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Verified by NM Board of Education

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Licensing in New Mexico

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for special education teachers, middle school in New Mexico, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Special Education Teachers, Middle School in New Mexico

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 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

  1. Licensing Authority

    New Mexico Public Education Department • Offices and Programs

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $75,940 median (17% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #12 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Mexico eligibility requirements for Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Background check required; Background/Criminal Review: Background check required.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to New Mexico Public Education Department~Offices and Programs and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Mexico

With a median salary of $75,940, Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in New Mexico earn 17% above the national median of $64,880. New Mexico ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,189

Median annual salary

$75,940

Hourly estimate

$36.51
17% above national median

Difference: +$11,060

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$55,870
  • P2525th percentile$62,760
  • P50Median$75,940
  • P7575th percentile$79,240
  • P9090th percentile$103,690

State vs National Median

State: $75,940
National: $64,880

Total employment: 720 | Annual openings: N/A

Special Education Teachers, Middle School Salary Ranking

#12 of 50 statesfor Special Education Teachers, Middle School median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$99,270
#2Washington$95,440
#3New York$91,280
#4Rhode Island$89,840
#5Massachusetts$85,020

Nearby States Comparison

Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New Mexico$75,940Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Colorado$62,680Degree requiredThird-party exam required1-2 years
Oklahoma$49,970Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$61,920Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$59,610Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Utah$73,640Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Colorado56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
Utah78HighBoard-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

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$63,990Specific course requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81,700Specific course requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$80,590Specific course requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$62,460Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Special Education Teachers, Middle 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, Middle Schools in New Mexico?

New Mexico lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools.

What education do you need to become a Special Education Teachers, Middle School in New Mexico?

The board typically expects Degree required for Special Education Teachers, Middle School licensure in New Mexico.

What is the typical Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in New Mexico?

The median annual salary for Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in New Mexico is $75,940. Salaries range from $55,870 (10th percentile) to $103,690 (90th percentile).

How does the Special Education Teachers, Middle School salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?

Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools in New Mexico earn 17% above the national median of $64,880, with a state median of $75,940.

How many Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools work in New Mexico?

New Mexico employs approximately 720 Special Education Teachers, Middle Schools according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Special Education Teachers, Middle 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, Middle 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, Middle School license in New Mexico?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.