Frequently Asked Questions

Student Questions:

1. What's Licensure? Is it like Certification?
   Licensure is what is commonly referred to as "certification" in other states. Licensure allows its holders to teach in public schools in the State of New Mexico. If you are planning to teach in a public school, grades K-12, you will not be able to obtain a job (except in rare instances where no licensed teachers are available and then only temporarily) unless you first obtain a teaching license, which always requires admission to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and student teaching. New Mexico State University offers licensure and Master's plus licensure programs. See your advisor if you have any questions about whether you need to seek licensure.
   
2. I have an Elementary Ed license. What's the fastest way to get my Secondary license?
   Teachers who are already licensed in one area (e.g., elementary teaching) and wish to seek an additional license in another area (e.g., secondary teaching or early childhood education) can obtain that additional license by completing some of the licensure coursework and a practicum in lieu of student teaching. See your advisor for more information if you think this exception applies to you.
   
3. I'm interested in getting another endorsement, what do I need to do?
   Endorsement is given to teachers who are already licensed and who are seeking a specialization in a particular area such as Reading, Bilingual Education, Teaching of English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL), and Information Technologies. The degree programs described in the Graduate Student handbook (pdf 92KB) include a significant number of courses that contribute to an endorsement in their respective areas, but none of these programs provide endorsement completely by itself. Endorsements in these areas will require additional coursework and/or the inclusion of undergraduate or transfer credits in coursework that is in the area of specialization. See the program coordinator of each endorsement area for further information.
   
4. What are the expectations/requirements I need to meet before I start my student teaching?
   Student teaching is the culminating experience of the Teacher Education Program. All education coursework must be completed with a "C" or better and students must have at least a 2.5 GPA/undergraduate, 3.0 GPA/graduate (cumulative). Undergraduate majors must be at least a senior with 94 credit hours and secondary majors must have at least 75% of coursework in their teaching field complete. Students must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program, also.
   Student teaching placement paperwork must be completed and submitted one year prior to student teaching. Placements are administered by the College of Education.
   
5. What is a TEP portfolio? What needs to be in it?
   A TEP portfolio is the student's official application to the teacher education program. This portfolio can be submitted once the student has at least 55 college credit hours (undergraduate). The portfolio contains application materials, such as, a current resume, transcripts, letter of intent, community and campus service information, references, etc. Preparation of the portfolio should begin as soon as a student decides to study in the College of Education. To find out more, stop by the Advising Center in O'Donnell Hall room 200.
   
6. What is expected of me as a student teacher?
   As a student teacher, you are expected to take the theory and practice you learned in your courses and apply them to your classroom. This experience lasts for one entire semester. Student teachers follow the district's academic calendar in which they are student teaching. Each student teacher has the opportunity to have 100% lead teaching of their classroom for at least 4 weeks during the semester. Student teachers are evaluated twice according to the New Mexico State Competencies during student teaching, formally observed 4 times by university supervisors, complete student teaching seminar requirements and are expected to demonstrate professionalism and knowledge of teaching while in the classroom, as well as, display appropriate dispositions. Contact : dietrich@nmsu.edu for more information.
   
7. What kind of support can I expect as a novice teacher?
   As a novice teacher, you should expect that the district you work for support your efforts in the classroom and assist you in getting started. Some districts offer mentorship programs that you should take advantage of. During employment interview, you should ask if there are special programs available for beginning teachers.