New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Brandy Acosta
Growing up I never felt successful in school. I tried hard and did okay. But, according to my teachers, I
lacked motivation and was only good at socializing. Every parent-teacher conference my parents were
told the same thing, your daughter’s socializing interferes with her ability to learn. However, all that
changed when I entered Mr. Racek’s Humanities class. Mr. Racek was a big, burly man who loved
learning. His passion for learning was contagious. I accredit my passion for teaching to Mr. Racek. He
is the one teacher who inspired me to always do my best and helped me see that I was capable of being
successful no matter the situation.
I was inspired to become a teacher not only because of Mr. Racek, but also because of the other
teachers who struggled to engage or challenge me. For me, becoming an educator is about helping every
child understand that they are capable and successful of learning anything put before them. There is
nothing more exhilarating than helping a child comprehend a concept that they have struggled with. I
believe in showing respect, leading by example, and creating an environment where students can learn on
their own level through the use of differentiated instruction.
In my 14 years of teaching, at Apache Elementary in Farmington, New Mexico. I have been
privileged to work with some amazing colleagues. These colleagues have encouraged and helped me
become a successful teacher. I have been involved in making a difference at Apache Elementary from the
day I was hired. I am a big proponent of cooperative learning and have helped other teachers successfully
use this technique in their classrooms through professional development. In 2004, I joined the school’s
leadership team and began receiving extensive training from Diane Paynter in the areas of curriculum and
instruction. This training allowed me to put instructional practices in place to help improve student’s
academic achievements. In 2008, I had the privilege of being invited by Dr. Robert Marzano to present
in Denver, Colorado at his conference entitled, Getting Serious About School Reform. In addition to
serving on the leadership team, I serve on the data team, and have mentored many new teachers.
I have served on many district level teams that have written and revised curriculum and interim
assessments for all schools. I was involved in the University of Virginia Turn Around initiative for
Apache Elementary. I attended all retreats and then was responsible for disseminating the information to
my colleagues. The program was very intense, but it has been instrumental in helping educators, such as
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
myself make strategic decisions that help students succeed. In addition to these things, I have attended
numerous state level professional trainings to continue to improve my teaching skills so that my students
are successful. I have worked with many outside agencies to improve my student’s academic and
background knowledge. One of the fun things I initiated when I was hired, was an overnight field trip for
all 5th grade students. Every year the trip is to some new place to help bolster student’s background
knowledge of things found within New Mexico. Last year, the 5th grade partnered with New Mexico
Game and Fish to raise trout in the classroom. The culminating activity included an overnight camping
trip by the river where the trout were released. Of the 76 students who attended, 27 had never
experienced camping before. In addition, 38 of them were able to experience fishing for the first time.
My future goals include finishing my Master’s Degree from the University of the Southwest in
Educational Diagnostics. I began my career wanting to help all students feel important and successful.
Too many times, students who are identified as special needs do not feel successful or hopeful about their
future. My hope is that I can offer support to their learning and aid these students by helping them reach
their greatest potential. In addition to earning my Masters, I would like to continue mentoring new
teachers to help increase the retention of good educators in the profession.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
LeeAnne Becker
I am a native of New Mexico, growing up and living in Belen all of my life. I have been married
to Ralph Becker, a Health Physicist who is originally from Chicago, IL, for 24 years. We have 2
children together: Nicholas, who is a recent Magnum Cum Laude graduate from Arizona State
University with a bachelor’s degree in Animal Physiology and Behavior, and Matthew, who is
currently a junior at The Ohio State University studying Biomedical Engineering.
Several factors were major influences in my becoming a music educator. I grew up with a love
for music, having started taking piano lessons at the age of 5 and flute lessons at 14, and
continuing these activities through high school and college. I gave guitar and flute lessons while
in high school. I was a member of the marching and concert bands during high school and
college, as well as a member of a local church choir, eventually taking over as its director during
my high school years. While in high school I was mentored and encouraged by my band director
to continue to learn and grow in the field of music, thus encouraging me even more to go to
college and pursue a degree in music education.
I graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in Music
Education, but instead of going out to find a job I decided to be a stay-at-home mom for my two
children. It was during this time that I was able to start, and continue to this day, a successful
private piano studio for children and adults in the Belen and surrounding areas. I began my
public school teaching career in 2001 and have worked for the Belen Consolidated School
District (BCS) for the past 14 years. I have taught Elementary General Music at HT Jaramillo
Community School (HTJ) for these 14 years and I am proud to call this school my home away
from home. I have also had the privilege of teaching Elementary General Music at other BCS
sites during this time as well: La Merced Elementary School (Aug 2001 – May 2006); Rio
Grande Elementary School (Aug 2001 – May 2002); Dennis Chavez Elementary School (Aug
2006 – May 2007).
I have become an integral part of the teaching community during my time at HT Jaramillo
Community School and feel that these accomplishments are just some of my contributions to
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
education. I have been part of the Parent Involvement Committee helping to coordinate family
festivals. I also chaired this committee from Aug 2010 – May 2012. I have been a part of the
Leadership Team since 2013, and have been on the Scholastic Book Fair Committee since 2010.
The teachers at HTJ have also asked me on several occasions to teach a reading group during our
school wide RTI intervention time. Since 2007 I have been the coordinator of the Loyal and
True Elementary Rhythm Band for BCS elementary schools, which includes taking
approximately 100 elementary students to a high school football game to experience firsthand a
live marching band and to give these students the opportunity to perform with the band during a
half time show, with the goal of attracting future musicians and educators. I have also helped the
students of HTJ successfully prepare and perform numerous music performances for the
community and families of HTJ.
I firmly believe that my responsibilities to the students of this school is to lay a strong foundation
that will foster a high level of understanding and appreciation of the musical arts, to nurture all
student’s natural love of music, and to provide opportunities for all students to develop basic
music skills. I provide well rounded music classes to all students, having created music lesson
plans that often incorporate math, language, reading and history. All students are given the
opportunity to play musical games, sing, move, add instrumental accompaniment to songs, and
even create their own music pieces using basic rhythmic notation. They are encouraged to work
in large or small groups, or work individually offering them hands on learning opportunities and
experiences. I love working with students every day and I can't imagine doing anything else. My
passion for teaching music, along with learning new things to share with my students has
resulted in a very engaging and energetic teaching style in my classroom.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Joseph Cahill
Teaching has always been a driving force in Joey Cahill’s life. His family’s foundation was build
upon guiding youth to academic success through meaningful instruction. His mother loved
teaching the little ones (kindergarten and first grade), and his father was a highly respected and
effective 7th grade English teacher, so Joey was thoroughly immersed in an educational
atmosphere from a very early age. So much so, that it was not unexpected when Joey decided to
become a teacher and follow his family’s example.
At Hot Springs High School (HSHS) in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, he began his
educational career. He started teaching Sophomore, Junior, and Senior English. At HSHS, he
developed many of the educational strategies that guided his understanding of the value of lesson
plans and reinforced the commitment to maintain an organized classroom to improve effective
teaching. Joey recalls his father instilling this wisdom in him from a young age when he would
remark, “Joe, put out the little fires before they become big fires”. Joey quickly learned that by
maintaining a safe and educationally oriented atmosphere, he could predict and efficaciously
address the needs (and quirks) of his students.
In the early 90’s, Joey returned to college at New Mexico State University to pursue his Masters
Degree in English/Rhetoric Composition. While there, had the opportunity to work as a teaching
assistant. It was at NMSU where he found a new passion for working with young adults while
teaching English 111 and Technical Communication 218. It was during this valuable time that
Joey was able to observe firsthand how an effective secondary education prepared students for
the demand and rigor expected in the college classroom. Conversely, he was also able to see how
an ineffective secondary education crippled current performance, and delayed developmental
growth when compared to their peers with adequate academic skills – he poignantly remembered
these experiences and actively worked to counter this when he returned to public education.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
After earning his Masters Degree, Joey had the opportunity to teach at the El Paso Community
College (Val Verde Branch). The change in educational landscape changed his perspective in
educational attainment to a focus on the unique needs of students from the borderland. He found
that proficiency with technology was one of the largest factors contributing to success and
educational attainment and dedicated his time to spending extra hours tutoring and providing
word processing tutorials to students.
