Alternative License - Educator Preparation Program

Special Education, Elementary Education, Secondary math and science are areas of high need. These areas are not required for application, but this alternative licensure pathway is designed to support shortage needs.

Applicants following the alternative EPP pathway who meet the criteria for alternative licensure as defined in state regulations shall be issued a two-year alternative license and shall be permitted to serve as a teacher of record prior to completion of licensure requirements. The licensee shall complete coursework requirements within the two-year period and shall provide the department with documentation of coursework completion. Candidates with alternative licensure may be issued a one-year extension to allow additional time for completing coursework and testing requirements if they can demonstrate good standing with the LEA or EPP.

State approved Alternative EPP Pathway programs require that applicants participate in the approved EPP Program. Clinical experience in this model requires supervised field experience by the EPP, typically 1 semester of observations by the EPP with 3 required observations following the NM ELEVATE Teacher Evaluation framework.

Within the EPP program, all alternative license applicants must complete no fewer than six semester hours including required hours of coursework in the teaching of reading aligned with the competencies for licensure for entry-level teachers for the type of license being sought.