According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics there are roughly 1,370 kindergarten teachers in New Mexico. If you want to become a kindergarten teacher in NM, continue reading to find out the steps you'll take.
Requirements for Kindergarten Teachers in New Mexico
| Average Salary for Kindergarten Teachers in New Mexico (2019)* | $52,290 |
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree |
| Required Field | Elementary Education |
| Testing Requirements | Essential Academic Skills, Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary, Elementary Education Subtests I and II, and Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Step 1: Complete Education Requirements
New Mexico is pretty straightforward with the requirements needed for teachers. To become a kindergarten teacher, you'll need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college. This degree must have a major in elementary education. The program must also include six credits of teaching reading and 24 semester hours in a teaching field, such as math or English. Along with these pedagogical courses, you'll spend some time in the classroom completing student teaching to gain hands-on experience with kindergarten children.
Step 2: Pass Required Tests
The New Mexico Public Education Department wants to be sure that its teachers are well-educated. To prove this to the state, prospective teachers must complete at least four computer-based exams to work as kindergarten teacher. The first is the Essential Academic Skills assessment. This test is made up of three subtests on reading, writing, and math. You'll be given an hour for subtests I and III, while subtest II gives you 105 minutes. When taken together, the combined cost of the subtests is $100. In order to pass this test, you must receive a score of no less than 220.
You'll have three hours to complete the second exam, the Assessment of Professional Knowledge: Elementary. The requirements for this exam have changed in recent years, and as of 2017, you must earn at least 222 to pass. The fee for this test is $95.
Kindergarten teachers in New Mexico also need to pass the Elementary Education Subtests I and II. You can take one for $50 or both for $95. You'll be given 90 minutes for subtest I and 105 minutes for subtest II. In order to pass these exams, you must earn a 227 on subtest I and a 228 on subtest II.
Finally, you'll have three hours to complete the Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction. There are 150 multiple-choice questions on this exam, and you must earn at least 220 to pass.
Step 3: Clear Background Check
As with many states, New Mexico requires all teachers in the classroom to complete a background check. Initial applicants will need to be fingerprinted so that the FBI can run the background check. Once you have been cleared, the check is valid for 14 months.
Kindergarten Certification Resources in New Mexico
Since so many exams are required to become a kindergarten teacher, it is necessary to have access to some study guides and practice tests. Below are just a few resources available that can help you prepare for the National Evaluation Series exams.
- Prepare for the National Evaluation Series Exams
- NES Elementary Education Subtest 1 (102): Practice & Study Guide
- NES Essential Components of Elementary Reading Instruction (104): Practice & Study Guide
