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:
- **If you graduated and completed the portfolio for assessment from an NM ed prep program in 2024 or thereafter, you would only be required to pass Teaching Reading: Elementary 5205
- OR…
- Possess a valid certificate issued by the national board for professional teaching standards for the appropriate grade level and type.
- 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 a 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
- Initial 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
- Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.
Reciprocating a License
- $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
- Initial Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
- Provide Official transcripts reflecting a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree earned from a regionally accredited college/university; and
- If this was completed through an alternative teacher preparation program, please have that agency complete the NMPED Approved Program Completion Verification Form
- If applicable – Official Foreign Transcripts and Official Course-by-Course Transcripts Evaluation; must be sealed and addressed to 300 Don Gaspar, Room 103, Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Copy of current valid teaching license from out-of-state state education agency, Department of Defense School, or foreign country or a Notarized statement stating licensure was not required; and
- Copy of Passage of Teacher Exams or a Notarized statement stating exams were not required; and
- Verification of experience (Must be on Out-of-State School District Letterhead). Please break down experience by M/D/Y and please indicate the number of days taught for each year. 160 days commonly equals 1 full school year. Please use the form below; and
- Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.
Reciprocal Forms
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.
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NMPED Correspondence with Educators:
- Consultants correspond by email; please check your spam/junk folder.
All fees submitted are non-refundable