Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project
About the Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project
CNM’s Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project is a paid, year-long program for individuals who want to teach in and for Native communities. Residents work alongside a mentor teacher while taking CNM licensure coursework. Participants receive a $35,000 stipend over their time in the classroom and become eligible for a New Mexico teacher dual licensure in Elementary (K-8) / Special Education (PreK-12) or Secondary (6-12) / Special Education (PreK-12).
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- No current teaching license (Educational Assistant and Substitute licenses are allowed and encouraged)
- Commitment to teaching in a school serving Indigenous students and communities in New Mexico for three years
If you are interested in training to become a teacher for Native communities or would like to host a CNM teacher resident in your classroom, please fill out the Interest Form below.
CNM is collaborating with schools and districts that can:
- Identify high-quality mentor teachers willing to host a resident for the academic school year
- Provide residents with opportunities to gain hands-on classroom experience while working alongside an experienced mentor teacher
- Consider hiring program graduates who successfully complete the residency and obtain licensure
- Support a sustainable, community-centered teacher preparation model that strengthens Native education
If you would like to partner with CNM, please contact Monika Whitmore at mwhitmore6@cnm.edu.
Student Spotlight
Amaya Garnenez learned about the Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project as she was conducting research for her senior thesis. Now, she's a CNM graduate and will begin teaching full-time at an Indigenous school in New Mexico. Read more about Amaya's experience and how the Indigenous Teacher Preparation Project is addressing the teacher shortage.
The program seemed aligned with my goals. Once we got started, I found that the cohort had people from similar backgrounds as mine, all working toward a similar goal. I loved the sense of community we built. — Amaya Garnenez