While his time in higher education was purposeful, he found himself drawn back to public
education, and for the next 16 years, he worked at Sierra Middle School. Here he taught 8 th grade
English, advanced 9th grade English, and yearbook. Working with inner-city students proved
challenging yet rewarding. After many years, Sierra shifted its focus and became a magnet
school – concentrating on science, media, and dance. Within the science magnet, Joey worked
closely with students, parents, and his fellow teachers to prepare students for a variety of
technical and vocationally driven fields.
When Joey and his family had the chance to live and teach in Alaska, they jumped at the
opportunity. Taking increasingly smaller (and scarier) airplanes, they arrived at Nikolai, Alaska,
– deep in the Alaskan bush. Joey was the lead teacher for the Top of the Kuskokwim School. He
taught a variety of subjects including science, algebra, physical education, English, and wood
shop from grades 7 – 12, while his wife, Leticia, taught all subjects grades K – 6. The
opportunity to incorporate Athabaskan tradition and culture throughout the school and classroom
activities was invaluable. Welcoming elders into the classroom was a particularly insightful and
rewarding experience. Being a teacher and being welcomed into the Athabaskan community
provide unique, life changing insights. Seeing and experience the success and challenges faced
by Native Americans imparted special perceptions and awareness. These experiences have
helped modify and improve his educational perspectives and strategies.
Joey and his family returned to the Hatch Valley in 2010, and he has been teaching English III,
AP English and Composition, and yearbook ever since. Working with students, parents, and
community leaders, he has created the publication for the Mayor’s Top Teens, written articles
about students for the newspaper, and created endless slide shows for sports banquets, meetings,
and end of year productions. One of his favorite afterschool activities is announcing for football
games where he has been officially dubbed ‘The Voice of Hatch Valley High’. Joey uses this
valuable platform as an opportunity to recognize students, other athletic teams, and parents
because he believes everyone deserves a ‘shout-out’.
In 2012, Joey decided to return to school to earn his second Master’s Degree in Educational
Administration. In 2014, he earned his degree and shortly thereafter received his license in
Educational Administration. Since then, he has filled the administrative role when necessary at
sporting events, general management of students, and provided leadership and collaboration to
fellow teachers.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Out of school, Joey continues to work the youth of the community. He has been a volunteer
Hunter’s Safety Instructor for the past 19 years – always promoting ethical practices, education,
responsibility, and safety. In addition, he established the Southern New Mexico Scholastic Pistol
Team and serves as the head coach. This club is the first one to be established in New Mexico.
Joey was asked once, “What have you contributed to Education”? Honestly, he does not know;
“Education” is a large, vacuous, and impersonal term. What Joey does know, however, is that he
has helped his students facilitate their own success. All students have potential, skills, talents,
interests, and strengths – often, they are unaware of their own potential and are crippled by lack
of confidence. Ultimately, he is blessed by teaching in a small, migrant community. Too often,
these communities are over looked, looked down upon, or dismissed. His students and his
community have the talent, drive, and ability to succeed at any task, and he helps them realize
this and develop their skills so they can become successful self-facilitating, self-advocating, and
self-reliant learners.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Maria Cintas
My inspiration to be a classroom teacher had to be when I was a student in high school. I never really
saw the importance of academics, but rather the importance of the difference teachers make in student’s
lives whether positive or negative. I never realized that academics and making a difference were related. I
wanted to take the negative and make a positive difference in the lives of others. I actually wanted to go
into the field of counseling and strengthen student’s self-worth. When I actually entered the classroom I
realized that I was in the front lines, the trenches, you may say to change a student’s life, better yet, to
change many students’ lives. Many times working with teenagers they don’t know the importance of
something until years later. They don’t know the lesson will relate until years later, but when they finally
realize the lesson they come back and let me know they learned the lesson. Learning is a lifelong journey
and along with my students I continue to learn from them on a daily basis. I am blessed to be a teacher,
but I am also challenged on a daily basis with questions of doubt. When students understand the human
nature of life, they understand that in teaching they are learning and in learning they are teaching.
