ABQ Times

Data from the University of New Mexico's College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) indicates a significant trend of students switching their majors to teaching fields. Over the past five years, approximately 300 students annually have changed their major to pursue a teaching licensure bachelor's degree. This shift includes 194 students from the College of Arts and Sciences who transitioned to secondary education.

Jay Parkes, Associate Dean of Student Success in COEHS, expressed optimism about this trend, stating, "We’re talking about hundreds of students a year, it's very heartening to see."

The data shows that students are transitioning from various majors such as Undecided, Nursing, Psychology, Business Administration, and Biology. Notably, 36 pre-biology majors switched to elementary education and 17 more to secondary education.

Jessica Chavez serves as an example of this shift. Initially a pre-med major at UNM, she realized her passion for teaching during her freshman year. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 2004 and later earned her Master's degree from UNM. Now the principal of Dennis Chavez Elementary School in Albuquerque, Chavez reflects positively on her decision: "Teaching was a calling, not a backup."

Chavez emphasizes the importance of educators' roles: "We must help students succeed... because these young people grow up into our neighbors, our teachers, our doctors, our community members, and our future leaders."

UNM plays a crucial role in supplying teachers for New Mexico's workforce. According to Parkes, UNM contributed about 33% of new entrants into the state's workforce during 2022-2023 and produces around 19% of all credentialed teachers annually.

Parkes highlights the university's efforts to address teacher shortages: “It really has been part of a concerted effort university-wide to respond to the teacher shortages in the state."

In addition to undergraduate programs, many UNM graduates are pursuing Graduate Certificates in Elementary or Secondary Education for post-bachelor Teacher Licensure. In recent years, 81 bachelor's degree recipients have entered these programs.

“The GCERTs are an excellent choice for someone close to finishing a bachelor’s degree who wants to change to teaching,” says Parkes.

Students interested in switching their major are encouraged to consult with COEHS advisors early on.