Changing Careers
There are many opportunities for qualified professionals looking to move into teaching. Some people come to our District as Peace Corps Fellows or Teach for America corps members. Some are looking for a second career while others are seeking meaningful work. One of our teachers, who formerly worked in business, said of his work with students: “I no longer wake up in the morning wondering what my life is about.”
Knowledge from different fields
Engineers could teach math or physics; lawyers might bring a unique perspective to social studies; retired doctors could translate their experiences to students in the sciences; people with work experience in the trades can become vocational teachers; tribal elders can seek certification to teach native language and culture.
There are several paths to obtaining licensure or certification, including an option known as alternative licensure, which allows a person to serve as the teacher of record while completing coursework and testing requirements. Support is available for people with experience and content knowledge to become license teachers.
Alternative Licensure
There are different pathways to meet alternative licensure requirements while working in the District. In some cases, additional coursework is required, such as courses on teaching of reading. Another route features the development of a portfolio to demonstrate teaching competence.
To teach Native Language and Culture, a certificate is issued by the New Mexico Public Education Department once testing requirements established by the Navajo Nation are met.
There are national and state programs that support teachers pursuing alternative licensure, including loans, grants, and mentoring. To find out more, please visit www.teachnm.org, or if you prefer, contact our licensure specialist.
Peace Corps Fellows and Teach for America
We are an important destination for Teach for America members in the State of New Mexico, as well as Peace Corps Fellows. We encourage you to apply to our District for an experience that will change your life. Several TFA members are featured in our video testimonials; see for yourself what they have done while staying in our area, and consider joining them. Peace Corps Fellows have a special program at WNMU.