There is a lot that I have contributed to education and students in all different aspects. For the teaching
part I have taught 7th-12th grade History, Psychology, English Language Arts, Service Learning and
TESOL. Currently I teach 10th-12th grade English Language Arts and a Service Learning class. I am really
involved in student’s lives in so many different ways. I am their teacher and a mentor. I currently work
with Non Violence Works and mentor students across different ages. I am also a mentor to new teachers
within the district. I am also the Honor Society sponsor for grades 7 th-12th. We currently have 53 students
involved in the organization. I am also Community Build Adviser that works closely with the local
government, schools, religious organizations and local businesses. We have done various community
service projects (18 total last year) that allow students to help their community in various efforts such as
blood drives, feeding the elderly, visiting the local living centers, veteran care packages, domestic
violence care packages, park clean up, community beautifying project, St. Jude’s fund drives, Hemophilia
awareness and restoration of San Antonio del Rio Colorado project. I have also been a team mother for
football and baseball providing meals for all football and baseball players in the high school cafeteria
before games or providing snacks for games. I have organized spirit banners and send offs for the players
before their games. I believe that teaching children comes in different shapes and forms. Being a teacher
in my eyes is not a 7:30-3:30 job. It is countless hours of encouraging, shaping and developing character.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
The students are making connections among academics and real world situations that they will encounter
throughout their lives. The learning process does not end with me on what they have learned or if they
have passed the class. The learning process will begin on a whole different aspect, but using the lessons
they have learned while in my classroom and outside of my classroom will stay with them for a lifetime.
Learning and transformation go hand in hand. Education can create leaders with the mere guidance and
molding of character. The students I have come across in the past fourteen years amaze me with their
brilliance, intelligence and character. They are the reason I continue, they are the reason I teach and they
are the reason I know that one person can change the world.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Brenda Dominguez
Brenda Dominguez was born in Santa Fe, NM, where she attended Santa Fe Public Schools. She
graduated from New Mexico State University, and received a B.A. in Philosophy and a B.A. in
Psychology. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State
University. After teaching in Los Angeles for 2 years, she returned to Santa Fe, and has found her
passion teaching elementary grades. Currently, she teaches third grade at Amy Biehl Community
School.
Brenda was inspired to become an educator when she gained an awareness of the struggles faced by
students with cognitive, language, and economic obstacles. She wanted to help students reach beyond the
limits they believed to be their own. Continued inspiration is found as she observes her students make
connections and exceed their goals. Her mission is to ensure that all students are presented with equal
opportunities to excel and that they feel empowered to make positive change in their ever-evolving world.
In addition to maintaining high academic expectations and developing engaging lessons, Brenda supports
the educational system in numerous ways. She works with community organizations to bring more
environmental education into her school site. Her activities with Audubon, Earth Care, and Jane
Goodall’s Roots ‘n’ Shoots organization contributed to her school’s recognition by the U.S. Department of
Education as a Green Ribbon School in 2014. She demonstrates leadership skills while performing her
duties as grade level representative and as a member of her school’s Leadership Council. She has
worked with teachers and administrators within the district to create Common Core curriculum guides and
overviews, and has presented mini-workshops focusing on developing “Reading Response Journals”,
“Math Journals”, “PARCC Practice”, and “Utilizing Student Data”.
