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Home / Alternative Teacher Certification

Alternative Teacher Certification

Degrees Offered

If you’re the type of person who inspires others and likes to make a positive impact, education is a great career choice. For more than a century, New Mexico Highlands University has been the school of choice for generations of students wishing to pursue a teaching career. Our program provides a solid foundation in the latest education methods and hands-on classroom experience. We also offer a range of specialized majors and minors – early childhood multicultural education, elementary education, special education, secondary education, bilingual education, and ESL – to accommodate students’ passions.

For more information about the program, contact Becky Kappus, Ph.D. at 505-454-3535 or Ronnette Ortiz at (505) 891-6932.

Graduate admission requirements

Graduate Coordinator:
Becky Kappus, Ph.D.
Director of Alternative Licensure
School of Education
New Mexico Highlands University
505-454-3535

Requirements:

Transcripts from all previously attended regionally accredited institutions (3.0 GPA or higher). We will consider those who do not meet the GPA requirement.

Deadlines:

Fall term: August 1st

Spring term: January 4th

Admit for fall and spring terms

Yes! I want to start a career inspiring others.

Find out more about the Alternative Teacher Certification

Requirements

Alternative Teacher Certification

Alternative Certificate Graduate Requirements

Graduate course catalog: Alternative Certificate Program

Graduate students are assigned to a faculty adviser within their area of study. The faculty adviser will help the student complete a program of study to satisfy the specific course requirements within their area, outlined in the graduate catalog.  The courses listed must satisfy the course requirements prescribed in the catalog of record. The academic adviser will provide guidance in completing your program of study.

Alternative Teacher Certification Program Structure

One-year fast track

8-week sessions

100% online asynchronous courses

Graduate-level courses can be applied towards a master’s degree

Practitioner-based

Candidates are supported by an on-site mentor

Strong collaboration with P-12 school and district partners

Online seminars facilitate peer-to-peer interaction, reflective practice, and support in the development of competency-based portfolio

  1.    Elementary Education – 21 credit hours
  2.    Secondary Education – 18 credit hours
  3.    Special Education – 21 credit hours

Teach on an internship license while you complete the program or be placed in a classroom as a student teacher.

Graduate level courses are offered online asynchronously.

Criteria for admission

GPA of 2.75 minimum, 3.0 preferred

Bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours in subject area that appertains and corresponds to the licensure area sought; or

Master’s degree with 12 graduate credit hours in the subject area that appertains and corresponds to the licensure area sought; or

Doctorate in a field that appertains and corresponds to the licensure area sought.

If you are interested in pursuing the program, here are some things you can do in preparation

  1. Federal Background Check – follow the instructions. The background check must be “for licensure.”
  2. Look for potential schools for employment opportunities to secure a teaching position. You will also need to apply for an alternative teaching license.

For more information, contact

Graduate Coordinator: Becky Kappus, Ph.D.
Director of Alternative Licensure
School of Education
New Mexico Highlands University
505-454-3535

or

Ms. Ronnette Ortiz
Administrative Assistant
505-891-6932
raortiz@nmhu.edu

 

Important Dates

  • 28

    Jan

    Meet and Greet - Student Affairs Team

  • 04

    Feb

    Chocolate! Highlands Loves goes virtual in 2021

  • 10

    Feb

    Spring 2021 Virtual Career Fair

See All Events

Careers

Graduates of the NMHU Alternative Teacher Certification program can be found in the following occupations:

  • Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
  • Postsecondary Teacher
  • Middle School Teacher
  • High School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Preschool and Childcare Center Director

Faculty & Staff

Alternative Teacher Certification

Faculty & Staff

MISSION STATEMENT

We immerse our students in authentic academic and professional settings, providing them with opportunities to bridge theory and practice and to engage in critical reflection that informs action.