Teaching in New Mexico with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree: Explore Paths to a Rewarding Career in Education

If you’re considering a career in teaching but aren’t sure if your current qualifications are enough, rest assured: It’s never too late to become an educator in New Mexico.

Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers you can pursue. The opportunity to inspire, shape, and impact the lives of students is immeasurable. Whether you find yourself standing in front of a classroom full of eager young learners or guiding high school students through pivotal moments in their adolescence, teaching allows you to make a lasting difference.

Whether you’re moving into education from another field or starting your professional journey, there are pathways that allow you to work in schools with an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree.

It’s helpful to know that in New Mexico, an associate degree is a great starting point for substitute teaching or paraprofessional roles. However, a bachelor’s degree is required for teacher licensure in grades pre-K-12.

Public school teaching positions in New Mexico always require state licensure from the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). ¹ Typically, that means you must complete a bachelor’s degree and an approved teacher preparation program or pursue an alternative licensure pathway.

In this blog article, we’ll explore how you can start teaching in New Mexico, even if you’re starting with an undergraduate degree. You’ll also learn the many ways NMSU Global Campus can support your career goals as an educator.

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Demand for Educators in New Mexico

A 2023 report from the New Mexico State University Southwest Outreach Academic Research Evaluation (SOAR) ² indicated there were 1,259 educator vacancies statewide, including 737 teacher positions. While vacancy numbers have dropped slightly in 2024, the state continues to face persistent shortages in education, particularly in rural areas, specialized subjects, and at the elementary school level.

The demand for educators in New Mexico presents a wealth of opportunities for those looking to make a difference for young minds. Teaching in New Mexico offers the chance to work in diverse and vibrant communities, where educators play a vital role in shaping the future of students from various cultural backgrounds.

With an urgent need for teachers, especially in high-need areas like special education and bilingual education, there are numerous pathways to start or grow your career within New Mexico’s education system. ³

Why New Mexico Needs Teachers Now

Here’s why the need for teachers in New Mexico is more urgent than ever:

Expanding Opportunities

With many schools seeking passionate teachers, there are abundant opportunities to make a lasting impact. According to a 2023 report from the Legislative Finance Committee, about 3,000 teachers — 14% of the workforce — transition to new roles or districts each year, creating openings for new educators to step in and shape the next generation. ⁴

Serving in Diverse Communities

New Mexico’s cultural diversity — including Native American, Hispanic, and low-income communities — offers a uniquely rewarding environment for educators. Teachers provide culturally responsive education and play vital roles in rural areas, where schools are eager to welcome dedicated professionals to bridge educational gaps.

Making a Lasting Impacts

As demand for teachers rises, schools are actively improving classroom conditions with smaller student-to-teacher ratios, increased funding, and professional development opportunities. For passionate educators, this is an exciting time to step into a role where they can shape young minds, create engaging learning environments, and help drive positive change in New Mexico’s education system.

Addressing this need presents a unique opportunity to strengthen and impact New Mexico’s education system, especially in high-need areas like special education, bilingual education, and STEM. With increased support for teachers, competitive wages, and innovative recruitment and retention efforts, the state is working toward a brighter future — one where dedicated educators can thrive and inspire the next generation of learners.

What Can You Do with an Undergraduate Degree in Teaching?

If you don’t already hold an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree in education, you might be wondering: Do I have to have a teaching degree to teach? Here’s what you need to know about teaching with an undergraduate degree:

With an Associate Degree in Teaching

An associate’s degree in education can help you begin working in entry-level roles such as teaching assistant or preschool aide. In New Mexico, an associate’s degree does not qualify you for full-time, licensed public school teaching. It may, however, be accepted for positions such as:

• Educational Assistant or Paraprofessional: Requires a high school diploma or higher; some districts prefer an associate’s degree.
• Preschool Teacher: Some private preschools accept an associate’s degree, but public school pre-K programs typically require a bachelor’s in early childhood education and state licensure.
• Substitute Teacher: Districts may allow an associate’s degree, but the minimum requirement is a high school diploma. Substitute teaching licenses in New Mexico ⁵ are issued to those with a high school diploma or higher. Requirements may vary by school district.

