About LEAP
Leading Educators through Alternative Pathways (LEAP) is an intensive and innovative approach for a year-long alternative licensure program tailored to prepare teachers to be successful in New Mexico’s diverse classrooms. With the collaboration of stakeholders in education, LEAP was designed to be application-based, asking participants to immediately utilize strategies they learn, and is practitioner-focused, drawing heavily from teachers’ daily problems of practice. Thus, candidates will be required to work in a classroom setting as a teacher-of-record.
LEAP Cohort 8 is open for applications April 1st through April 30th 2026.
Ready to apply? Our partners at TEACH New Mexico will cover up to $100 of any application-related expense! Cashing in is easy. First, create a FREE TEACH New Mexico account. Then click the button above to apply to our program. Lastly, send TEACH New Mexico receipts for any cost you incurred (i.e. application fees, transcript sends, even enrollment deposits). That’s it! We look forward to reviewing your materials!
Mission Statement
CES LEAP is committed to developing quality educators while demonstrating compassion and holding high expectations for culturally responsive teaching and learning across the state of New Mexico. LEAP uses evidence-based strategies to train, coach, and inspire teachers to engage students in ways that make them feel important, cared for, and valued.
LEAP’s vision is that every teacher has foundational teaching skills, demonstrates special education best practices understanding and application and that every teacher takes on the responsibility of applying research-based reading strategies to diverse learners. Curriculum is standards-based, evidence-based, assessment-based, and student-based engaging candidates in an innovative approach to teacher preparation and coupled with mentoring.
LEAP Curriculum and Supports
Instruction includes face-to-face and online professional development (273+ hours).
Candidates are required to attend a pre-service summer institute beginning late-July.
Monthly seminars in their designated region (Saturday 8-4:30pm/1 x month).
District mentor collaboration is required with candidate referrals. Additional LEAP mentor supports are available.
Candidates receive instruction in both areas and are able to test and apply for both a General AND Special Education License (candidate must be teacher-of-record to apply for each license).
Curriculum includes required reading coursework.
Program Costs
Semester One: July – December .……. $2000
Semester Two: January – June ……….. $2000
(Includes: curriculum, instruction, feedback, mentoring, and additional supports)
Application Fee ………………………….. $100
Estimated Book Costs range ……………………. $150.00 – $175.00
Candidate Costs Associated with Travel for the Summer – Institute and Regional Monthly Training….. (lodging, meals, gas, etc.).
Why LEAP was right for me
What makes a Great Educator
Leading Educators through Alternative Pathways (LEAP): Educator Testimony
“After 7 years in higher education administration and 12 years of working in the [for profit sector], I finally saw a window of opportunity in the LEAP program to do what I had always wanted to do: become a certified teacher. However, I couldn’t imagine being in a traditional classroom training program while in my mid-40s, but then I learned of the LEAP program. Affordable, rigorous, practical, and nurturing, the LEAP program was a perfect fit and guided me – giving me a clear path to become a teacher. Through LEAP, I was exposed to various philosophies, organization and communication skills, leadership training, and one-on-one in-classroom mentoring from experienced teachers.”
– Renato Estacio, New Mexico educator
Our Team
Alexis Esslinger
LEAP Program Director
Rene Rohrer
LEAP Facilitator
Tim Flores
LEAP Coach
Yvette Lujan-Flores
LEAP Coach
Angela Stock
LEAP Coach, Las Cruces
Kelly Bowles
LEAP Coach, Roswell
Lauren Butcher
LEAP Coach
Michelle Padilla
LEAP Coach
Aimee Parra
LEAP Coach
Sonia Trujillo
LEAP Coach
Suzanne Zamora
LEAP Coach
Andi Montano
LEAP Coach
Resources
Links to Licensure
Helpful Resources
NMREAP Job Board
Information Sheets
LEAP Statistics
Cohorts
Counties Served
School Partners
New Teachers Prepared
Contact Leap
