Alternative Educator Prep Program (EPP)

A nonrenewable, 2-year license is granted to allow a person to simultaneously teach and complete face-to-face courses or online courses at an approved university or community college.

The Alternative Educator Prep Program is a focused state-accredited (approved) post-baccalaureate program for obtaining your New Mexico Level 1 teaching license.

The Alternative Educator Prep Program is available for individuals who obtained a bachelor’s degree in a non-traditional education program and are interested in teaching.

Extension of Alternative License

• A one-time extension may be granted if an educator has not completed their alternative licensure program and/or lack exams during the tenure (2 years) of their license.
• Please follow the instructions in the Licensure Extensions in order to apply for an extension request

Upon completion of the program, the candidate must submit the following documents to obtain full level 1 licensure:

• Official sealed transcripts conferring education certificate; and
• Letter of Completion of the Alternative Educator Prep Program (if you completed the portfolio for assessment, the letter must include this information); and
• If you completed the portfolio for assessment through your university, no exams are required; however, the letter of completion should confirm this. The exception to this is those with the K-8 Elementary and Pre K-12 Special Education licenses. The Elementary licensee must pass the Teaching of Reading: Elementary (5205) and the Special Education licensee must pass the Special Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355).
• If you did not complete the portfolio for assessment through your university, you must provide proof of Praxis exams.

Note:  You will be granted the remaining number of years to your license. Your license will still remain with the alternative title until you advance your license.