While an associate’s degree can be a solid first step, many of these positions are less autonomous and do not offer the same salary or career growth opportunities as full teaching positions.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching

A bachelor’s degree in education opens up a broader range of teaching opportunities, including:

• Elementary or Secondary School Teacher: In many cases, a bachelor’s degree in education qualifies you to teach in a public school, either at the elementary or secondary level (grades K-12). You may need to obtain state licensure, which typically requires passing exams and completing continuing education.
• Special Education Teacher: Many schools offer highly rewarding teaching positions in special education, which often require additional certifications. Learn how you can fill the demand gap for SPED teachers by earning your MA in Special Education.
• Instructional Support Specialist: Although not always a classroom teaching role, this position involves supporting curriculum development and teacher training. While a master’s degree isn’t required, earning one can help you advance and qualify for higher pay. ⁶

A bachelor’s degree in education — or another field — is required to become a licensed teacher in New Mexico public schools. You must complete an approved teacher preparation program. You can do so as part of your degree or enroll in a post-baccalaureate alternative licensure program like this one.

In New Mexico, teacher licensure always requires:

• A bachelor’s degree
• Completion of a state-approved teacher preparation program
• Supervised student teaching experience
• Passing state-required exams (such as Praxis or NES)
• Criminal background check

Note: If your bachelor’s is in a non-education field, you may still qualify for licensure by enrolling in an NMPED-approved alternative licensure program.

Teaching Degree Requirements by Education Level

If you want to work as a teacher, it’s important to understand the degree and licensure requirements for various education levels and specializations.

Whether you’re interested in teaching elementary students, secondary school students, or a specialized role such as a special education teacher, each path has its own educational requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically required at each grade level and/or for each specialization.

Grade Level/Specialization	Preferred Education	Alternative Education
Preschool Teacher	Bachelor’s in early childhood education + licensure	Private preschool: An associate’s may be accepted
Elementary School Teacher	Bachelor’s + teacher preparation program + licensure	Bachelor’s in another field + alternative licensure
Middle/High School Teacher	Bachelor’s in the subject area + teacher prep + licensure	Bachelor’s in the subject area + alternative licensure
Special Education Teacher	Bachelor’s in Special Education + licensure	Bachelor’s in another field + SPED teaching certification
Bilingual Education Teacher	Bachelor’s in bilingual education or TESOL + licensure	Bachelor’s in related field + TESOL + alternative licensure
Physical Education Teacher	Bachelor’s in PE or related field + licensure	Bachelor’s in another field + alternative licensure
Art/Music Teacher	Bachelor’s in art/music education + licensure	Bachelor’s in a related field + alternative licensure
School Counselor	Bachelor’s or master’s in counseling/social work + licensure	Bachelor’s in psychology or related field + certification (not typical)
School Administrator	Master’s in K-12 education administration + licensure	Graduate degree + alternative administrator license
Substitute Teacher	High school diploma (minimum requirement)	Substitute license from NMPED

Can You Start Working in NM Schools with a BA?

Yes, in many cases, you can start working as a teacher with a bachelor’s degree in education. However, this depends on several factors, including the type of degree you hold and the state where you plan to teach. In New Mexico, public school teachers must be licensed by the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED).

To obtain a teaching license, you typically need to:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in education or another field
• Complete a teacher preparation program that includes classroom experience (student teaching)
• Pass required exams (such as the Praxis or NES)
• Criminal background check
• Submit an application for licensure to NMPED

In some cases, New Mexico offers an Alternative Licensure route (sometimes called provisional licensure) that lets you teach in the classroom while completing coursework if you’re enrolled in an approved teacher preparation program.

Why Do Teachers Need a Master’s Degree?

While it’s possible to start teaching with a bachelor’s degree, many educators pursue a master’s degree in education to further their careers. Here’s why:

1. Increased Earning Potential

Teachers with a master’s degree often earn higher salaries. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), earnings for full-time employees with a master’s degree were 20% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree. ⁷

2. Career Advancement

A master’s degree can lead to leadership roles such as a school administrator or instructional specialist.

