Transition to Teaching

The Transition to Teaching (T2T) program is a supplementary program that offers individuals using the Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL) structured support services leading to the development of a successful portfolio. If you have your bachelors or higher degree in a field other than education, and have experiences that you believe have prepared you to be an effective teacher, you may earn your NM teaching license by presenting an Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL) that demonstrates how a candidate meets the NM competencies for earning their Level 1A teaching license. Qualified Alternative Licensure candidates can complete their teaching portfolio while teaching on an intern license. Transition to Teaching support services include online services and face-to-face workshops that support your teaching responsibilities as you teach.

• Download the NMT2T brochure
• Applicant Procedures
• Download the NMT2T Application
• NMT2T Candidate Support & Benefits

The 2009 application process: step-by-step

Step 1: Prior to applying to the NMT2T Program the Candidate must:

• Hold a bachelors degree, or higher, including an acceptable GPA
• Hold at least 30 bachelors credit hours or 12 masters credit hours in content subject areas if seeking a middle or high school position or 30 credit hours across all core subject areas (language arts, math, social studies, and science) if seeking elementary level position.
• Apply for an intern license through the Public Education Department's licensure department, including mandatory background check and fingerprinting processing fee ($34.00) and initial licensure fee ($65). Your request should include a letter that indicates that you intend to earn your license through the alternative licensure portfolio route, and want to apply to the Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL) for portfolio review.
• Must be hired as a teacher of record in a "High Needs" district and commit to teaching for a minimum of 3 consecutive years. You must be a teacher of record, not an Education Assistant or Substitute, for at least 160 days prior to submitting the OPAL.

Step 2: Making application to NMT2T
Once you have a teaching position at a "High Needs" school:

• Register for the New Mexico Teacher Assessment (NMTA) Basic Skills Tests. You can register online.
• Complete the Haberman "Star Teacher" On-Line Pre-Screener by going to http://www.habermanfoundation.org/StarTeacherPreScreener.aspx. The Pre-Screener will cost $20 to take, and the results print immediately after you complete it. Submit the results of the Pre-Screener with your application to the NMT2T program. Note: Submitting the results of the Pre-Screener is a required component of the NMT2T application for admission. However, the results will be used solely for a needs assessment and will have NO bearing on your admission to the NMT2T program.
• Get started! Make sure you understand all of the important application procedures relevant to your candidacy and then proceed to the NMT2T Application for the New Mexico Transition to Teaching Program

Step 3: Once Fully Accepted to the NMT2T Program the Candidate must: 

• Register for and complete required reading course(s) (6 hours for elementary and special education; 3 hours for secondary licensure) through a college or university (NM Transition to Teaching will provide funding for these classes).
• Complete all appropriate NMT2T program workshops or online modules on effective teaching and learning in New Mexico (NM Transition to Teaching will provide funding for these workshops). A fee is associated to workshops for those not in the NMT2T Program.
• After taking pedagogy workshops and/or IRIS modules, take and pass the relevant NMTA's appropriate Content Knowledge test(s), Basic Skills and the appropriate Teacher Competency Test. You can register HERE.
• Register online for the OPAL process and submit your portfolio online (OPAL) for a fee of $300 dollars (non-refundable). Once portfolio passes the review, the candidate will be issued a Level 1A teaching license (unless you already hold a Level 2 or Level 3 license of a different type). If candidate misses one or two strands, he/she may resubmit and will have up to one year to do so. There will be a $100 dollar fee for each strand resubmitted. However, the intern license will not be extended for any license, nor it will be extended if the candidate does not pass the OPAL process.
• Teach in a NMT2T "High Need" District for at least 3 consecutive years

For additional information or questions you may have concerning New Mexico's Transition To Teaching program, see contact information below:

Licensure Information

Licensure Help Desk
505-827-5821
LicensureUnit@state.nm.us

Program Information

Larry J. Martinez
lawrence.martinez1@state.nm.us
NM Public Education Department
Bureau Chief
Professional Development Bureau
444 Galisteo, Suite A
Santa Fe, New Mexico
505-827-3541
Fax 505-827-3525

Jemez Mountain Transition to Teaching (JMT2T) — National/Regional Grant

Please Note: Information regarding another T2T Program-Jemez Mountain Transition to Teaching (National/Regional Grant serving New Mexico and Northern Arizona) JMT2T recruits and supports qualified mid-career changers and recent college graduates with degrees in fields other than education, as well as educational paraprofessionals with associate degrees who have been accepted into accredited teacher-training programs.

JMT2T specifically seeks those teacher candidates committed to teaching in "high needs" schools. JMT2T participants will acquire teaching licensure through state-approved program pathways.

For additional information or questions concerning the Jemez Mountain Transition to Teaching program contact: