Licensure Updates
Applications for all licensure extensions will be open from April 2024 and remain open until 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The extension application will be open/available only during this period.
FAQs:
- Do I need the support of my employer and the NM Educator Prep Program? Yes, please obtain a letter of support from the Educator Prep Program and upload that letter to the application. Then notify your employer that the application is awaiting their review/approval.
- Do I need the support of my employer if I’m on the OPAL (Online Portfolio) pathway? Yes, after applying for the extension, please notify your employer (district/charter/school agency) that the application is awaiting their review/approval.
- How do I obtain support? Contact your HR Director’s office and the Dean of the Educator Prep Program you are attending.
- Does the employer have to add approval to the application? Yes, the Professional Licensure Bureau will not approve an extension for incomplete applications.
- What if I’m not employed by a district/charter/school agency? We cannot honor an extension if you do not have a solid plan added to the extension application to be completed by your employer (district/charter/school agency).
- What does incomplete application mean? This means the application lacks the required information and supporting documents, and/or the employer (district/charter/school agency) has not completed their application section.
- Is there a fee for requesting an extension this year? Yes, there is a fee, which is $120.00.
- Can 1CS licensure request an extension this year? Yes, after applying for the extension, please notify your employer (district/charter/school agency) that the application is awaiting their review/approval.
- Can an alternative license that has expired request an extension? No, educators must apply for full licensure in the licensure portal, pay the fee, and upload supporting documents for the licensure they seek.
- Can a level one teacher request an extension for the Micro-Credentials? You will apply for the extension if you have taught all five (5) years and completed 2 or more micro-credential modules. If you have taught all five (5) years on the license, you must submit a dossier, and it must also be approved by your district/charter/school agency) before 11:59 pm on 3/29/24. If you have not taught all five (5) years, you must apply for renewal and upload the notarized statement for unused years request form.
- What if I didn’t teach during my 2-year alternative license? If you were issued a 2-year alternative license and have not completed your ALP requirements, you must apply for the extension and upload the notarized statement for unused years request form. Please select the appropriate pathway and respond to the narrative questions to the best of your ability. You will not need approval from your employer (district/charter/school agency).
- When is the deadline to submit an alternative extension request? You have until 11:59 pm, Sunday, June 30, 2024, to submit the extension application. This also includes administrator approval.
- Which pathway do I select? **Please use the appropriate pathway when applying.
- EPP – Educator Prep Program (i.e., LEAP, CNM, SFCC, etc.).
- OPAL – Online Portfolio.
- Alternative Post-Secondary – If you initially applied via teaching at the college level.
- Micro-Credentials – You hold a five (5) year license and have completed 2 ore more micro-credential modules and need more time to complete them for advancement.
- One-Year Certificate (1CS) – If you completed a teaching program but lack the exams.
With the dossier’s final deadline having passed on Friday, 3/29/24, we have seen some educators who submitted in the licensing system in error, which we will be accepting, but I also want to address the common FAQs, for which my colleagues and I produced a plan that we know will assist our educators, your teachers. Lastly, this applies mostly to level one (1) teachers.
- What if I submitted my dossier, but my administrator forgot to approve Strands D and E? Please ask your administrator to do that immediately and email Jenna.Jaquez@ped.nm.gov so I can inform Region IX that I will be accepting the submission. We are doing this because the dossier will no longer be offered and cannot penalize the candidates who were required to submit a dossier.
- What if I submitted my dossier, but my administrator will not approve Strands D and E? Please work with your district HR/School Administrator to confirm if they will support you with the extension so that you can complete the Micro-Credentials (you will follow Step 4 below). If they will not support you, you must sit out of teaching for three (3), as noted in NMAC Policy 6.60.6.11-C, 1/18,2023.
- What if I submitted my dossier, but it is still being reviewed? Should I apply for the extension so I can register for micro-credentials? No. Please wait to see your results. We have received over 600+ submissions, so they are being reviewed in the order received.
- What if I submitted a dossier, but failed, then resubmitted and failed again? What are my options? You will apply for the extension and upload the Notarized statement – licensure extension for Micro-Credentials. This form must be completed by both parties (you and your HR/School Administrator) and must be notarized at the district/charter level.
- What if I did not submit my dossier because I was not aware I needed to advance after teaching five years? You will apply for the extension and upload the Notarized statement – licensure extension for Micro-Credentials. This form must be completed by both parties (you and your HR/School Administrator) and must be notarized at the district/charter level.
- What if I did not teach all five years on my level 1 license (for those who have completed a standard or alternative teaching program)? You will apply for RENEWAL and upload a Notarized Statement for Unused Years.
- What if I did not complete OPAL, my coursework and/or exams? You will apply for an extension. See the above instructions.
- What if I have not completed my micro-credentials? You will apply for an extension. See the above instructions.
Further Questions? Jenna.Jaquez@ped.nm.gov