Teacher Residency Program
Earn your teaching certification in just three short years through San Juan College’s Alternative Licensure Program. This program is a unique three-year pathway for aspiring educators with a bachelor’s degree or higher, where you’ll receive an immersive, real-world teaching experience and a stipend to support your transition into teaching.
Why Enroll in a Residency Program?
A teacher residency program allows you to enter the classroom within the first year, where you’ll co-teach alongside experienced mentor teachers in local schools. This hands-on approach provides invaluable teaching experience as you work directly with seasoned educators who model best practices and provide real-time guidance.
Through dedicated mentorship, you’ll receive personalized support to refine your skills and navigate the complexities of teaching. By the end of the program, you’ll transition seamlessly into a full-time teaching role equipped with the confidence and expertise to succeed.
Why Enroll in SJC’s Teacher Residency Program
Our program is designed to provide aspiring educators with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to excel in the classroom and make an impact in their communities. We offer three teaching certificate programs designed to prepare you to teach in an elementary, secondary, or special education classroom.
Local Partnerships with School Districts
As a participant, you’ll work in one of San Juan County’s partner districts: Aztec Municipal Schools, Bloomfield School District, Central Consolidated School District, or Farmington Municipal Schools. These partnerships ensure that your residency experience directly contributes to local communities, creating strong connections and a lasting impact. Placement is coordinated by the district and teacher residency coordinator.
Priority Placement
The program provides a seamless transition into a full-time teaching position as a teacher of record after your residency year. You’ll also receive priority placement within your district if positions are available, ensuring a stable and promising start to your teaching career.
Culturally Responsive Training
Our program is committed to preparing educators to meet the diverse needs of students. With a focus on local Indigenous and Hispanic communities, you’ll learn culturally responsive teaching strategies.
Personalized Support
At San Juan College, we understand the importance of individualized support. That’s why our program features small cohorts, one-on-one mentorship, and a dedicated network of educators invested in your success.
The Residency Coordinator serves as your support, confidant, academic advisor, and liaison with the school district. You’ll also receive tutoring and academic counseling to help pass state licensure assessments for Elementary (K-8), Secondary (6-12), and Special Education (K-12), ensuring you have the guidance and encouragement needed to thrive.
Comprehensive Pathway & Earn While You Learn
The Teacher Residency Program’s three-year structure sets it apart. During the first year, you’ll engage in a co-teaching model, working alongside an experienced mentor teacher trained in the New Mexico Public Education Department’s co-teaching strategies. Together, you will share responsibilities for classroom planning, instruction, assessment, and reflection—ensuring a hands-on, immersive learning experience. Plus, you’ll receive a minimum $35,000 stipend to support your transition into teaching.
Following this foundational year, you’ll step into a full-time teaching role with ongoing professional development and mentorship, providing a strong foundation for long-term success. This comprehensive approach blends practical experience, licensure preparation, and continuous growth opportunities, positioning you as a standout educator.
What You’ll Learn from the SJC Teacher Residency Program
The Teacher Residency Program at San Juan College is structured to provide a progressive, hands-on learning experience that equips you with the tools to excel in your teaching career. From day one, you’ll gain practical skills and knowledge tailored to meet the needs of today’s diverse classrooms.
Year 1: Residency
During your residency year, you’ll focus on mastering essential teaching skills while working alongside experienced mentor teachers. Key learning areas include:
- Classroom Management and Co-Teaching Techniques
- Lesson Planning and Instructional Strategies
- Building Positive Relationships
- Culturally Responsive Practices
Years 2 & 3: Teacher of Record - Alternative Licensure Path
As you transition into a full-time teaching role, the program continues to support your growth with advanced training and professional development. Key learning areas include:
- Advanced Instructional Strategies and Differentiation
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Equity and Inclusion Practices
Throughout the program, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become a highly effective, culturally responsive educator.
Curriculum for Alternative Licensure Certificate - Elementary
Curriculum for Alternative Licensure Certificate - Secondary
Curriculum for Alternative Licensure Certificate - Special Education
Careers and Outcomes
San Juan College’s Teacher Residency Program prepares you for a fulfilling and impactful career in education. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills, credentials, and experience needed to make a difference in their classrooms and communities.
Career Readiness
Graduates are fully prepared to step into classrooms as confident, capable educators. With extensive hands-on training and mentorship, you’ll begin your teaching career ready to engage and inspire students from day one.
Teaching Licensure
Complete the program with an NMPED Level I teaching license, opening doors to professional teaching opportunities in New Mexico. Additionally, you’ll have the option to earn endorsements in specialized areas such as TESOL or Gifted Education, further enhancing your qualifications.
Community Impact
As a graduate, you’ll become a trusted educator within San Juan County’s school districts, directly contributing to student success and community development.
Career Growth
Build a strong foundation for long-term advancement in the field of education, including opportunities for leadership advancement.
Teacher Residency Program Eligibility:
- Must be accepted into the SJC Alternative Licensure Program (ALP).
- Must apply for and accept a co-teaching position with a partner school district.
- Must commit to teaching in the district for the duration of the program.
- Must be of Native American or Hispanic heritage to support the program’s goal of increasing diverse educators in San Juan County.
- Must not have previously held a licensed teaching position.
Next Steps
To enter the Teacher Residency program, you must first apply to San Juan College. Declare your program as Alternative Licensure. Be prepared to send all official transcripts.
Complete the ALP Application.
Be prepared to upload the following four required documents:
- Unofficial transcripts from each college/university attended
- Letter of recommendation from a professional reference
- Letter of interest explaining why you want to enter the ALP program
- A current resume
This required assessment helps identify your strengths and areas for growth as a future teacher. Your results will guide mentoring and be discussed in your program entry interview—just be honest, there are no right or wrong answers!
Once you submit your ALP application and complete the survey, we’ll contact you to schedule an in-person interview. During this meeting, we’ll review your transcripts, discuss your self-assessment results, and outline your personalized program plan. If accepted, you’ll receive your acceptance letter, required for employment verification and licensure.
We encourage you to apply for FAFSA and financial aid to explore opportunities that make becoming a teacher in New Mexico affordable. You must complete a financial aid application to see all of your available funding options.
