National Board Certification Support

The NMPED National Board Scholarship is available to educators who are licensed with the state of New Mexico. Through funding appropriated annually by the NM Legislature, the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) is able to award up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) in grants to eligible educators who are seeking certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

REQUIREMENTS

A educator is eligible to apply if:

• They are a resident of New Mexico (J1, J2, and H1B visa holders are not eligible); and
• They hold a valid level 2 or level 3A NM teaching license; and
• They are a full-time educator of record at a New Mexico public school in the 2025-26 school year; and
• They submit a letter of reference from their current principal.

The Department will prioritize awards for candidates seeking initial certification, in high needs areas, however a small amount may be set aside to support educators who are in the process of renewing their certification.

APPLICATIONS

The next application window will open April 2027.

AWARDS

Scholarships are awarded annually. [Funding for scholarships is contingent on legislative funding.]

AWARDEES

Congratulations to educators from across New Mexico who were awarded a scholarship to pursue their National Board Certification:

• July 2024
• SY25-26
• SY26-27

RESOURCES

New Mexico National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) Network

8100 Wyoming Blvd., NE M4-346

Albuquerque, NM 87113

Email: Katie Lake, President of NM NBCT Network, katrina.lake@nmnbctnetwork.com

• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
• Guide to National Board Certification – NBPTS (PDF)
• Categories for National Board Certification (PDF)

CONTACTS

For all questions related to the New Mexico-National Board for Professional Teaching Standards scholarship opportunity, please email educator.pathways@ped.nm.gov.