Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NM Board of Education
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Licensing in New Mexico
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, kindergarten and elementary school in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 18, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New Mexico
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
New Mexico Public Education Department • Offices and Programs
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$66,490 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
- 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Public Education Department~Offices and Programs and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in New Mexico
With a median salary of $66,490, Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Mexico earn 6% above the national median of $63,000. New Mexico ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,189Median annual salary
$66,490Hourly estimate
$31.976% above national median
Difference: +$3,490
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationSpecial Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School Salary Ranking
#14 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $90,530 |
| #2 | Washington | $85,340 |
| #3 | Connecticut | $81,220 |
| #4 | New York | $80,750 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $78,820 |
Nearby States Comparison
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $66,490 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $63,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-2 years |
| Oklahoma | $49,030 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Texas | $60,270 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $49,760 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Utah | $58,920 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Texas | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Utah | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
New Mexico Public Education Department • Offices and Programs
300 Don Gaspar, Room 103, Santa Fe, NM, 87501
Phone: 5058275800
Related Careers in New Mexico
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,990 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,700 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,590 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $62,460 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New Mexico?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Mexico?
New Mexico lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools.
What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School in New Mexico?
The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School licensure in New Mexico.
What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in New Mexico?
The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Mexico is $66,490. Salaries range from $56,280 (10th percentile) to $94,160 (90th percentile).
How does the Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Mexico earn 6% above the national median of $63,000, with a state median of $66,490.
How many Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools work in New Mexico?
New Mexico employs approximately 1,000 Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license to New Mexico from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary Schools in New Mexico?
The licensing agency is New Mexico Public Education Department / Offices and Programs. Review agency details at https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/licensure/.
How often do you renew a Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School license in New Mexico?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.