6.60.3 NMAC

TITLE 6 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

CHAPTER 60 SCHOOL PERSONNEL - GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART 3 ALTERNATIVE LICENSURE

6.60.3.1 ISSUING AGENCY: Public Education Department, herein after the department.

[6.60.3.1 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.1 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.2 SCOPE: Applicants for alternative teaching licensure alternative administrative licensure, or student success advisor licensure.

[6.60.3.2 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.2 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.3 STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Sections 22-2-1, 22-2-2, 22-10A-6, and 22-10A-8 NMSA 1978.

[6.60.3.3 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.3 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.4 DURATION: Permanent

[6.60.3.4 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.4 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.5 EFFECTIVE DATE: November 27, 2018 unless a later date is cited in the history note at the end of a section.

[6.60.3.5 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.5 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.6 OBJECTIVE: To define the requirements for obtaining an alternative teaching license, alternative administrator license, or student success advisor license.

[6.60.3.6 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.6 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.7 DEFINITIONS:

A. “Alternative license” means:

(1) a temporary, two-year teaching license issued by the department to a candidate who does not yet meet the requirements for a level 1 standard license but is participating in an alternative route to licensure as defined in Subsections B and C of 6.60.3.9 NMAC; or

(2) a temporary, one-year teaching license issued by the department to a candidate who does not yet meet the requirements for a level 1 standard license but is participating in an alternative route to licensure as defined in Subsection D of 6.60.3.9 NMAC; or

(3) a temporary, one-year administrator certificate or license issued by the department to a candidate who does not yet meet the requirements for a level 3B administrator license but is participating in an alternative route to licensure as defined in 6.60.3.11 NMAC; or

(4) a temporary, five-year alternative student success advisor license issued by the department to a candidate who does not yet meet the requirements for school counselor licensure but is working toward meeting the requirements established in 6.63.6 NMAC.

B. “Competencies for licensure” means the content knowledge and skills a teacher shall know and apply in order to demonstrate competency in a particular content area as defined in Title 6, Chapter 64, Competencies for Licensure, Parts 2 through 18 NMAC.

C. “Department-approved educator preparation program” or “department-approved EPP” means an educational program approved by the department pursuant to 6.65.3 NMAC that offers coursework intended to lead to teacher licensure upon a candidate’s successful completion of program requirements.

D. "Full school year" means a minimum of 160 instructional days or equivalent number of days in schools or local education agencies on alternative schedules over multiple school years of full-time or part-time teaching during which the teacher is the teacher of record or serves as an instructional coach or resource teacher in at least one class each school year while holding a standard teaching license. An equivalent number of instructional hours may be accepted for those teachers who do not teach every day. Instructional days may include teaching in summer school or similar educational setting.

E. “Internship” means an official program with practical experience in which candidates for administrative licensure assume all responsibilities of a school administrator under the guidance of a mentor for a minimum of 180 clock hours throughout one full school year, including those responsibilities that are unique to the beginning and end of the school year. Internships shall be served at a public school, private school, or state educational institution.

F. “Local education agency” or “LEA” means a school district or a state-chartered charter school.

G. “Mental health services” means the responsibilities of a school counselor as outlined in Subsection D and E of 6.63.6.9 NMAC.

H. “New Mexico teacher assessments” or “NMTA” means the tests required for individuals seeking initial New Mexico licensure.

I. “NMTEACH” means the department-approved educator effectiveness evaluation system defined in 6.69.8 NMAC that measures teacher performance using the five components:

(1) improved student achievement;

(2) classroom observation;

(3) planning, preparation, and professionalism;

(4) student or parent surveys; and

(5) teacher attendance.

J. “Standard teaching license” means a certificate or license issued by the department at five and nine year intervals authorizing a person to teach, supervise an instructional program, counsel, provide special instructional services, or serve as an administrator in a New Mexico public school.

K. "Teacher of record" means the recipient of an alternative teaching license named in an employment contract with an LEA responsible for teaching students and managing a classroom the majority of the time. The teacher of record is responsible for lesson planning, assigning grades, meeting with parents, and completing all duties of a classroom teacher with a standard teaching license.

