Welcome to the College of Education
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the College of Education at Western New Mexico University. As you learn more about us, you will be impressed with our commitment to excellence in the classroom, our partnerships with community organizations, institutions, and schools, and our dedication to sharing our expertise, creativity, and collaborative spirit. Our faculty, staff, and students are committed to active teaching and learning, culturally responsive practices, and community engagement. The College of Education is dedicated to preparing professionals who can make a significant impact in education, counseling, and health sectors. Our comprehensive programs are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to excel in diverse professional environments. Our commitment is reflected in all that we do — our values, mission, teaching, and partnerships with our communities, local schools, and institutional partners.
The College consists of three departments, each offering a robust range of programs designed to meet diverse professional goals:
- Early Childhood Education Programs: Our programs prepare future educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the developmental and educational needs of young children, laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
- Teacher Preparation Programs: We provide comprehensive preparation for aspiring K-12 educators, focusing on best practices, innovative teaching methods, and culturally responsive pedagogy. Our goal is to develop teachers who are well-prepared to foster student success in diverse classroom settings.
- Advanced Clinical and Education Programs: This department encompasses an expansive array of professional preparation programs including disability and rehabilitation services, addictions counseling, health science education, community health workers, physical education, professional clinical counseling, educational leadership, and literacy.
These programs are designed to meet industry-recognized credential training requirements and prepare highly skilled professionals who can address the diverse needs of communities and contribute to health, well-being, and educational excellence. As you explore our websites, you will discover that the College of Education offers a range of programs to help you meet your professional goals.
Whether you aspire to be a teacher supporting students’ learning, a counselor providing essential support to individuals, or a health promotor inspiring community well-being, we are here to help you achieve your aspirations through rigorous professional preparation. I look forward to you joining us here in the College of Education.
Sincerely, Dr. Cindy Martinez Dean, College of Education