OPAL for Reviewers

We are now accepting applications for new external reviewers.

The Institute of Professional Development at the University of New Mexico is seeking applicants to review Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL). As part of New Mexico's alternative licensure, the OPAL offers teacher candidates opportunities to become a teacher. Each OPAL is reviewed by two trained reviewers, one of whom must have experience in the same grade level or content area.

OPAL Reviewer Eligibility Requirements

The Online Portfolio for Alternative Licensure (OPAL) is the online system you will use to complete an individual profile and to upload your portfolio template and support materials for review by officials in your district, by independent reviewers and the Public Education Department.

Reviewers will be selected based on areas of licensure and endorsement and geographic area. Particular areas of need are bilingual, physical education, vocational education, agriculture, family and consumer sciences and library/media.

• Reviewers must complete an application and be accepted as a potential reviewer before attending a training.
• Reviewers must participate in an annual calibration session and demonstrate accurate scoring.

Upon receipt and approval of your application, you may be invited to register for training.

Reviewers must also agree to follow all policies of the program and attend yearly updates. Review of the OPALs is online, and you will be offered an honorarium of up to $75 for each dossier you review.

Submit a OPAL Reviewer application.

To participate in a OPAL Reviewer training session you must be accepted as a OPAL Reviewer. Upon receipt and approval of your application, you may be invited to register for training.

For questions concerning OPAL reviewer application, contact ipd@unm.edu.

For questions concerning technical requirements or difficulty with VisionLink system, including password or login issues: opalhelp@visionlink.org