About

Become a teacher in your Indigenous Nation & 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

Native American Teacher Preparation Program Support

In-state tuition and fees
- Full-time tuition and fees for undergraduate sohmores, juniors, & seniors
- Full tuition and fees for graduate students
Book/Materials Stipend
PRAXIS Preparation and Test Fees
Licensure Fees for NM Elementary or Secondary Certification
Mentorship
- IAIE Faculty
Professional Development

Application Requirements

Letter of intent
Complete NATPP application with all requested documents provided (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 schools that serve Indigenous K-12 students

Undergraduate Funding

At the Undergradute level NATPP prioritizes students who are working toward NMPED licensure.

AA/AS Accepted Programs

NATPP supports students at UNM branch campuses who are pursuing AA/AS degree programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Education, etc. who are committed to continuing in a UNM COEHS BA/BS program that leads to licensure.

BA/BS Accepted Programs

Health, Exercise, & Sports Sciences

- Physical Education Teacher Education

Individual, Family, & Community Education

- Family and Child Studies: Early Childhood Multicultural Education Pre K-3 Licensure

Special Education

- Dual License Preparation in Elementary Education & Pre-K-12 Special Education

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

- Elementary Education

- Secondary Education

Art Education

- Art Education with Licensure

Graduate Funding

At the Graduate level NATPP prioritizes students who are working toward licensure and works to increase the knowledge of multiculural educational thought and Indigenous education. NATPP does not fund students pursuing Doctoral studies.