Brenda considers herself a lifelong learner, growing professionally and personally because of her
interactions with colleagues and students. She is currently in her seventeenth year of teaching, and is excited
that she still feels like a ‘new’ teacher.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Edward Gonzales
Eddie Gonzalez has been a New Mexico teacher for eight years. He has taught at various levels and
subjects, from Studio Art in elementary schools and at the Santa Fe Youth Shelter to Film History at the
College of Santa Fe. However, most of his teaching years have been devoted to teaching high school
Social Studies in Albuquerque. Originally Dominican, Eddie moved to Rhode Island at the age of eleven
and was eventually drawn to the beauty of New Mexico to study cinematography and secondary
education at the college level. His philosophy of education is rather simple: teachers must engage
students in learning important concepts and skills and facilitate learning for diverse learners. Over the
years, Eddie has demonstrated an unique ability to get his students passionate and intrigued by history,
government, and economic issues. While fullfilling his full time teaching responsibilities where his
students take priority, Eddie has found a way to mentor and coach other teachers. Eddie’s biggest pride
however, lies in his work with the Albuquerque community. Three years ago, he introduced service
learning to the charter school in which he works. Since then, students have taken on individual and
group projects that have shaped lives and communities, including their own. At the very core of this
teacher lies an individual fully dedicated to improving the lives of his students.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Melissa Gregg
For as long as I can remember, I have always held my teachers in such high regard; I guess you
can call it reverence. As a child, I looked up to all teachers, not just my own, and have felt an attraction
to having my own classroom and being responsible for my own group of students. The inspiration to be
a classroom teacher, I believe, can be attributed to having amazing teachers throughout my educational
career and from watching my aunt transform so many of her students’ lives. I personally witnessed
several of these transformations, and in teaching and growing with the students she taught, I witnessed
the life of my aunt being touched along the way as well. She lost her daughter in an auto accident in
1998, and professed daily that her classroom students helped get her through one of the hardest and
darkest periods in her life. I now understand her sentiment, and can connect on so many levels. I was
also raised with other members in my family who fulfilled educational roles such as principal, librarian,
teacher, and grant coordinator just to name a few. I saw them work endless hours, watched them
dedicate their lives to their professions, and knew I wanted to devote my life to others in a similar way.
Teaching and inspiring America’s youth to be the very best version of themselves provides an immense
amount of inspiration and joy to me.
There are many reasons why I have chosen to stay in the teaching profession. One of the most
prominent is because I believe all students can learn and need to feel loved and valued to a certain
degree. Teachers, in my opinion, assume the role of much more than “teacher.” Teachers are nurses,
counselors, nutritionists, motivators, friends, and to so many children in today’s society, teachers are
family. It is highly important to me that my students feel validated and realize they contribute so much
to the classroom. I often use the saying that “everyone is an expert in something, but no one is an
expert in everything.” I believe this mantra levels the playing field, so to speak, and fosters a climate of
learning, camaraderie, and equity. My goal is to make all students feel as though they are the
champions in their own lives, while they learn, grow, stretch and reinvent thinking and learning along
the way. I continue to teach because, simply put; I truly do love kids.
Personally, I believe it’s very difficult to capture all of the contributions made by teachers in
education today. The importance of teacher collaboration, continued professional development, and
fostering positive student and parent relationships cannot be emphasized enough. Some of the areas in
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
which I contribute include teacher/student mentorship, instructional technology implementation, data
disaggregation & leadership, textbook adoption, curriculum development, reading accountability, fine
and visual arts curriculum integration, and community outreach. However, I truly believe that the single
most important factor in students’ academic success is the paradigm shift to a growth mindset.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
David Morales
David E. Morales was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He is in his eleventh year as a social
studies teacher at Mayfield High School in the Las Cruces Public Schools. He is the son of Mexican
immigrant parents, Julian Sr. and Margarita Morales and is married to Delilah Morales. Together they
have three children, Jenna Luz, Mayteana Soledad, and Isaac Eugene.
David’s upbringing guided his path to becoming a teacher. Growing up in the lower-income Mesquite
Historical District of Las Cruces, he attended Booker T. Washington Elementary School both Alameda
and Sierra Junior High Schools and is a graduate of the school where he teaches; Mayfield High School.
The impact of challenges and influences while growing up were all part of his decision to contribute back
to his community by becoming a public school teacher and hopefully influencing those who are guided
by negative influences in the community.
To say that the path David took in becoming a teacher was unconventional is a great understatement.
He did not excel in high school meeting minimal requirements in order to graduate and at the insistence
of his late mother began classes at the Dona Ana Branch Community College pursuing an Associates of
Arts degree in Water Technology. His first year was positive but then he began to struggle being in
school and gave up on college becoming one of many who drop-out after the first year.
