There are two teacher's aide licenses in New Mexico: the initial license and the Level 3 license. In New Mexico, teachers' aides are also referred to as education assistants. Read on to learn the steps for both of these licenses.
Requirements for Teachers' Aides in New Mexico
| Average Salary for Assistant Teachers in New Mexico* | $25,820 |
| Required Degree | High School / Associate's Degree |
| Required Field | Education |
| Testing Requirements | None |
Source: *Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)
Step 1: Complete Schooling Requirements
Becoming an education assistant in New Mexico requires only a high school diploma or the equivalent. According to TeachNM.org, students must also complete at least two years of post-secondary study. To earn the Level 3 license, you must complete an associate's degree with courses in math, reading, writing, professional education, and language arts.
Step 2: Complete Application Requirements
For both of the licenses, you're required to complete the application and submit a processing fee of $35. You must also submit the superintendent's verification form. This must be completed and signed by the superintendent of your district on the district's letterhead. There is a template form that should be used as a guide for the superintendent. You will also need to be fingerprinted and have a background check run, so be sure to complete this process within plenty of time before applying.
Step 3: Pass Exams
While there are no required exams to get the initial licensure, you will need to take an exam for the Level 3 license. There are three options that you can sit for, and all three test you on math, reading, and writing. The ParaPro Assessment is given by Praxis. You have 150 minutes to complete 90 multiple-choice questions. You must earn a score of 457 to pass in New Mexico.
The second option is the Para Educator online training program through the Master Teacher. You must earn at least 70% in each section to have it considered eligible. Finally, the third option may be the most versatile. The Essential Academic Skills test is part of the National Evaluation Series (NES). This exam is required for all prospective teachers. This is a 3-part exam. You'll be given 205 minutes to complete all three subtests. There are 126 multiple-choice questions and one essay that need to be completed. You must score higher than 220 for it to be eligible. This exam may help you should you wish to continue your education to the next level and try to become a licensed teacher.
Certification Resources in New Mexico for Teachers' Aides
It is important to have a good list of resources when studying for exams. Here, we've compiled a list of some study guides for the exams you may take during your licensure process.
- Prepare for the National Evaluation Series (NES) Exams
- Praxis ParaPro Assessment: Practice & Study Guide