[6.60.3.7 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.7 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.8 PATHWAYS FOR ALTERNATIVE TEACHING LICENSURE: Three pathways shall be available for candidates seeking to obtain an alternative teaching license in New Mexico.

A. Alternative EPP pathway. A two-year alternative teaching license may be granted to candidates who simultaneously complete face-to-face or online courses through a department-approved EPP while serving as a teacher of record for two years. Candidates who complete the EPP and meet coursework and testing requirements at the conclusion of the two-year alternative license period shall be eligible to transfer to a level 1 standard teaching license.

B. Alternative NMTEACH pathway. A two-year alternative teaching license may be granted to candidates who simultaneously complete required teaching of reading coursework and testing requirements while serving as a teacher of record. Candidates who complete coursework and testing requirements and who earn two consecutive ratings of effective or higher on NMTEACH at the completion of the two-year alternative license period shall be eligible to transfer to a level 1 standard teaching license.

C. Alternative post-secondary experience pathway. A one-year alternative license may be granted to candidates who have obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a field outside education and who have taught at an accredited college or university for a minimum of five years. Candidates who serve as the teacher of record for one full school year who earn an effective or higher rating on NMTEACH and who satisfactorily demonstrate teaching competencies for the type and level of licensure being sought, as determined by the LEA, shall be eligible to transfer to a level 2 or level 3A standard teaching license. Candidates following the alternative post-secondary experience pathway shall not be required to complete testing requirements.

[6.60.3.8 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.8 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.9 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

(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. 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.

(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]

6.60.3.10 APPLICATION FOR ALTERNATIVE TEACHING LICENSURE:

A. Alternative EPP pathway. Applicants following the alternative EPP pathway who meet the criteria for alternative licensure as defined in 6.60.3 NMAC shall be issued a two-year alternative license and shall be permitted to serve as a teacher of record prior to completion of licensure requirements. The licensee shall complete coursework requirements within the two-year period and shall provide the department with documentation of coursework completion. Candidates with alternative licensure may be issued a one-year extension to allow additional time for completing coursework and testing requirements if they can demonstrate good standing with the LEA or EPP. Applicants for alternative licensure via the alternative EPP pathway shall provide:

(1) official sealed bachelor’s degree transcript with at least 30 semester hours in the license subject area, a master’s degree transcript with at least 12 graduate hours in the license subject area, or a doctoral degree in the license subject area;

(2) a letter of acceptance into a department-approved EPP; and

(3) proof of passage of required NMTA essential academic skills tests.

B. Alternative NMTEACH pathway. Applicants following the alternative NMTEACH pathway who meet the criteria for alternative licensure as defined in 6.60.3 NMAC shall be issued a two-year alternative license and shall be permitted to serve as a teacher of record prior to completion of licensure requirements. The licensee shall complete coursework requirements within the two-year period and shall provide the department with documentation of coursework completion. Candidates with alternative licensure following the NMTEACH pathway who are not successful in demonstrating competency by way of NMTEACH summative evaluations shall not have their alternative license extended or renewed. Applicants for alternative licensure via the alternative NMTEACH pathway shall provide:

(1) official sealed transcript for a bachelor’s degree transcript with at least 30 semester hours in the license subject area, a master’s degree transcript with at least 12 graduate hours in the license subject area, or a doctoral degree in the license subject area;

(2) proof of registration to complete required coursework in the teaching of reading;

(3) proof of passage of required NMTA essential academic skills tests;

(4) a letter of support from the LEA requesting that the applicant follow the alternative NMTEACH pathway; and

(5) a letter of interest from the applicant requesting to follow the alternative NMTEACH pathway.

C. Alternative post-secondary experience pathway. Applicants following the alternative post-secondary experience pathway who meet the criteria for alternative licensure as defined in 6.60.3 NMAC shall be issued a one-year alternative license and shall be permitted to serve as a teacher of record prior to completion of licensure requirements. Applicants shall provide:

(1) proof of registration to complete required coursework in the teaching of reading; and

(2) verification of five-years’ teaching experience at an accredited college or university.

