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Elementary License (K-8)

Elementary License (K-8) 2024-03-11T07:19:26-06:00

An elementary teaching license authorizes an individual to teach in a self-contained classroom and may teach the core area of language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science up to grade 8 in a departmentalized setting. If teaching in a departmentalized setting, the individual must be considered Fully State Certified (formally known as HQT”), this means they must have a minimum of 24 semester hours in the core area or pass the midlevel content knowledge assessment (CKA) in the core area.

Initial License

Elementary NMAC Code

Renewal License

  • $120 (non-refundable) fee will be valid for a one-year grace period for levels 2 or 3 (from the time of expiration). If the expiration date exceeds the grace period a $150.00 would apply;(non-refundable fee); and
  • Renewal Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Superintendent’s Recommendation for Continuing Licensure (Must be on School District Letterhead); or
  • A notarized letter can be submitted if you did not teach on your New Mexico license(s) during the life of the license(s).
    • Note: The earliest you can renew same level license is January of the expiring year.
    • If the educator does not have additional valid licenses on file, then must register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.

Note: If an elementary license lapses for more than one year, the educator will be required to complete the following exam if  proof of passing is not on file:

Note: If you are renewing a level 2 or 3 expired license (expired for more than a year), you will be required to complete the following:

  • $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
  • Renewal Application; and
  • Superintendent’s Recommendation for Continuing Licensure from last employing school district (Must be on School District Letterhead); and 
  • Verification of 5 years teaching experience in New Mexico (must be on school district letterhead); and
  • Passage of the following PRAXIS exam: and

Superintendent Recommendation form

Elementary NMAC Code

Reciprocating a License

  • $120 (non-refundable) fee will be valid for a one-year grace period for levels 2 or 3 (from the time of expiration). If the expiration date exceeds the grace period a $150.00 would apply; and
  • Renewal Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Superintendent‘s Recommendation for Continuing Licensure (Must be on School District Letterhead); or
  • A notarized letter attesting that you have not been employed and used your New Mexico license(s) during the life of the license(s).
    • Note: The earliest you can renew same level license is January of the expiring year.
    • If the educator does not have additional valid licenses on file, then must register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.

Note: If you are renewing a level 2 or 3 expired license (expired for more than a year), you will be required to complete the following:

  • $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
  • Renewal Application NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
  • Superintendent Recommendation Form for renewal from last employing school district from the HR (must be school district letterhead; and 
  • Verification of 5 years teaching experience in New Mexico (must be on school district letterhead); and
  • Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.

Superintendent Recommendation form

Reciprocity NMAC Code

Delay of application:

  • Your application lacks the supporting documents listed in the above checklist.
  • If your license(s) has expired (and you do not have additional valid licenses on file), and your background was completed 24 months or more, you will need to complete a new background for Teacher Licensure. School Employment backgrounds will not be accepted.

NMPED Correspondence with Educators:

  • Consultants correspond by email; please check your spam/junk folder.


 


All fees submitted are non-refundable

 

 

 

 

 

Page last updated March 11, 2024