Native American Teacher Preparation Program

Become a teacher in your Indigenous Nation and community in New Mexico

  • Be a life-long learner
  • Give back to your community
  • Share your passion for knowledge
  • Explore your creativity
  • Inspire generations
  • Empower Indigenous youth

The Institute for American Indian Education (IAIE) at the University of New Mexico is building a community of aspiring Native American elementary, middle, and high school educators who will serve Indigenous Nations and communities across the state of New Mexico.

Apply to the Native American Teacher Preparation Program

Looking for help?

Schedule an advising appointment

Seeking

  • Indigenous undergraduate students in their final two semesters of an educator preparation program in AY 23-24
  • Indigenous college graduates who meet all requirements to enter an elementary or secondary educator preparation program in AY 23-24
  • Indigenous college graduates who need AY 23-24 to meet the requirements to enter an elementary or secondary educator preparation program at UNM in AY 24-25.

Native American Teacher Preparation Program at UNM will provide you with:

  • Advisement
  • Tuition and fees
  • Mentorship by IAIE faculty
  • Support to prepare for PRAXIS
  • Professional development to sustain Indigenous sovereignty, etc.
  • Licensure Fees for NM Elementary or Secondary Certification
  • Advocate for Indigenous teacher candidates during field experience and after
  • Support to complete a MA in LLSS with a concentration in American Indian Education

Funding is available for up to 10 students for AY 23-24

  • In-state tuition and fees
    • Full-time undergraduate seniors
    • Full tuition and fees for full-time graduate students
  • PRAXIS Preparation and Test Fees
  • Licensure Fees for NM Elementary or Secondary Certification
  • Mentorship
    • IAIE Faculty
  • National Indian Education Association Conference
    • Lodging, travel and registration
  • In-State Education Conference for Undergraduate and Graduate Students
    • One night lodging and registration

Scholarship Requirements

  • Letter of intent
  • Complete NATPP application and provide all requested documents (official transcript, tribal enrollment documentation, 2 letters of recommendation, degree checklist)
  • Minimum GPA:
    • Undergraduate students: 3.2
    • Graduate students: 3.0
  • Full-time enrollment
    • Undergraduate students: 12 credits per semester (fall and spring)
    • Graduate students: 9 credits per semester (fall and spring)
  • Commitment to acquiring NM teaching certificate: Elementary or Secondary
  • Commitment to teach in a rural school that serves Indigenous K-12 students

IAIE Mission Statement

The mission of the Institute for American Indian Education (IAIE) at the University of New Mexico is to support community intergenerational well-being and educational outcomes of Indigenous Peoples by cultivating professionals through community engagement and collaborative partnerships

For more information: Contact Professor Glenabah Martinez at glenie@unm.edu

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Our program has determined it meets professional licensure requirements in the state of New Mexico. It has not determined it meets professional licensure requirements in any other state.