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.
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 Statistics
Cohorts
Counties Served
School Partners
New Teachers Prepared
Program Costs
Open Enrollment Application Fee: (Nov. 16,2026-July 19, 2027) – $100
Late-Hire Enrollment Application Fee: (July 20, 2027-Aug. 12, 2027) – $250
Single License: $4,000 ($2,000 per semester)
Dual License: $5,000 ($2,500 per semester)
Books: $200 (prices may vary)
Travel & Accommodations: for attending monthly Professional Development sessions and the LEAP into Action conference
We look forward to opening Cohort 9 public applications November 16th, 2026, stay tuned…
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.
Contact Leap
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To collaborate with LEAP on your teacher preparation initiatives, contact Alexis Esslinger
For Program Questions, Please contact us at
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