3. Professional Specialization

A master’s in education (sometimes abbreviated as MAEd) allows you to specialize in areas like special education, educational leadership, or literacy, which can make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

4. Enhanced Teaching Skills

A master’s program provides advanced training in pedagogical theory, curriculum design, and classroom management, helping you become a more effective educator.

Alternative Licensure/Teaching with a Non-Education BA or BS

You may wonder, do I need an education degree to teach? In New Mexico, if your bachelor’s is in another field, you can qualify for teaching through NMPED-approved alternative licensure ⁸ or master’s degree programs, such as those offered by NMSU Global Campus.

This route requires you to complete teacher training coursework, supervised classroom experience, and pass required exams to earn a full teaching license. These programs are specifically designed for career changers who may not have majored in education but want to become licensed public school teachers in New Mexico.

Explore Education Master’s Programs and More at NMSU Global Campus

If you’re considering advancing your education and transitioning into teaching, NMSU Global Campus offers a range of Master of Arts in Education degree programs to help you get started. Whether you’re looking to become a classroom teacher, educational leader, or specialize in special education, NMSU’s online programs provide flexible paths toward your career goals.

Career Possibilities Open Up

With a master’s in education from NMSU, you can pursue a wide range of careers in teaching, education administration, or instructional coordination. These degrees can also open doors to roles in policy-making, curriculum development, and higher education.

Flexibility for Working Adults

NMSU’s online master’s in education programs are designed for working professionals, allowing you to earn your degree while balancing other commitments.

Start Teaching Sooner — and Teach Better

NMSU’s exceptional faculty bring a wealth of real-world teaching experience and a deep commitment to helping you thrive as an educator in the Southwest Borderlands. With their guidance, many of our online programs offer accelerated, state-approved paths to educator licensure, so you can start teaching in New Mexico public schools after successfully completing your required program and obtaining your license.

Choose from these online education programs at NMSU Global Campus:

• Early Childhood Education: Alternative Licensure Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Certificate in Bilingual Education
• MA in Agricultural and Extension Education
• MA in Early Childhood Education (Scholarly Master)
• MA in Education + Early Childhood Teacher Licensure
• MA in Secondary Education + Teacher Licensure
• MA in Special Education
• MA in Education: Bilingual Education
• MA in Education: Curriculum and Instruction and Multicultural Education
• MA in Education: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• MA in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure
• MA in Educational Administration With Higher Education Concentration
• MA in Educational Learning Technologies
• MA in Education: Language, Literacy, and Culture
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): Curriculum and Instruction

Ready to Start Your Teaching Journey in New Mexico? Take the first step toward a rewarding career in education. Explore online degree and certificate programs from NMSU Global Campus today.

References

1. New Mexico Public Education Department. Professional Licensure Bureau. Retrieved 22 May 2025, from https://web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/licensure/.

2. “NMSU study finds decrease in teacher vacancies in 2024.” New Mexico State University, 16 October 2024.

3. “Explore a List of Career Paths and Jobs for a Master’s in Special Education.” NMSU Global Campus Blog, 1 April 2024.

4. “Status of Educator Workforce and ‘Below-the-Line’ Funding.” New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee, 18 September 2023.

5. New Mexico Public Education Department. Substitute License Pre K-12. Retrieved 22 May 2025, from https://web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/licensure/licensure-requirements/substitute-license-pre-k-12/

6. New Mexico Public Education Department. APL II & III Licensure Advancement for Level 2 Teachers. Retrieved 22 May 2025, from https://web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/educator-quality/educator-growth-development/apli-ii-licensure-advancement-for-level-i-teachers/apl-ii-iii-licensure-advancement-for-level-2-teachers/

7. “COE – Annual Earnings by Educational Attainment.” National Center of Education Statistics, last updated May 2024

8. New Mexico Public Education Department. Alternative Licensure Program Opportunities. Retrieved 22 May 2025, from https://web.ped.nm.gov/bureaus/licensure/alternative-licensure-program-opportunities/