Program Description

On August 28, 2003, San Juan College received final approval by the State Board of Education to operate an alternative licensure program in elementary and secondary education.

The San Juan College Alternative Licensure Program operates under our Conceptual Framework which recognizes the importance of and benefit of these six central elements.

Elementary Alternative Licensure – 3 semesters (see Program of Study)
19 credits, which include:

6 credits of reading courses
Courses covering competencies for entry level elementary teachers
Field-based component - supervised student teaching practicum

Secondary Alternative Licensure – 3 semesters (see Program of Study)
16 credits, which include:

6 credits of reading courses
Courses covering competencies for entry level SPED teachers
Field-based component - supervised student teaching practicum

SPED Alternative Licensure – 3 or 4 semesters
21 credits, which include:

6 credits of reading courses
Courses covering competencies for entry level SPED teachers
Field-based component - supervised student teaching practicum

Preliminary Acceptance In Program

1. Complete application packet submitted
2. Transcript review meets requirements for prior academic degree content
3. In-person interview with program staff
4. Signed form assuring:
   • a criminal background check would show no reason for license denial
   • understanding of program components
   • availability to attend weekend and evening courses
   • assumption of responsibility to fulfill program requirements of courses and student practicum by attending meetings and field exercises, even if they may require time during regular work week.
   • registration to take the New Mexico Teacher Exam Basic Skills Section.

Full Acceptance In Program

1. Completion of EDUC 240 The Teaching Profession Orientation Course.
2. Passage of the New Mexico Teacher Exam Basic Skills Section. (Note that all parts of NM Teacher Assessment must be passed to obtain the Alternative License.)
3. Minimum 1st semester GPA of 2.8.

Application packets available from:

Alternative Licensure Office
SJC 30th Street Annex, Rm. 124 (Physical location)
4601 College Boulevard (Mailing address)
Farmington, NM 87402
or send a request by e-mail to altlic@sanjuancollege.edu
or call 505-566-3044

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What is Alternative Licensure?

The New Mexico State Board of Education established Alternative Licensure regulations in July, 2000, with the objective of providing alternative routes to New Mexico teacher licensure for persons who hold at least a baccalaureate degree but have not completed a traditional educator preparation program.

Below is a summary of key aspects for alternative licensure requirements. For specifics, interested candidates should examine the New Mexico licensure requirements on the State of New Mexico Public Education Department’s web site at www.ped.state.nm.us.

Requirements for Alternative Licensure

To receive a level 1, three-year Alternative License, an applicant must meet the following three requirements:

1. Degree Requirements – academic preparation from a regionally accredited college-
   Bachelor’s degree with minimum of 30 credits applicable to the licensure area sought, or
   Master’s degree with minimum of 12 graduate credits in applicable licensure area, or
   Doctorate degree in applicable area.
    
2. Professional Teacher Education Requirements
   Complete a State Board-approved alternative licensure program which includes the specified number of reading credits, courses which cover the NM teacher competencies, and a student teaching or field based component. These vary depending on type of licensure sought.
   In lieu of completing an approved program of study, an applicant may follow the portfolio option (see SDE web site).
    
3. New Mexico Teacher Assessments
   Pass all applicable sections of the NM Teacher Assessment. These include:
   • NM Assessment of Teacher Basic Skills
   • NM Assessment of Teacher Competency (Elementary or Secondary)
   • NM Content Knowledge Assessment (Elementary Education, Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies – usually only one of these content exams is taken depending on applicant’s teaching specialization)

An alternative licensure candidate may be permitted to assume functions of a teacher while pursuing requirements 1, 2 and 3. While in progress, a candidate may be issued a three-year internship license for teaching.

For full Alternative Licensure, a candidate must complete all requirements of 1, 2 and 3. To receive a standard, Level II, license, the applicant must satisfactorily complete a one to three year mentorship program (at the school where employed) and obtain verification from the school district that applicant has satisfactorily demonstrated teaching competencies.

