Is it necessary to get a master's in education to teach K12 in New Mexico

Is it necessary to get a master's in education to teach K12 in New Mexico?
University of Phoenix has been calling me to commit to a two year program that they say will give me a master's in education and a big advantage over other people, I already have a master's in biology.
Teaching - 3 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1
If you are already a biology teacher another masters will not help you. If you are not a certified or licensed teacher and this degree will give you teaching certification AND the masters, it may be worth it. Call the NM dept of education and ask. Their answer will be your truth.


2
I graduated from UOP's education master's program (curriculum and instruction). As I interpret your answer, you are wanting to teach in New Mexico and currently have a master's in biology but no degree in education? If you have no education degree, you cannot get a teaching certification to teach K-12 level students. So regardless of what degree you hold, you cannot teach in elementary, middle, or high school without an education degree and pass a certification test. If that's the case, then I would recommend UOP's master program. However, you probably could get a job teaching post-secondary (college) in biology. If you already have a teaching degree and certification and a master's in biology, then having a master's in education makes you no better off than any other teacher with a masters.


3
NO, you do not need to get another master's, there are alternative routes to getting certified in New Mexico, with a post-baccalaureate alternative licensure program or a portfolio. "In either case, one may apply for an Internship License and begin teaching while completing the requirements for Alternative Licensure." New Mexico Public Education Department Pathways to Teaching http://www.teachnm.org/become_a_teacher.html Pathways to Alternative Licensure http://www.teachnm.org/alternative_licensure.html The New Mexico Transition To Teaching program provides support through the porfolio process: http://www.teachnm.org/t2t_about.html If you choose to go through a licensure program, here is the list of approved alternative licensure programs in New Mexico: http://www.teachnm.org/bachelor_teacher_prep.html Are you planning to teach biology? If so, science and math teachers are in high demand. Experience (work and/or teaching) will be your advantage, not a degree from UoP. Good luck.