A special education teaching license authorizes an individual to teach students with a disability defined under the federal guidelines.
Initial License
- $150 (non-refundable) fee; and
- Initial Application via NMPED Online Licensure Portal; and
- Official sealed transcripts reflecting completion of a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and
- 30 semester hours in special 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 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 level 2 or 3 (from 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); and
- Note: The earliest you can renew same level license is January of expiring year.
- If educator does not have additional valid licenses on file, then must 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 in a special education program 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
- And if applicable – Official Foreign Transcripts and Official Course-by-Course Transcripts Evaluation; must be sealed and addressed to 300 Don Gaspar, 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 form below; and
- Register for background/fingerprints for “Teacher Licensure”.
Delay of application:
- Your application is lacking supporting documents listed in the above check list.
- 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