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Application Directions

Step 1

Submit a complete application package, which contains:

1. San Juan College Application - available on San Juan College home page, ‘on-line application’ at www.sanjuancollege.edu. (not required if previously enrolled at SJC as a credit student)
2. Alternative Licensure Program Application Cover Sheet
3. Official Transcripts from Bachelors, Masters Degree and/or Doctorate (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for preliminary acceptance, however, official transcripts must be on file before full acceptance into program)
4. Current resume
5. Letter which includes: (no more than 3 pages)
   • area of interest – elementary or secondary (specify subject area)
   • reason for interest in program
   • intent of pursuing teaching career
   • description of work experience
   • involvement in previous professional development
   • relationship of prior experience to teaching profession
6. If employed by a school district for the coming semester, a statement of employment from your school principal stating position title (ex. 3rd grade teacher), and acknowledgment of participation in the San Juan College alternative licensure program.

Step 2

Make an appointment for an interview.
The interview is an opportunity to ask questions about the program.

Application packets available from:

Alternative Licensure Office
SJC 30th Street Annex, Rm. 124 (Physical location)
4601 College Boulevard (Mailing address)
Farmington, NM 87402
or send a request by e-mail to altlic@sanjuancollege.edu
or call 505-566-3044

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What to Expect

San Juan College Tuition

• Fall Semester, $32 per credit, ($70.00 for out-of-state)
• Spring Semester, $32 per credit, ($70.00 for out-of-state)

Professional Textbooks and References

• estimate $275 - $375 per semester

Access to a computer and the internet is essential.

This is an intensive, alternative program designed for adults who are highly motivated to become teachers. The courses are carefully sequenced to cover the Teacher Competencies identified by the New Mexico Public Education Department. Participants who complete all courses and program requirements will receive a certificate of completion to accompany their application to the Public Education Bepartment to obtain an Alternative License.

While most courses will be on Saturdays, participants should plan on additional time during school hours. Most courses have assignments that help participants gain experience in schools, such as attending parent-teacher conferences or observing in classrooms. The practicum requires a minimum of 90 hours of experience in the classroom. Program staff will assist participants to engage in school experiences which link course work with practical application.

The Public Education Department issues all teaching licenses. Completion of the San Juan College program of study fulfills the Professional Teacher Education requirement for alternative licensure. (See information sheet “What is Alternative Licensure” and the SDE web page.) The SJC program does not include the Mentoring component (which is through schools for new teachers).

Courses from other education programs will not substitute for courses in this program. Courses from this program may not be accepted by other colleges.

Enrollment is limited and priority for admittance will be given to individuals who need certification for teaching positions in which they are currently employed or are planning to teach in high need content areas.

To receive the certification of completion, participants must maintain an overall grade point average of 2.8 and receive at least a grade of B in the practicum course.

Except for requirements identified in alternative licensure regulations and in SJC’s approved program plan, the Alternative Licensure Program operates under San Juan College policies and procedures as described in the college catalog, student handbook and other publications.

**The NM Teacher Assessments are given five times per year. The Standardized tests are given in Farmington in November and March. Registration is required at least 45 days in advance. Please check with SJC University Programs concerning this test. It is a requirement of the Alternative Licensing Program.

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Other Helpful Contact Information

New Mexico Public Education Department Professional Licensure Unit
www.ped.state.nm.us
phone 505-827-65
mailing address: 300 Don Gaspar Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Transition to Teaching
Financial, mentoring, advising assistance for participants interested in teaching in high-need schools.

Educator Support Center
Offers scholarship funding to participants in teacher preparation programs at either undergraduate (300-400 level classes). Scholarship includes content coaching during student teaching and beginning teaching.

For questions regarding Transition to Teaching or Educator Support Center contact:
e-mail: kburgess@fms.k12.nm.us
phone 505-599-8771
office location: 501 Airport Drive, Suite 209, Farmington, NM 87401

San Juan College
Alternative Licensure Office
30th Street Annex, Rm. 241
4601 College Boulevard
Farmington, NM 87402
or send a request by e-mail to:

altlic@sanjuancollege.edu

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Programs of Study

Elementary Program of Study

Secondary Program of Study

(*P indicates procticum/laboratory experience)

SPED Program of Study

(*Courses taken through SFCC.)

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