9 Teachers Receive $1,000 Each Across Rio Arriba County and Pojoaque
July 1, 2024
Caitlin Cleary, a 3rd grade teacher, is celebrated with an Excellence in Teaching Award with her students at Chama Elementary School. Ms. Cleary was nominated by her colleagues and students for her notable and impactful work as an educator.
Española, NM – The LANL Foundation, in partnership with Northern New Mexico Integrated Security (N2MIS), proudly announces the recipients of the 2024 Excellence in Teaching Awards. Each year, this prestigious award honors exceptional educators in Rio Arriba County and Pojoaque Schools, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the field of education.
“The LANL Foundation in partnership with N2MIS is honored to give the Excellence in Teaching award to very deserving ‘excellent’ teachers in Arriba County and Pojoaque community for the last eight years. This year we had a record 52 nominations. It is so great to honor these extraordinary teachers, who go above and beyond to reach students on a deeper level, often using their own time and money to make sure their students know they care and that they will do whatever is needed to help them succeed,” said Doris Rivera, LANL Foundation K-12 Professional Development Coordinator.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of N2MIS, the protective force contractor for Los Alamos National Laboratory, nine teachers were selected to receive this honor. Nominated by students, colleagues, and community members, these educators exemplify the dedication and passion that make a significant impact on their students’ lives and the broader educational community. Each recipient received a $1,000 award as part of the recognition.
“N2MIS is proud to work with the LANL Foundation and sponsor the Excellence in Teaching Awards for the Pojoaque and Rio Arriba County schools because there are so many great teachers in Northern New Mexico that deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts. Teachers are so critical to our society, and they are so instrumental in setting up our youth for future success, which has long lasting positive impacts on our communities throughout this region. We also specifically focus on these areas because so many of our employees are from this northern New Mexico region and the teachers are therefore making positive impacts on many of our employees’ families,” said Lennie Upshaw, General Manager at N2MIS.
Among this year’s recipients is Yolanda Gasca of Velarde Elementary School, who began her career decades ago as the school’s bus driver. She went on to become an educational assistant and then was encouraged by Dr. Sandra Rodriguez, Chair of the Teacher Education Program at Northern New Mexico College, to complete her bachelor’s degree in education and become a licensed teacher. Today, Gasca teaches 5th and 6th grade and is working toward her level two license while continuing to drive the bus.
Yolanda Gasca, 5th and 6th grade teacher at Velarde Elementary School, is recognized during an assembly at the school attended by her family, students, and colleagues.
Other honorees include Joan Davidge, a first-grade teacher at Abiquiu Elementary School. Recognized for taking the initiative to lead structured literacy efforts, and Pojoaque High School ELD and creating writing teacher Kathleen Gentry who was nominated by 20 of her students for creating a positive, welcoming learning environment.
Award recipients were presented with large checks and engraved awards during events hosted at their respective schools last month. Photos from the award ceremonies are available here.
A committee of community members and staff from sponsoring organizations carefully reviewed the nominations and selected the recipients based on their exemplary performance and commitment to excellence in teaching.
The 2024 Excellence in Teaching Award recipients are:
- Caitlin Cleary, 3rd Grade, Chama Elementary School
- Joan Davidge, 1st Grade, Abiquiu Elementary School
- Maria Christina Ganas, K-2 Life Skills, Pablo Roybal Elementary School
- Yolanda Gasca, 5th and 6th Grade, Velarde Elementary School
- Kathleen Gentry, 9th-12th Grade ELD/Creative Writing, Pojoaque High School
- Marc Martin, 9th-12th Leadership, AVID & Yearbook, Pojoaque High School
- Randy Martinez, 9th-12th Woods Technology, Woodworking, Pojoaque High School
- Valerie Gomez, 4th Grade, Dulce Elementary School
- Sandra Pixley, 5th Grade, Dulce Elementary School
The LANL Foundation and N2MIS invite the community to join in acknowledging and applauding these outstanding educators for their invaluable service to Northern New Mexico’s educational community. Their dedication and passion inspire both their students and their colleagues, setting a high standard for excellence in education.
In addition to hosting the Excellence in Teaching Awards, the LANL Foundation provides year-round professional development and other programs aimed at recruiting and retaining educators, including sponsorship for teachers seeking to become National Board certified, grantmaking to organizations such as the New Mexico Golden Apple Scholars Program, and leading the Inquiry Science Education Consortium (ISEC) teacher cohort and trainings across Northern New Mexico.
For more information about the LANL Foundation’s commitment to teachers and K-12 education, visit lanlfoundation.org.
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Since 1997, the LANL Foundation has been investing in education, learning, and human potential in Northern New Mexico. Through diverse programming and collaboration with key partners, the LANL Foundation works to ensure that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. LANL Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of students’ access to academic and technical opportunities, leading to quality jobs by supporting college and career readiness in schools, districts, communities, Pueblos, Tribes, and Nations. For more information visit: https://www.lanlfoundation.org.
