Graduate Certificate in Special Education PreK-12 Teacher Licensure (GCERT)
The SPCD Licensure GCERT program prepares reflective practitioners who are committed to the highest quality of services for students with disabilities and their families through aligning curriculum, instruction, classroom management, assessment, and field experience with foundational concepts reflecting both seminal and current research in the field of special education.
Special Education Teacher Training (SETT)
SETT is a partnership between the Albuquerque Public Schools, Albuquerque Teacher’s Federation, and the University of New Mexico (UNM) to train highly qualified special educators. Teaching students with disabilities is a deeply fulfilling and impactful career that is in high demand. Our vision is to facilitate the development of supportive, effective, and culturally responsive environments for individuals with disabilities and their families. We seek individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to this growing field.
In this comprehensive one-year program, you will:
- Take practice-focused graduate courses in a cohort with fellow Teacher Residents.
- Work in a K-12 special education classroom collaboratively with a master teacher.
- Receive wrap-around support from your co-teacher, APS, and UNM faculty.
- Practice effective, student-centered pedagogy, become proficient in classroom management, and acquire essential expertise in special education case management.
Eligibility
- Must have a BA by May 2027 with a minimum 3.2 GPA
- Be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Successfully complete APS and NMPED background checks and requirements for licensure
- Spend one year as a teacher resident while taking full-time graduate courses at UNM
- Commit to teaching in APS for 3 years post-residency
Benefits
- First-year teacher salary (minimum $56,000) with health benefits
- Paid tuition for 24 graduate licensure credit hours with opportunity to continue working towards completion of a master's degree
- Work in a classroom with a cooperating teacher 4 days a week; take UNM classes one day a week
- Support to obtain special education teacher license, content endorsements, and TESOL endorsement
- Wrap-around support from APS, UNM, and ATF for successful completion of program requirements
- Guaranteed employment with APS for three years post-residency
2027-2028 Application Timeline
Best Consideration: January 15, 2027
Final Deadline: April 1, 2027
Class begins: June 2027
For more information, email Sarah Vogt: Svogt@unm.edu
Ready to apply? https://grad.unm.edu/prospective-students/apply-now.html
Program Requirements
This 21-credit-hour GCERT is designed for individuals with at least a baccalaureate degree to pursue a New Mexico teaching license in Special Education at the PreK-12 grade levels. These include recent graduates, career changers who are now interested in teaching, and general educators who want to be licensed to teach students with disabilities. All candidates must pass the state-mandate licensure portfolio or make provisions with the faculty advisor for alternative options.
Please see our catalog for a list of potential courses. All courses must be completed in consultation with the faculty advisor.
Application Deadline for Domestic Applicants:
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline for International Applicants:
Spring Semester
- Priority: May 1 (for scholarship consideration)
- Final: August 1
- Post-offer materials: Must be received Sept 1
Fall Semester
- Priority: March 1 (for scholarship consideration)
- Final: May 1
- Post-offer materials: Must be received June 1
How do I apply?
- Go to https://www.unm.edu/apply/ to complete the online Graduate Application. There is a non-refundable application fee (paid with credit card online as part of your Graduate Application).
- Click “Albuquerque Campus Applications”.
- Click “Graduate Application”. It will take you to Graduate & Professional Program page.
- Create an account. Follow the Submission Instructions below and submit your online application. Every degree or certificate program needs a separate application. Even if you are a current student, this step still needs to be completed for the GCERT-SPCD.
- One official transcript from each college you have attended. Official transcripts must be sent to Office of Admissions. (Exception: UNM transcripts)
- One unofficial transcript from each college you have attended. (Exception: UNM transcripts).
- A minimum G.P.A. of 3.2 overall or a minimum GPA of 3.2 for the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work.
- One-page letter of intent, a one-page statement about your interest in becoming a special education teacher and professional goals.
- Graduate Certificate in Special Education PK-12 Teacher Licensure. Please upload completed form in the Professional Biographical Form section of the Application Fields.
- Names and e-mail addresses for three professional references. If you are already in a UNM Special Education program, we can use letters of recommendation from your original application file that are less than 2 years old)
Questions?
Contact our Academic Program Coordinator at 505-277-5018 or specialeducation@unm.edu
