New Mexico has a 3-Tiered Licensure Advancement System for Teachers. Currently there are two options for teachers to advance through the 3-Tiered Licensure Advancement System. Teachers may complete the National Board Certification (NBCT) or Advancement Program Level (APL) Micro-Credentials to advance from Level 1 to Level 2 and from Level 2 to Level 3. Use the links above for more information on each option for advancement.
Use these links to review more information on NBCT and APL Micro-Credentials
Level 1 Teacher Licensure Advancement Options and Eligibility
Level 2 Teacher Licensure Advancement Options and Eligibility
Please note that the Professional Development Dossier (PDD) option is no longer available [New Rule Licensure Advancement, dossierinfo@regionix.org].
Advancing Via National Board
NM National Board-Certified Teacher Network – New Mexico Public Education Department
Teachers may complete the National Board Certification (NBCT) to advance from Level 1 to Level 2 and from Level 2 to Level 3 by meeting the following:
- Obtain approval from their school district/charter.
- Completed three school years of teaching on their Level 1 or Level 2 license, with successful annual evaluations.
- Continuing teacher recommendation form (Also known as the Superintendent Recommendation Form).
- Earned National Board Certification in their current focus area of teaching.
- Submit a copy of the National Board Certification (include both the National Board Award letter and certificate).
- Pay a fee of $120.00.
- Renewal Application via the NMPED Online Licensure Portal.
Advancing via Micro-Credentials
Advancement Program Level Micro-Credentials – New Mexico Public Education Department
A Level 1 teacher is eligible to advance to Level 2 via the APL I-II Micro-Credentials when they have:
- Completed the required mentorship program for Level 1 teachers
- Taught three full school years with a Level 1 teaching license and successful annual evaluations for those three years.
- Teachers with an Alternative License must complete the requirements of the Alternative License.
- Successfully completed five required micro-credential courses with a proficiency score of 85% or higher
A Level 2 teacher is eligible to advance to Level 3 via the APL I-II Micro-Credentials when they have:
- Successfully completed four micro-credentials with a mastery score of 85% or higher
- Taught three full school years with a Level 2 teaching license and successful annual evaluations for those three years.
- Earned a master’s degree.
Process for District/Charter/Private School Verification for Licensure Advancement:
Educators must notify district/charter school HR Department of their enrollment in APL Micro-Credentials and estimated time of completion.
Educator must notify district/Charter school HR Department of their completion of the required number of APL Micro-Credentials.
LEA HR Departments have been provided a link to a List of APL Micro-Credential Completers, which is updated at the end of each quarter (12-weeks). Please email APL.micro-cred@ped.nm.gov if HR Department requires the link to the List of APL Micro-Credential Completers.
LEA’s are required to submit the NMPED Micro-Credential Verification for Advancement form for each educator successfully completing the required APL micro-credentials. Please upload the form into the designated Google Folder: APL MICRO-CREDENTIAL District/Charter FORMS. Please email APL.micro-cred@ped.nm.gov if HR Department requires the link to the Google Folder: APL MICRO-CREDENTIAL District/Charter FORMS.
For more information, please contact – APL.micro-cred@ped.nm.gov