He shares with his students the struggles in life that eventually put him back in college eight years later
after working as a banquet server, porter and bartender. In between all of these occupations, he
managed to find time to fall in love, marry, and start a family. Just when he was ready to embark upon a
career in restaurant management, a good friend called him and asked him if he was interested in
becoming a Junior Varsity Soccer Coach for a local high school. Mr. Morales jumped at the chance.
He began interacting with the players, building long lasting, positive relationships, which sparked his
interest in becoming an educator. He had found his calling and returned to school enrolling at New
Mexico State University to continue his education. Mr. Morales excelled and in his final year was
nominated for Outstanding Senior for the College of Education at New Mexico State University.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Mr. Morales has been recognized for his work and service with students. In 2008 he was a “Character
Counts Teacher of the Year Finalist”, in 2013 he received the “Excellence for Student Achievement
Award” from the Las Cruces Public Schools Board. In April, 2015 he was named the “2015-2016 Las
Cruces Public Schools Teacher of the Year,” nominated by his students and awarded by a panel made up
of his colleagues. In May, 2015 he received “The Bridge of Excellence Award” and was inducted as a
“The Bridge Academy of Excellence Fellow.” Most recently, Mr. Morales was recognized as an
“American Graduate Champion” by KRWG-TV and The Corporation for Public Broadcasting. While he
has received these recognitions, Mr. Morales still does not forget his roots and where he came from.
Mr. Morales has come a long way from the student he was, to the teacher he is. Currently he teaches
New Mexico History, ENLACE (Engaging Latino Communities for Education), in the English Language
Learner Summer Academy, Credit Recovery Night School, and was a facilitator with the Institute for
Parent Engagement. He also teaches New Mexico History and United States History with the LCPS
Virtual Learning Academy. In addition, he is the current Assistant Varsity Coach for the Lady Trojan
Soccer team.
He is fortunate to teach today in one of the classrooms where he was a student in high school which
drives him to be innovative, persistent, positive, and caring with his students and colleagues. He looks
at each student as an individual with different needs and expectations.
His contribution to education is actually caring for his students, making
sure we go to college and not mess up like he did. He wants the best for
his students. He gives us advice and shares life experiences so that it can
help us in college and further our education.
-Tommy Abeyta-Sosa, ENLACE Student: Class of 2016
During his tenure as the Enlace teacher at Mayfield the graduation rate for his students has increased
dramatically. For the 2014-15 school year, students that began and completed the program graduated
at a rate of 97% and transitioned to higher learning at a rate of 91% according to the ENLACE Final
Progress Report, submitted to the New Mexico Higher Education Department, September 2015. Most
of the students enrolled in ENLACE have increased their G.P.A., by as much as a full point. The students
Mr. Morales services have similar experiences to what he had as a student. He engages them and
convinces to them that with an education anything is possible.
In our impoverished district, students need education, but they also
need help and guidance to find their way to a better situation. Mr.
Morales provides that. He shows them that education, training, and life
CAN be better, if they are willing to try. He provides support and
guidance beyond the classroom. It's a sad fact, but the intangible life
lessons are not always taught at home; soft skills- something necessary
to succeed in life today. Mr. Morales provides that education and
experience with multiple opportunities and learning experiences
through the classroom. Students who have never volunteered in their
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
lives, do so, not just once, because of the inspiration Mr. Morales
provides. He facilitates a support network for students who are at risk
or need that extra push to be successful in high school.
–Sylvia Bustillos, Teacher-Las Cruces High School
Mr. Morales continues to strive as a role model for students so that they can set goals for their postsecondary experiences in life such as higher education, career planning, becoming contributing
members of the community, obeying the law and participating in the democratic process. He wishes to
provide an outlet for students to have a voice to openly discuss their views, how their lives impact their
education, and the conditions that impact education in their community.
“Forging a path for students sometimes demands that we have to make decisions by hope and
compassion and not by rules and rubrics. Everybody does not fit into the same square—we are all
different, we are all unique.”
