Student Teacher or Resident Teacher

This posting is for the 2026/2027 School Year

Please note: This is not a paid position. This posting is for college students who are currently enrolled in a program requiring student teaching.

Student Teachers:

Student Teaching is one of the most valuable experiences of your educational career. RRPS is dedicated to work with our educational partners in supporting completion of the student teaching experience required by the State of New Mexico and the Public Education Department for the certification of teachers. RRPS will provide appropriate student teacher placement that allows the student teacher to meet all certification requirements.

The following universities/colleges have an MOU in place with RRPS:

• University of New Mexico
• Central New Mexico Community College
• New Mexico Highlands University
• University of Phoenix
• Western New Mexico University

Once an MOU is established universities/colleges may coordinate student placement directly with local school administration. Final acceptance of placement is determined by the school administrator.

Student Teacher Placement Requirements

Student teachers requesting placement in the Rio Rancho Public Schools District are required to:

• submit an Online Student Teaching Application,
• complete a Background/Fingerprint Check.
• complete paperwork packet with Substitute Services Specialist

Contact HRSubstitute Services Specialist Claudine Baldwin, (505) 896-0667 ext. 51243, to obtain detailed instructions for obtaining the background check and to schedule an appointment to complete required paperwork. Upon completion of all required paperwork, as well as confirmation of a clear background check, the site administrator will be notified by Substitute Services that the student teacher is cleared to report for their assignment.

Should any problems arise, the cooperating teacher should first contact the designated school administrator who, in turn, should contact the university director or coordinator for assistance as needed.

Substituting During Student Teaching

• Student Teacher may Substitute for the cooperating teacher only if permitted by the attending university/college.
• Documentation must be provided to Human Resources.
• Student Teacher must apply through Kelly Education in order to Substitute.
• UNM: Student teachers may not substitute for more than 10 days for their mentor teacher without permission from college and HR Operations Manager.

For additional information, please contact Sarah Little, Substitute Services Specialist, Sarah.Little@rrps.net or by phone at 505.962.1243.

An Equal Opportunity Employer