• NMPED EDUCATOR FELLOWS PROJECT · REGION 9

Grow Into Teaching,
Right Here at Home.

Get paid to work in a local school while you earn your degree and educator license. The Educator Fellows Project is a two-year, grow-your-own pathway for people with a high school diploma who want to become certified educators.

  • 2 yearsPaid fellowship with a local school district
  • HS diplomaThe starting point — no degree required to apply
  • 1:1 mentorWork alongside an experienced mentor teacher
  • 7 districtsAcross the REC 9 region of Lincoln and Otero counties

A New Mexico Public Education Department program, in partnership with REC 9 in Ruidoso. Shared statewide by REC1.

  • Program sponsorNew Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED)
  • Regional partnerRegion 9 Education Cooperative (REC 9), Ruidoso
  • Shared statewide byFour Corners Regional Education Cooperative #1 (REC1)

About the project

Building the Next Generation of Educators from Our Own Communities

New Mexico schools need more great educators — and many of the best future teachers already live in our towns. The New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) created the Educator Fellows program so school districts can hire and develop local people as they work toward licensure. Originally funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, the program aims to increase the number of qualified educators in New Mexico elementary classrooms and to put more caring adults in every classroom.

In Region 9, Regional Education Cooperative 9 in Ruidoso coordinates the project with member districts. Fellows are hired by a participating district, placed in a school, and supported with coaching, coursework, and a mentor teacher throughout the program.

Depending on the district, fellows may pursue pathways toward becoming:

  • A classroom teacher
  • A school counselor
  • A school business professional

What fellows receive

Earn, Learn, and Get Support Every Step of the Way

  • A paid school position

    Work in a real school, supporting students in small groups and classrooms while you train.

  • Mentoring and coaching

    Partner with an experienced mentor teacher and receive ongoing coaching throughout your time in the program.

  • Support for college coursework

    A stipend toward your postsecondary education, plus paid time to attend classes and program trainings.

  • Licensure costs covered

    Funding for licensure and background check fees as you move toward certification.

Specific pay, stipend amounts, and benefits are set by each hiring district’s grant award. Contact REC 9 for current details.

How it works

Four Steps from Application to the Classroom

  1. Apply

    Submit an application through REC 9 or directly to a participating Region 9 district.

  2. Get hired and placed

    The district hires you as an Educator Fellow and places you in a school with a mentor teacher.

  3. Work and learn

    Support students during the school day while taking college courses and attending fellow trainings.

  4. Grow your career

    Continue into a second year, keep building credits, and move toward your educator license.

Who should apply

Is This You?

Educational assistants, recent graduates, parents, career changers, and community members are all welcome.

  • You have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • You want to become a certified educator in New Mexico.
  • You’re ready to take college coursework while working in a school.
  • You can complete district hiring requirements, including a background check.

REC 9 member districts

Serving Schools Across the Sacramento Mountains and Tularosa Basin

Fellowship openings depend on each district’s participation and grant award for the school year. Check with REC 9 for current openings.

  • CapitanMunicipal Schools
  • CarrizozoMunicipal Schools
  • CloudcroftMunicipal Schools
  • CoronaMunicipal Schools
  • Hondo ValleyPublic Schools
  • RuidosoMunicipal Schools
  • TularosaMunicipal Schools

Resources

Learn More from the Statewide Program

These official NMPED Educator Fellows materials come from the statewide program site at educatorfellows.com.

A statewide model

From Ruidoso to Every Corner of New Mexico

The REC 9 Educator Fellows Project is one of the regional models REC1 shares statewide, so Regional Education Cooperatives and districts across New Mexico can learn from it and build their own grow-your-own pipelines.

Outside Region 9? Contact your own Regional Education Cooperative or local district to ask about Educator Fellows openings near you.

How to apply

Ready to Become an Educator Fellow?

Applications for the cohort are open until .

Apply online Visit educatorfellows.com

Questions? Contact REC 9

Coordinator
Email
Phone
Office
REC 9, Ruidoso, NM