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Step 1
Submit personal information for a background and finger print check. This is a standard check for most state employees. This is necessary for all applicants no matter which avenue you take to get your New Mexico teaching certificate.
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Step 2
Call the school district that you are interested in to see if they prefer new hire teachers to have certain instructional programs or courses before they begin the application process. They may also direct you to agencies that can help with the cost and cut the time it takes to get your New Mexico certification.
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Step 3
Show proof of a master's or bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You must also prove that you have taken and passed a teachers education program. You still must pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessments for Basic Skill, Teacher Competency and a test in the subject in which you intend to teach.
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Step 4
Provide verification of a bachelors or master's degree from an accredited college or university, a teaching certificate or license from another state, along with proof that you passed an exam for that certification. This is an easy process for teachers already certified out of state. This type of reciprocity process has been adopted by several states to encourage qualified teachers to move into their area. You must also show that you have competently taught since receiving the teaching certificate or license. Being employed by a school is not sufficient, you must have actually taught students.
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Step 5
Hold a valid teaching certificate from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The NBPTS is a growing group of teachers who exceed standards and are able to teach with a larger skill set. This certification alone can get you your certificate in New Mexico.
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Step 6
Possess a bachelor's degree with at least 30 credit hours in a specific field, a doctorate degree in a specific field or a master's degree that has 12 graduate credit hours in a specific field. Candidates that possess one of these three degrees must still pass the New Mexico Teacher Assessment for Basic Skills and Teacher Competency. They must also pass a test that is in the subject they are wishing to teach.
