Elementary and Secondary Teacher
Preparation and Licensure Programs
Entrance to undergraduate elementary and
secondary teacher preparation programs
at NMHU is evaluated through advisement
and assessment of the students skills and
motivation to enter the teaching profession.
Preparation for the profession requires an
academic course of study through a major in
elementary education or a minor in secondary
education together with an academic
minor or major in an appropriate content
fi eld. A Teacher Education Program (TEP) application
is required and initiates an advisor
and in-school fi le (data-base).
Both elementary and secondary teaching
candidates are assessed for appropriate
basic skills prior to entering teacher training.
Students then plan their academic programs
in careful consideration of the subjects they
wish to teach. They receive support and
guidance from faculty advisors throughout
the period of their studies and also in seeking
their fi rst jobs.
Of special note for both elementary and
secondary candidates is the university’s
practicum-based program for teacher
training. At three diff erent points in their advanced
studies, elementary, early childhood,
special education, and secondary teaching
candidates gain on-the job experience
through fi eld placements in actual school
settings. The final placement is a full student
teaching assignment undertaken in the student’s
final semester of studies. The school
makes arrangements for student teaching
with school systems at some distance from
campus, as well as in the nearby region.
Advanced planning and a formal application
are required at least one semester in advance
of student teaching.
Requirements for Entrance to Teacher
Preparation and Licensure Programs
The following conditions must be met for entrance
into the Teacher Preparation Program
(TEP). Students should contact the School
of Education early in their freshman year to
receive guidance in the process. Early advisement
is essential to avoid delays in meeting
all requirements.
1. Complete the following courses with a
grade of “C” or better:
GnEd 201 Intro to Teaching (3)
GnEd 251 Field-Base I Teacher Prep
Experience (1)
SpEd 214 Intro to Special Ed (3)
(Required in Elem and Secondary Programs)
2. Complete and submit a TEP application.
Complete the appropriate freshman and
sophomore courses in the university’s
core curriculum together with additional
“extended core” courses required for education
majors and minors by the State of New
Mexico Public Education Department. The
choices to be made will refl ect the requirements
for licensing that have been set by
the State of New Mexico Public Education
Department(SNMPED). These courses
include:
12 hours in English
12 hours in Science
12 hours in History
6 hours in Fine Arts
6 hours in Mathematics
6 hours in Social Science
Consultation with an education advisor is essential
to establish this program of courses.
An overall grade point average of at least 2.5
is required. In addition, “C” or better grades
are required in Engl 111 and Engl 112.
3. Take the New Mexico Teacher Assessment
(NMTA) exam in order to be eligible for
student teaching. Students must have
passed the “Basic Skills” component of the
NMTA in order to be approved for student
teaching. Students have no more than
two opportunieis to complete successfully
any of the fi eld-based experiences.
Details of this process, and the minimum required
scores, are available from the School
of Education. Students seeking a bilingual
endorsement are required to take the Prueba
de Español para la Certifi cion Bilingües exam.
Students must maintain close communication
with Academic Support Services and
the School of Education regarding these
important examinations. |