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Erin Morin
Erin Morin has been in education for 18 years. Erin has enjoyed teaching in New Mexico for
the past nine years. She has a Level 3 Teaching License and is a candidate for National Board
Certification. Erin is certified in Administrative Leadership, a K – 12 specialist, and K – 8.
She is proud to be a lifelong learner and educator; having taught elementary school, middle
school, math, social studies, gifted, and English as a second language courses. She worked as a
Financial Accountant for years and then followed her dream of teaching, where she enjoys
working in the field of education. Erin believes education is dynamic due to the challenges
and potential it holds, believing in each student’s possibilities for growth and learning. She is
a positive influence for youth and continues to empower students with knowledge and critical
thinking skills.
Not only does Erin enjoy being in the classroom with the students, she is also a mentor to
new teachers. Always sharing her tools and wisdom, the benefits of her ongoing
collaboration are endless for those entering the teaching profession.
Erin has received countless honors and awards as an educator. She received recognition from
the Kiwanis Club in 2014. Additionally, Erin was awarded the 2014 Technology Teacher of the
Year for her school, in recognition of her technology use in the classroom. Erin has written
multiple grants and been awarded funds for education. She has written assessments and End of
Course Exams for her District. She has worked with the summer Native American Academy
for the past two years.
Erin Morin has served in various leadership positions and catalyst community positions all
to support and enrich her field.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Dawn Ramos
Dawn Ramos has been teaching for 14 years in California and New Mexico. She has been making a
positive difference as a dedicated instructional and driven educator in the lives of students in Rio Rancho,
New Mexico for the last 9 years. Her compassion and genuine desire to make a strong difference has
impacted hundreds of students. She continuously keeps students at the forefront of her mind while
developing appropriate, engaging, and rigorous lessons, all while incorporating her fantastic sense of
humor to keep students laughing and happy. Ramos has the genuine ability to build community with
students, families, and her coworkers. She maintains the integrity of academic standards set for all
students and strives to constantly meet each of their needs. One of the main factors that influenced her
desire to become a teacher stems from her elementary experience. Statistically, she should not be where
she is today. Unfortunately, her childhood is extremely similar to many of our students in New Mexico
and she knew early on that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children similar to her own.
She has the ability to make connections with students to build positive relationships that enhances
students’ academic and personal growth. Developing into a strong practitioner has been a goal of Ramos’
since becoming an educator. Therefore, she enjoys being a mentor for new teachers. She has a passion
for students who struggle and wants to see them all succeed and feel confident. Working with the school
and district Student Assistance Team (SAT) committee members, as well as being on the school’s
leadership team, has increased her knowledge of how to better serve students who are struggling in the
classroom. She is continuously looking for new and improved strategies to support students through the
RTI/SAT process and strives to share this knowledge with colleagues. Dawn Ramos is a highly qualified
instructional and motivated educator that brings joy and enthusiasm to education.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Jamya Reid
Mrs. Jayma Reid has been teaching for nine years at North Valley Academy Charter School. She
spent her first six years as a third grade teacher and the last three as a Reading Interventionist.
Her passion for teaching came from her grandmother. She taught in the classroom for over 35
years and instilled a love for learning for Jayma at a very young age.
Jayma received the Presidential Scholarship from the University of New Mexico in 1997.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology. At the time, she was on a
track to work with juveniles in the probation system. She quickly realized that this was not the
population that she wanted to target but that she could make more of an impact in the school
system. Jayma went back to school at the College of Santa Fe to obtain the courses in education
she needed for licensure. Then in 2013 she received her Master of Science in Education from
Walden University.
As a Reading Interventionist, Jayma works with small groups of students with one of the
goals being to instill a love for reading. She encourages students to find good fit books that help
even the most hesitant learners believe in themselves. Students enjoy spending time in her
Reading Room and look forward to working on reading strategies every day. She has organized
family reading workshops and literacy nights at her school. This is an opportunity to get families
involved with reading to their children.