[6.60.3.10 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.11 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.11 REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERNATIVE ADMINISTRATOR LICENSURE:

A. A one-year alternative license in educational administration may be issued to any candidate who:

(1) holds a level 2 or level 3 teaching license; and

(2) has at least six full school years of experience in administration at an accredited college or university. Administrators shall be in a position of supervision which shall include:

(a) dean;

(b) president; and

(c) vice president.

B. Alternatively licensed educational administrators shall complete and internship of at least 180 hours. Upon completion of the internship, the candidate shall be issued a level 3B administrator license so long as they have met the administrator licensure competencies and indicators outlined in 6.62.2.10 NMAC, as verified to the department by the candidate's employer.

[6.60.3.11 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.11 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

6.60.3.12 REQUIREMENTS FOR ALTERNATIVE STUDENT SUCCESS ADVISOR LICENSURE:

A. Applicants for an alternative student success advisor license shall:

(1) be at least 18 years of age;

(2) hold either a bachelor of arts or science degree from a regionally accredited college or university; and

(3) complete a background check in accordance with 6.60.8 NMAC.

B. Applicants who meet the criteria established in Subsection A of 6.60.3.13 NMAC shall be issued a five-year alternative license to serve as a student success advisor. Student success advisors shall:

(1) work with students in grades seven through 12; and

(2) sign an ethical statement, prescribed by the department, stating that the licensee shall not provide mental health services while employed as a student success advisor.

C. Alternative student success advisor licenses shall be non-renewable. Student success advisors shall complete the requirements to earn a school counselor license defined in 6.63.6 NMAC within the five-year term of their alternative license to maintain employment in the role of a student advisor or to transition into the role of school counselor.

D. Responsibilities of the student success advisor may include any of the following:

(1) maintaining accurate and complete records and reports as required by federal and state law and regulation, department guidance, and district and charter school policies;

(2) analyzing transcripts;

(3) guiding student and parent decision making regarding courses and graduation pathways;

(4) supporting students with the college application and admission process, including preparation for college admissions tests;

(5) developing master schedules;

(6) arranging for dual or concurrent enrollment, career technical education, and advanced placement course offerings;

(7) informing students about postsecondary financing options such as the free application for federal student aid that can be used to support advanced education and training;

(8) supporting student documentation of career preparedness, including industry-recognized credentials or certificates, test results, grades, samples of student work, resumes, and cover letters to prospective employers;

(9) planning and conducting activities focused on increasing career awareness;

(10) conducting orientation and training programs for students, parents, and staff;

(11) serving as a district or school test coordinator or administrator as defined in 6.10.7 NMAC; and

(12) supporting students in meeting the requirements for a New Mexico diploma of excellence by providing guidance on coursework and demonstration of competency requirements.

E. Responsibilities of the student success advisor shall not include providing mental health services.

[6.60.3.12 NMAC - Rp, 6.60.3.12 NMAC, 11/27/2018]

HISTORY OF 6.60.3 NMAC:

PRE-NMAC HISTORY: The material in this part was derived from that previously filed with State Records Center and Archives under:

SBE Regulation No. 86-6, Alternative Licensure, filed July 14, 1986; and

SBE Regulation No. 86-6, Amendment No, 1, Alternative Licensure filed December 4, 1990.

HISTORY OF REPEALED MATERIAL:

6 NMAC 4.2.2.1, Alternative Licensure, was repealed by the State Board of Education effective July 1, 2000 and repromulgated effective July 1, 2000.

6.60.3 NMAC, Alternative Licensure, filed June 1, 2001 -was repealed and replaced by 6.60.3 NMAC, Alternative Licensure, effective 10/31/2007.

6.60.3 NMAC, Alternative Licensure, filed 10/31/2007 - was repealed and replaced by 6.60.3 NMAC , Alternative Licensure, effective 11/27/2018.