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
- $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
- Initial Application NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
- Official sealed transcripts reflecting completion of an Elementary bachelor’s degree program from a regionally accredited college or university; and includes
- 30 semester hours in Elementary education course work to include student teaching; and
- 6 semester hours in teaching reading for those who first entered any college or university on or after August 1, 2001; and
- 24 semester hours in the teaching field, e.g., language arts, social studies, math, etc.; and
- Passage of the following PRAXIS exams:
- Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.
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
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”.
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