Jayma currently participates in the lead team at her school. She is a teacher leader for
grades kindergarten through second grade. She contributes to important decisions made by
administrators to benefit the teachers and students at the school. She is also a Student Assistance
Team (SAT) Chairperson. She leads meetings with the intent of creating intervention plans that
will help students meet the goals necessary to succeed.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
One of Jayma’s favorite things to teach is a kid’s cooking class for elective time on
Wednesdays. She has the pleasure of working with first and second graders tasting and cooking
foods that they may have never tried before. This is a highly sought after class and fills up
quickly with young chefs. They even graduate the course with an official embroidered apron and
chef’s hat.
Education is an important part of Jayma’s family. Her brother, sister-in-law, and motherin-law are all teachers. It is easy to imagine that a simple family get-together can become a
PLC!
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Jon Seyfried
Jonathan Seyfried is a traveler, a novelist, and a lifelong student. He has lived and studied around
the world, as far away as England and Egypt. He was influenced to become a teacher through the
inspiration he received from his own high school teachers, and through his strong belief in the
potential of every student to achieve success. Originally from Chicago, Mr. Seyfried has
previously lived in northern California, where he began his education career as a school librarian
and middle school teacher. Since teaching at ATC in Santa Fe New Mexico, he has led students
on three study trips, one to Europe and two to the East Coast (NYC and DC). He has coached the
Cross Country Team and served as the Faculty Adviser for ATC's Student Council. Mr. Seyfried
has also enjoyed coaching students who participate in National History Day. In the spring of
2012, Mr. Seyfried was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. As a
2013 NEH Summer Scholar, he participated in an intensive seminar on the History of Central
Asia at Ohio State University. In the last four years, Mr. Seyfried has been proud to introduce the
AP Government course, the AP World History course, the AP US History course, and the AP
European History course to ATC students.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Bernadette Ziomek
Bernadette Ziomek, the Los Alamos Public Schools 2015 Teacher of the year, has
enjoyed teaching elementary students for over 20 years in grades one, three, four,
five and even gifted and talented classes.
Interestingly, teaching is a second career for Bernadette. Her passion since childhood was
to study science and be a biologist. After she graduated from Los Alamos High School, she
began her four-­­year college education at Hasting College in Nebraska and transferred to
the University of New Mexico where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology.
Bernadette worked for the University of New Mexico Cancer Center. After she met her
future husband James, they moved to Chicago and Bernadette worked for Westlake
Community Hospital.
While raising four energetic and inquisitive children, Bernadette wanted to be involved
in their education so she volunteered in their classrooms and found the experience
surprisingly enjoyable and challenging. That became the incentive to leave her job at
Westlake Community Hospital and obtain a teaching certificate from the University of
Loyola in Chicago.
Fortunately, Bernadette found her biology degree to be an important component in
enhancing her work with elementary school students. Keeping small amphibians in her
classroom year after year helped to keep students with a variety of needs interested in
learning. Bernadette integrated the animals in the subject areas she taught. The students
were also given the responsibility for caring for the animals and they were excited about
that opportunity.
After teaching for several years, Bernadette obtained a Masters of Education Degree in
Technology from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. It was important to Bernadette to
be able to use technology appropriately in the classroom and become better equipped to
address issues students, teachers, and parents have with technology.
New Mexico Teacher of the Year Candidates 2016
Being an active member of the ASCD and NCTM professional organizations has been
advantageous in continuing her professional development. Membership in those
organizations has given her the opportunity to get monthly updates on a variety of issues
in education and in teaching elementary students mathematics.
Bernadette is proud to be a part of a very challenging career in teaching. Among some
of her accomplishments have been: being nominated for the Golden Apple award,
receiving the Teacher of the Year Award for the Los Alamos Public Schools, being
selected to be the Math Coach for Mountain Elementary School, being the team
leader for the Math Goal Team for Mountain Elementary School, and serving on the
committee for selecting the Superintendent of the Los Alamos Public Schools.
Currently, Bernadette is teaching mathematics to fifth grade students at Mountain
Elementary School in Los Alamos. She has enjoyed teaching a variety of ages of students
and believes that this experience has led to the privilege of mentoring student teachers,
beginning teachers and even mentored teachers who want to raise their teaching level by
writing a dossier to meet state requirements.