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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.
Accepting applications for Cohort 7 starting March 31, 2025.
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 modules (270 hours).
Candidates will be 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 .……. $1500
Semester Two: January – June ……….. $1500
(Includes: curriculum, instruction, feedback, mentoring, and additional supports)
Application Fee ………………………….. $50
Estimated Book Cost ……………………. $350.00
Candidate Costs Associated with Travel for the Summer – Institute and Regional Monthly Training…..$ (lodging, meals, gas, etc.).
Why LEAP was right for me
Our Team
Alexis Esslinger
LEAP Program Director
Jessica Powell
LEAP Facilitator (Literacy)
Tim Flores
LEAP Facilitator (Foundations)
Rene Rohrer
LEAP Facilitator (Special Education/Special Populations)
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
Yvette Lujan-Flores
LEAP Coach
Resources
Links to Licensure
Helpful Resources
NMREAP Job Board
Information Sheets
