Special Education (Pre K-12)

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:
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades K-6 or
  • Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12
  • Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications
• 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.