Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project

CNM's Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project is for individuals who want to teach in Native communities. Learn about the project, including eligibility requirements, partnership opportunities, and the interest form.

About the Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project

CNM’s Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project is a paid, year-long program for individuals who want to teach in and for Native communities. Residents work alongside a mentor teacher while taking CNM licensure coursework. Participants receive a $35,000 stipend over their time in the classroom and become eligible for a New Mexico teacher dual licensure in Elementary (K-8) / Special Education (PreK-12) or Secondary (6-12) / Special Education (PreK-12). The program starts in August 2025.

Eligibility and Interest Form
  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
  • No current teaching license (Educational Assistant and Substitute licenses are allowed and encouraged)
  • Commitment to teaching in a school serving Indigenous students and communities in New Mexico for three years
  • Availability to begin the program in August 2025

If you are interested in training to become a teacher for Native communities or would like to host a CNM teacher resident in your classroom, please fill out the Interest Form below.

CNM Indigenous Teacher Residency Interest Form

Partnership Opportunities

CNM is collaborating with schools and districts that can:

  • Identify high-quality mentor teachers willing to host a resident for the academic school year
  • Provide residents with opportunities to gain hands-on classroom experience while working alongside an experienced mentor teacher
  • Consider hiring program graduates who successfully complete the residency and obtain licensure
  • Support a sustainable, community-centered teacher preparation model that strengthens Native education

If you would like to partner with CNM, please contact Monika Whitmore at [email protected].

Indigenous teacher residency addresses the urgent need for well-prepared educators in Native communities by recruiting and supporting those committed to serving Native students. We are dedicated to building a community of teachers by recognizing and honoring Indigenous ways of learning and teaching.