The state of New Mexico is a haven for undergraduates who receive their B.A. or B.S. degrees not in education but who seek to be teachers. New Mexican public and private elementary, middle and high schools are seeking eclectic and disciplined educators who are eager to contribute a public service in that state.
Mathematics, liberal arts and natural science teachers are in demand there, and in a state with much Hispanic influence, instructors of English are in demand.
New Mexico is also looking for former engineering, technology and hygiene professionals to educate students for the growing areas of infrastructure, MIS and health systems in that state.
If you are a recent college graduate looking to pay back debt, gain experience, and find opportunity and adventure, the state of New Mexico is the right fit for you by a landslide.
Taos, a large town in the north of the state, offers the same feel of Athens with a western setting. Its entertainment, restaurant, recreation and outdoor amenities are second to none statewide. Taos is seeking teachers of English and language arts, but also many science and math instructors to contribute to educating students for its growing alternative energy, silicon-chip and Internet industries.
If you enjoy a larger city with convenient shops, malls and entertainment complexes, then Santa Fe is a good fit to begin a teaching career. Santa Fe is possibly the area with the largest need for English instructors. Being the state capital, it is home to many lawyers, judges and legislators, and might also value students with social science degrees and backgrounds.
Science and industry are growing areas too, and public schools are looking to recruit more numbers of math and health teachers for the inner city.
Finally, Roswell is one of the more scenic towns in New Mexico. Being in an isolated area, it places an emphasis on English and liberal arts teachers. It offers excellent hiking trails and outdoor amenities similar to Taos, but has fewer residents.
In addition to these three places, Albuquerque is a predominantly Hispanic and Native American center with a large population in need of good teachers.
Midwesterners are known throughout the United States for a generalized welcoming demeanor and charm. If you are serious about finding a job with many benefits in warm weather and a lot of adventure, then New Mexico offers everything and more for you.
Young men and women looking to have fun, enjoy the outdoors and begin a career in an amazing state are definitely encouraged to consider going west.
And you don’t need a teaching degree to get a job in education there.
Christopher Myers is a senior studying philosophy.
