still apply, additional requirements must be met.

  • Can pass a Criminal Background Check

  • In person meeting with our licensure program staff

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:

Applying to the Licensure Program

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

How to Start Your Application

1) Fill out our Interest Form

2) Phone Call

  • A member of our team will contact you within 2 business days to schedule a meet and greet with our licensure program staff.
  • We want to get to know you and understand your needs.

3) Prepare your Transcript Analysis Form

4) In Person Meeting

  • During this conversation, we will discuss our program offerings and expectations and help you decide if CNM's licensure program is right for you. 
  • We will discuss the information needed to submit a complete application.

5) Apply to the Program

  • We are seeking community members whose needs, goals, and values align with our College's vision of changing lives and building community.

More Information: Teaching is Changing LIVES


After You Apply

  • Check your CNM email account regularly.  
  • Admittance notifications are sent to CNM email accounts.
  • Admittance notifications can take up to 4 weeks to be delivered after the deadline date.