Elementary Education Undergraduate Programs
Elementary Education, B.S. Ed.
The Elementary Education program offers an undergraduate degree for those interested in teaching grades K-8. Graduates will be prepared to become a licensed teacher in New Mexico.
Our program at the UNM College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) strives to prepare the very best teachers for all of New Mexico's children; such preparation is enriched by the diverse cultural and linguistic communities of the region.
If you are seeking to make an everlasting positive impact as an educator on students, families, and communities, then you have come to the right place! You will receive excellent instruction, participate in meaningful field experiences, and be provided with an abundance of support from faculty and staff along the way to becoming a high quality teacher.
Want to learn more? View the UNM Catalog.
Bilingual & TESOL Minors
Interested in receiving training to teach in another language or to further help students who do not speak English? Look no further! At the COEHS we offer minors in Bilingual and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) which can result in additional endorsements for your teaching license. This is a great opportunity to better serve your students and their families.
Program Highlights
At the COEHS, you are not only receiving an exemplary education from the State’s Flagship University but through your experience and preparation you become a highly qualified teacher candidate.
- 100% of NM principals surveyed would recommend hiring graduates from UNM.
- Teacher candidates receive extensive clinical preparation alongside a Cooperating Teacher in a New Mexico classroom!
- Various concentrations are available, including Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
- Online classes are offered every semester.
- Culturally relevant and sustaining practices are foundational to our program.
- More than 60 scholarships are available to make your education even more affordable! Want to learn more? View Grow Your Own Teacher or Teacher Preparation Affordability scholarships.
Next Steps
Whether you’re a current UNM student seeking to apply to the program, or just starting from square one, you are encouraged to connect with our COEHS Advisement Team via the buttons below. They will happily schedule a meeting with you to go over any questions you may have! Please also take a moment to review the Application & Requirements page which may answer some of your initial questions about applying to the program.
Should you want to connect with our TEELP Department directly about program-specific questions, please email us at eled@unm.edu.
Application Deadlines
Fall Semester: July 1
Spring Semester: December 1
How to Apply
- Complete at least one semester at UNM and establish a 2.75 GPA or higher.
- Click this link to access the TK20 Application System and log in with your UNM Net ID and Password.
- Complete and submit the TK20 application, which includes the following:
- Questions on basic demographic information.
- Designate intended major and minor (if applicable).
- Provide Statement of Teaching Philosophy (500 words maximum)
If admitted, a letter of acceptance will be sent to you with steps to begin the process of working with Field Services and to prepare for Student Teaching. Your information will then be updated in LoboWeb for the semester of your acceptance and you will continue to meet with COEHS Advisors as you complete the program.
Seeking initial UNM admission?
If you are seeking initial admission to the UNM Main Campus as a first-time student, or as a transfer student, you must begin by applying to the University via the UNM Admissions Office and you will be placed as a “Pre-Admitted Elementary Education” student in the system. This does not prevent you from taking courses that will apply to the Elementary Education Program, and you will still receive semesterly advisement from COEHS Advisors.
Completing the general UNM Admissions application and being admitted to the University is just the first step. Once the Elementary Education application requirements are met, you will complete a separate application specifically to COEHS for the Elementary Education Program via the TK20 system as outlined below.
Should you have any questions regarding the application process, email our COEHS Advisement Team at coeac@unm.edu and they will be able to further assist you.
Notice: Students are strongly encouraged to work on taking and successfully completing the New Mexico State Licensure Testing prior to applying but will not be denied if exams have not yet been completed or are in progress.
Should you have any questions regarding your readiness to apply to the program you are encouraged and welcomed to email our COEHS Advisement Team at coeac@unm.edu and they will be able to further assist you.
Forms & Resources
Leading New Mexico in Educator Preparation and Research
The overall mission and purpose of our work within the Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy Department is to prepare and support teachers, teacher educators and teacher leaders who support the children and families of New Mexico. Read more about our Mission and Core Values.
