Alternative Teacher Licensure Program

The Alternative Teacher Licensure Program at SFCC is a state accredited alternative teacher licensure program for qualified individuals who want to earn a license in teaching. Individuals who complete this program and required state exams are eligible for level-one teaching licenses in the state of New Mexico.

Admissions Requirements:

Admission to the program requires one of the following:

• Have a BA including 30* credit hours in a particular field that appertains to the licensure area sought; OR
• MA including 12 graduate credit hours in a particular field that appertains to the licensure area sought, OR
• Ph.D. in a particular field that appertains to the licensure area sought

*Note: For candidates in the elementary program the thirty credits must include a minimum of 6-credit hours in each of the core subject areas (mathematics, language arts, science, and social studies) for a total of 24 credit hours.

Application due dates: April 1 for summer applications, July 1 for fall applications, November 1 for spring applications.

Applying to the Alternative Licensure Program involves two steps: 

1. Apply to SFCC and receive your student identification A number. 
2. Complete the application to the Alternative Licensure Program

• Alternative Teacher Licensure Program Application

• Alternative Teacher Licensure Program Student Transcript Analysis

• Reference Form

• Declaration of Major

• Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship Application

• Supervised Field Experience Application

• Supervised Field Experience Handbook

• Course Descriptions

• Observation Log

• Student Guide

• Exit Application

Upon acceptance in the Alternative Licensure Program, students are eligible for an Internship License, which allows them to apply for a position to be the teacher of record for two years, as they complete their coursework.

Program Construct:

These state-accredited certificate programs facilitate achievement of the New Mexico Public Education Department’s entry-level teacher competencies. Highly refined written, interpersonal, communication, and technology skills are essential to candidate success in the program.

Graduates of the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program are eligible to apply for level-one (5-year) provisional teaching licenses after passing all required portions of the New Mexico Teacher Assessment (NMTA).  Licensure information can be obtained from the New Mexico Public Education Department Professional Licensure Unit at 505-827-6581 or at www.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/licensure.

For more information about other teacher licensure pathways in New Mexico visit: webnew.ped.state.nm.us.

Gainful Employment and Completion Rate Information

Vision: Our vision is that SFCC Alternative Teacher Licensure Program graduates will serve as advocates for social justice and as leaders and change agents for the transformation of education. Our teacher candidates will fully engage in the cultural, political, and economic life of our democratic society, and by example, will inspire students, families, school districts, and the communities they serve.

Mission: The SFCC Alternative Teacher Licensure Program mission is to professionally prepare critically reflective and culturally responsive educators who expect and support the success of each and every student, and to significantly contribute to the quality of education in New Mexico and beyond.

Core Values:

• Critically Reflective Teaching: Engage in continuous, critical reflection to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
• Professionalism: Uphold and demonstrate high ethical, pedagogical, and leadership standards.
• Diversity: Respect the uniqueness of each individual and address the diverse needs of each learner.
• Collaboration and Community: Engage in professional collaboration with other educators and respect and value the central role of family, community, and culture in the learning process.

Financial Aid

The Pell Grant for Alternative Teacher Licensure Program is especially for students enrolled in the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program.
Teacher Loans for Service is a program offered by the New Mexico Higher Education Department. A portion of your school loan is forgiven in exchange for teacher service to rural communities.

New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship- the New Mexico Lottery Scholarship, and more than 25 scholarships, grants, and college financial aid programs available, there are options for every New Mexican to pursue higher education without having to worry about the cost of tuition and fees. Explore below to learn more.

Get extra financial support to study early childhood education! Special Student Success stipends will be given to all qualified students in the Alternative Teacher Licensure program for an Early Childhood Teacher Certification or in the Early Childhood Education program for the  Spring 23 semester.

Please consult an advisor in the Financial Aid Office for more information.

NMPED PRAXIS Test Information for Licensure in New Mexico Test Requirements: https://www.ets.org/praxis/nm/requirements

For more information email alternativeteacherlicensure@sfcc.edu or call (505) 428-1256.