New Mexico has a 3-Tiered Licensure Advancement System for Teachers. Currently there are three options for teachers to advance through the 3-Tiered Licensure Advancement System. Teachers may complete the Professional Development Dossier (PDD), 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.
Please note that the school year 2023-2024 is the last year the Professional Development Dossier (PDD) option will be available. New Rule Licensure Advancement The PDD window submission will be open on July 15, 2023, and will remain open until March 29, 2024.* The window for PDD resubmissions will open April 1, 2024, at 12:01 am, and will remain open until 11:59 pm, May 15, 2024.* *These dates are subject to change.
Advancing via Dossier
A Teacher may advance from Level One to Level Two or Level Two to Level Three by meeting the following:
- Must ensure you have an active NMPED licensure profile in our licensing system. If not, register in our licensing system before completing the Dossier. Here is the link to register: NMPED Online Licensure Portal.
- Obtain approval from their school district/charter.
- Submit a Professional Development Dossier on or before deadlines.
- Completed three school years of teaching on their Level 1 or Level 2 license, with successful annual evaluations.
- Has earned a master’s degree (Required for Level 3 License).
Advancing Via National Board
A Teacher may advance from Level One to Level Two or Level Two to Level Three 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
A Level 1 teacher is eligible to advance to Level 2 via the APL I-II Micro-Credentials when they have:
- Successfully completed five required micro-credential courses with a mastery score of 85% or higher
- Taught three full school years of teaching experience (minimum of 160 days per year) with successful annual evaluations with a Level 1 teaching license.
A Level 2 teacher is eligible to advance to Level 3 via the APL II-III Micro-Credentials when they have:
- Successfully completed four micro-credentials with a mastery score of 85% or higher
- Taught three school years with a Level 2 teaching license. (Minimum of 160 days per year) with successful annual evaluations
- Earned a master’s degree.
Contact – Dr. Elsy Diaz, Licensure Advancement Coordinator
Email: elsy.diaz@ped.nm.gov
Use this link to schedule a meeting with Dr. Elsy Diaz