ESPAÑOLA, NM — Fourteen educators reached a major professional milestone by achieving or renewing their National Board Certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, supported by the LANL Foundation.
“We are thrilled to announce this year’s National Board Certified Teachers, Counselors, and Administrators. Each year, it is our privilege to support these educators, and our team is in awe of the perseverance, determination, and commitment that all candidates have for their students,” said Paul LeFrancois, LANL Foundation K-12 Education Program Manager.
This year’s recipients include:
- Alexandra Blossom, Capital High School (Santa Fe Public Schools)
- Stephanie Carillo, MLK Jr. Elementary School (Rio Rancho Public Schools)
- Cassandra Cde Baca, Capital High School (Santa Fe Public Schools)
- Emy DeHerrera, Taos High School (Taos Municipal Schools)
- Jessica Dixon, Mountain Elementary (Los Alamos Public Schools)
- Guadalupe Estrada, Ramirez Thomas Elementary School (Santa Fe Public Schools)
- Liz Gilroy, Arroyos del Norte Elementary (Taos Municipal Schools)
- Alicia Kirkland, Mountain Elementary School (Los Alamos Public Schools)
- Adel Kosanke, Vista Grande High School (Taos Municipal Schools)
- Ben Ogren, Taos Middle School (Taos Municipal Schools)
- Kelly Phillips, Capital High School (Taos Municipal Schools)
- Barbara Tetryc, Capital High School (Santa Fe Public Schools)
- Dorota Witney, Taos Academy Charter School (Taos Municipal Schools)
- Branden Willman, Mountain Elementary School (Los Alamos Public Schools)
The certification process, which includes intensive work over four portfolio components, requires that teachers demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with Five Core Propositions. Educators must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments, and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.
The LANL Foundation is committed to supporting New Mexico’s teachers, counselors, and school leaders in their personal and professional growth. The NBCT process offers an opportunity for teachers to advance their professional status through National Board Certification as well as to become eligible for licensure advancement and an annual salary differential of more than $10,000. Candidates in the LANL Foundation cohort have access to a menu of support from the New Mexico NBCT Network, the statewide organization that advocates for National Board Certification.
New Mexico is a leader in honoring Accomplished Teachers. Each year, the NM NBCT Network supports over one hundred teachers pursuing National Board Certification, extending our impact well beyond our own classrooms.
“National Board Certification transformed me as an educator by teaching me to center my instructional decisions around my students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses,” said Katie Lake, President of the NM-NBCT Network.
New Mexico ranks 11th in the nation for the number of new and renewed NBCTs and 8th for the number of candidates. Of all the states, New Mexico has the highest financial incentive written into law for National Board Certified Teachers at $10,202 for the 2025-2026 school year.
Many candidates also receive the Public Education Department’s NBCT Scholarship, which offers a significant reimbursement for NBPTS component fees and has greatly impacted the number of educators pursuing board certification in the state.
To date, a total of 51 educators, including counselors and school administrators, from throughout Northern New Mexico have received their initial certification or maintained their certification as part of the LANL Foundation’s National Board Certification for Local Teachers Program.
This initiative is made possible in part through the support of TRIAD National Security, the Los Alamos National Laboratory Community Partnerships Office, and collaboration with the New Mexico National Board Certified Teachers (NM-NBCT) Network and New Mexico Public Education Department.
About the LANL Foundation
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 lanlfoundation.org.