1. A. General requirements. All applicants for alternative teaching licensure shall:

2. (1) be at least 18 years of age;

   1. (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;
   2. (3) complete a background check in accordance with 6.60.8 NMAC; and
   3. (4) have no licensure requirements waived on an emergency or temporary basis, or for any other reason; and
   4. (5) meet the application requirements for the license being sought.

3. B. Alternative EPP pathway. Applicants following the alternative EPP pathway shall:

   1. (1) pass the required NMTA essential academic skills tests defined in 6.60.5 NMAC prior to receiving alternative licensure at any level;
   2. (2) participate in a department-approved EPP with an alternative licensure program;
   3. (3) serve as a teacher of record for two full school years; and
   4. (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.

4. C. Alternative NMTEACH pathway. Applicants following the alternative NMTEACH pathway shall:

   1. (1) pass the required NMTA essential academic skills tests defined in 6.60.5 NMAC prior to receiving alternative licensure at any level;
   2. (2) serve as a teacher of record for two full school years;
   3. (3) receive two consecutive ratings of effective or higher on the NMTEACH summative evaluation; and

   4. (4) complete required coursework in the teaching of reading.

      1. (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.
      2. (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.

5. D. Alternative post-secondary experience pathway. Applicants following the post-secondary experience pathway shall:

   1. (1) provide documentation of at least five full school years’ experience teaching at an accredited college or university;
   2. (2) complete at least one full school year as a teacher of record while holding an alternative license; and

   3. (3) complete required coursework in the teaching of reading.

      1. (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.
      2. (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.

[6.60.3.9 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.9 NMAC, 11/27/2018]