There are not many bricks-and-mortar institutions offering graduate degrees in TESOL in New Mexico. However, those that do provide interesting options for specializing in bilingual education, American Indian education, TESOL, multicultural education and related areas. In addition, New Mexico boasts fully online graduate programs that incorporate teacher certification and endorsement into a master’s degree.
ESL Teacher Certification
The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) and its Professional License Bureau regulate policies concerning state licensure and the granting of its endorsements in TESOL and Bilingual areas of specialization.
TESOL endorsements require passing the Content Knowledge Assessment (CKA) in TESOL and earning 12 semester hours of credit in foreign language, cross-cultural education, subject matter expertise, and TESOL assessment. In lieu of passing the test, candidates can earn 24-36 TESOL semester units in NMPED-approved areas, or else hold certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in TESOL.
Bilingual endorsements require passing Prueba, Four Skills Exam (or a comparable exam) and completing 12 semester hours in bilingual education, ELD competencies, teaching methods, and assessment. If teachers already have the TESOL endorsement, they must still pass the exam and earn 6 semester units of approved coursework. Alternatively, they may hold certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in TESOL.
Alternative Certification Options
NMPED’s guide to Alternative Licensure Program Requirements describes summarizes three non-traditional paths to licensure in New Mexico.
- Candidates can work in New Mexico public schools with an Internship License if they have a bachelor’s or master’s degree plus qualifying teacher-preparation coursework.
- The second option entails earning an Internship License and then submitting a professional web portfolio as part of the OPAL plan.
- The Post Secondary Experience path is for people holding graduate degrees who have taught a minimum of five years in a post-secondary setting.
Master’s in TESOL Programs
In New Mexico State University‘s Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction with a specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, students can also opt for concentrations in Bilingual Education and Language, Literacy & Culture. University of New Mexico offers a Masters in Language, Literacy, & Sociocultural Studies. This course of study allows students to choose an area of focus among TESOL, American Indian Education, Bilingual Education, Educational Thought and Sociocultural Studies, Literacy and Language Arts, and Social Studies. University of the Southwest offers a Master’s of Science in Education, Curriculum & Instruction: TESOL and a Master’s of Science in Education, Curriculum & Instruction: Bilingual Degree. Western New Mexico University offers a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies. Areas of focus include Bilingual Education, English, and Reading Education.