Meeting the Needs for Special Education Teachers in New Mexico

Abstract

To meet the needs for special education teachers who are not fully certified (on waiver) throughout the state of New Mexico, an online distance education program was developed through the Office of Licensure and Endorsements for Alternative Preparation in Education at New Mexico State University in the College of Education. In addition to 539 special education teachers who were not fully certified in New Mexico for the 2002–2003 school year, there is a significant shortage of special education teachers in the state. The online special education alternative licensure program was developed in response to these specific state needs. As of the 2004–2005 school year, there were only 58 special education teachers who were not fully certified in New Mexico.

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