Becoming a Teacher: Degree Requirements and Teacher Certification Guide

The education landscape provides an opportunity to significantly impact future leaders. If you are passionate about education and want to contribute by nurturing young minds, New Mexico is actively looking for dedicated, highly skilled teachers.

With New Mexico State University Global Campus, you can pursue various online teaching degrees that provide flexible and convenient access to your educational goals. As you consider your path toward becoming an educator in New Mexico, it’s important to understand the prerequisites and certification processes.

This article will detail the requirements and resources you need to become a teacher in New Mexico.

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Becoming a Teacher in New Mexico

There are two main pathways to earning your teaching license in New Mexico:

Traditional Path for Becoming a Teacher

Complete a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited university in New Mexico. This path prepares you with the necessary pedagogy and relevant knowledge for your chosen grade level or subject area.

Alternative Path for Becoming a Teacher (Degree Changers)

If you hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, you can pursue a two-year alternative certification program. New Mexico offers programs like the Educator Prep Program and Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL). For more details, check out New Mexico Public Education Department resources.

NMSU Global Campus also offers an graduate certificate in early childhood education with alternative licensure for individuals without a bachelor’s in education. The alternative licensure graduate certificate at NMSU Global Campus gives you the opportunity to become a teacher of young children if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than teacher education. This program is designed for degree changers looking to enter the field of early childhood education.

Remember that teacher licensure requirements vary significantly by state. If you plan to teach outside New Mexico, research the specific state requirements before starting your education program.

NMSU Global Campus offers multiple programs for educators to pursue a higher education degree in their chosen field. Our programs include:

• MA in Early Childhood Education
• MA in Education With Early Childhood Teacher Licensure
• MA in Secondary Education With 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 With 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

What Are the Different Fields of Study in Teaching and Education?

If you’re looking to go into a career in education, there are many fields of study in teaching and education to explore as you deliberate on a degree pathway. Fields include early childhood education, secondary education, special education, education administration, school counseling, curriculum and instruction, academic advising, and many more.

Each field is specialized, and with the right degree path, you’ll be prepared with the appropriate educational foundation and materials you need to excel in your career.

Degree Pathways for Aspiring Educators

Numerous teaching roles require a master’s degree in the respective field. A higher, more specialized degree helps sharpen your skills and establish yourself as an expert educator across various school settings, including administrative positions.

If you’re not sure what kind of educator you picture yourself as being, let’s delve into the decision process. Ask yourself: what kind of teacher do I want to be? What classroom environment would excite me the most?

Check out an array of master’s degree programs catered to your interests, applicable across various fields of study, including:

• Degree in a Specific Content Area (mathematics, science, reading, etc.)
• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Secondary/High School Education
• Special Education

Whether your calling is to enrich young minds in early childhood or inspire high school students in a specific subject, your studies set the stage for your future.

Securing Your Teacher Certification

Beyond your degree program is the gateway to the classroom: teacher certification. Requirements vary by state but often include:

• Completing a teacher preparation program
• Passing certification exams
• Gaining practical experience through student teaching

Your teaching certification validates your skills and preparedness to lead a classroom. It symbolizes your commitment to education excellence and opens doors to rewarding career opportunities.

Numerous degree programs offer preparation for licensure exams. Several Master of Arts programs in education even ensure you earn your license before completing coursework and graduating.

On that note, NMSU Global Campus is CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation) accredited, ensuring that our programs meet rigorous national standards for educator preparation.

What Degree Do You Need to Be an Elementary Teacher in New Mexico?

If you desire to shape the minds of young learners during their formative years, NMSU Global Campus offers a path to becoming an elementary school teacher in New Mexico that is tailored just for you.

To become an elementary teacher, you will typically require a bachelor’s degree in education to start. A master’s degree makes you a more highly qualified candidate, though. For example, this program helps you build the necessary skills to focus on teaching preschool through third grade:

• MA in Education With Early Childhood Teacher Licensure

Program coursework typically covers broad subjects, including:

• Child development
• Instructional methods
• Classroom management
• Subject-area content (reading, math, science, and social studies)

This master’s degree program includes the required teaching certification for the state of New Mexico. The process involves:

1. Completing a teacher preparation program
2. Passing certification exams
3. Fulfilling a student teaching internship

Your early childhood education degree and teaching credentials will qualify you to teach preschool through third grade in New Mexico. An elementary education license covering K-8 in New Mexico is required for those interested in teaching older elementary grades.

