Section 9. Requirements For Alternative Teaching Licensure

A. General requirements. All applicants for alternative teaching licensure shall: (1) be at least 18 years of age; (2) hold either a bachelor of arts or science degree, master of arts or science degree, or doctorate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 2.75; (3) complete a background check in accordance with 6.60.8 NMAC; and (4) have no licensure requirements waived on an emergency or temporary basis, or for any other reason; and (5) meet the application requirements for the license being sought. B. Alternative EPP pathway. Applicants following the alternative EPP pathway shall: (1) pass the required NMTA essential academic skills tests defined in 6.60.5 NMAC prior to receiving alternative licensure at any level; (2) participate in a department-approved EPP with an alternative licensure program; (3) serve as a teacher of record for two full school years; and 6.60.3 NMAC 3 (4) complete no fewer than six semester hours including required hours of coursework in the teaching of reading aligned with the competencies for licensure for entry-level teachers for the type of license being sought. C. Alternative NMTEACH pathway. Applicants following the alternative NMTEACH pathway shall: (1) pass the required NMTA essential academic skills tests defined in 6.60.5 NMAC prior to receiving alternative licensure at any level; (2) serve as a teacher of record for two full school years; (3) receive two consecutive ratings of effective or higher on the NMTEACH summative evaluation; and (4) complete required coursework in the teaching of reading. (a) Applicants seeking early childhood birth to pre-K, early childhood age three to age eight, elementary K-8, or special education pre K-12 licensure, shall complete six semester hours of coursework in the teaching of reading. (b) Applicants seeking middle level 5-9, secondary 7-12, or specialty area pre K-12 licensure, shall complete three semester hours of coursework in the teaching of reading. D ) Applicants seeking early childhood birth to pre-K, early childhood age three to age eight, elementary K-8, or special education pre K-12 licensure, shall complete six semester hours of coursework in the teaching of reading. (b) Applicants seeking middle level 5-9, secondary 7-12, or specialty area pre K-12 licensure, shall complete three semester hours of coursework in the teaching of reading. D. Alternative post-secondary experience pathway. Applicants following the post-secondary experience pathway shall: (1) provide documentation of at least five full school years’ experience teaching at an accredited college or university; (2) complete at least one full school year as a teacher of record while holding an alternative license; and (3) complete required coursework in the teaching of reading. (a) Applicants seeking early childhood birth to pre-K, early childhood age three to age eight, elementary K-8, or special education pre K-12 licensure, shall complete six semester hours of coursework in the teaching of reading. (b) Applicants seeking middle level 5-9, secondary 7-12, or specialty area pre K-12 licensure, shall complete three semester hours of coursework in the teaching of reading.