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What Degree Do You Need to Be a High School Teacher in New Mexico?

If you’re drawn to the dynamic environment of a high school classroom, becoming a high school teacher in New Mexico requires a specific educational path. Learn more about our program:

• MA in Secondary Education (With Licensure)

This program is designed for teachers interested in instruction for grades six and beyond. Most people who aspire to teach in secondary education (middle and high school) have earned a bachelor’s degree to start. Curriculum for secondary education differs slightly from an elementary education pathway, and secondary educators can choose to teach in specific subject areas such as:

• English
• Mathematics
• Biology
• History

These subject-specific degrees provide expertise in your chosen field, which you’ll pair with education courses focusing on:

• Teaching methods
• Classroom management
• Adolescent development

This specialized approach differs from the elementary education track, as each path is tailored to the unique needs of different age groups and educational stages. Upon completing your degree and any required teacher preparation program, you must obtain a teaching license for certification to teach at the high school level.

Both elementary and secondary education paths are rigorous and specialized, requiring dedicated study and expertise in age-appropriate teaching methods and subject matter.

What Should You Major in to Be a Teacher in New Mexico?

The specific major you choose to become a teacher will depend on the grade level and subject area you wish to teach. Here are some common majors for aspiring teachers:

• Elementary Education: Prepares you to teach various subjects in K-8 grades.
• Secondary/High School Education: This field focuses on teaching a specific subject, such as English, math, science, or social studies, at the middle or high school level.
• Special Education: Work with students with diverse learning needs from early childhood through high school.
• Early Childhood Education: Concentrates on teaching and caring for young children, typically from birth to age 8.
• Subject-Specific Degrees: If you have a strong passion for a particular subject, you can earn a bachelor’s degree (e.g., biology, history, art) and pair it with education courses to become a teacher.

Regardless of your chosen major, it’s important to select a program that aligns with your teaching aspirations and provides the necessary coursework and practical experience to succeed in the classroom.

Job Outlook and Market Growth for Education Graduates

Salary expectations vary widely based on experience, location, education level, and specific role. To provide a general overview, here’s an estimated average salary range for different teaching positions in New Mexico:

• Elementary School Teachers: $49,773 – $73,257 annually
• High School Teachers (e.g., Math, Science, English): $49,800 – $76,400 annually
• Special Education Teachers: $46,064 – $76,522 annually
• Early Childhood Education Teachers: $31,856 – $40,274 annually

NMSU Global Campus: Helping You Pursue Your Teaching Career

At NMSU Global Campus, we’re committed to shaping educators who are not just qualified but exceptional. Our flexible, 100% online degree and certificate programs make balancing your studies with other commitments easy. Additionally, our programs are affordable, providing quality education without financial strain.

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FAQ about Teaching in New Mexico

What degree do I need to be a teacher?

The minimum requirement to become a teacher is typically a bachelor’s degree. Some states or positions may prefer a master’s degree, but this varies depending on the subject, grade level, and specific school district requirements. You must check the exact requirements for the state and position you’re interested in.

Can I specialize in a particular subject as a teacher?

Yes, you can specialize in a particular subject as a teacher. For example, you can pursue your degree in mathematics or English to teach your passion. Our Master of Arts in Secondary Education + Teacher Licensure program equips you with the skills and credentials to excel in your chosen subject area. All teachers must have a license and pass their state’s required examinations.

What are the steps to obtain teacher certification?

The process to obtain teacher certification typically involves several steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or a subject you wish to teach.
2. Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program. This may be part of your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a separate program.
3. Pass the required certification exams. These often include both general teaching knowledge and subject-specific tests.
4. Fulfill any additional state-specific requirements, which may include:
   • Background checks
   • Student teaching experience
   • Additional coursework
5. Apply for your teaching license through your state’s Department of Education.

Remember that requirements vary by state, so you must check with your state’s Department of Education for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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