NEWS RELEASE: Five New Mexico educators receive Presidential Teaching Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
New Mexico Public Education Department
Janelle Taylor García, Ph.D., janelle.garcia@ped.nm.gov , 505-709-5543
January 16, 2025
Five New Mexico educators receive Presidential Teaching Awards
SANTA FE — Five New Mexico educators are recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation’s highest honor for teaching in science, technology, engineering and math.
The New Mexico awardees are:
Kimberly Conell from Albuquerque Public Schools, a 7–12 math national awardee.
Heather Harrell from Espanola Public Schools, a K–6 science national awardee.
Tara Palomares from Albuquerque Public Schools, a 7–12 math national awardee.
Lesha Rupert from Albuquerque Public Schools, a 7–12 science national awardee.
Christopher Speck from Albuquerque Public Schools, a 7–12 science national awardee.
“Congratulations to the awardees and thank you for the high-quality STEM instruction you bring to your classrooms,” said Public Education Secretary-Designate Mariana D. Padilla. “Our students thrive when they learn from educators who are passionate and well versed in content knowledge.”
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching are bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 math and science (including computer science) teaching. The award recognizes those teachers who develop and implement a high-quality instructional program that is informed by content knowledge and enhances student learning.
Each year, a national committee of prominent mathematicians, scientists, mathematics/science education researchers, district-level personnel and classroom teachers recommends up to 108 teachers to receive the PAEMST. The National Science Foundation administers the awards on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Teachers who are selected as PAEMST awardees receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where they attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities. They also receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, a presidential certificate, and membership in an elite cohort of award-winning teachers who influence STEM teaching at local, state and national levels.
Since 1983, more than 5,200 teachers have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession.
###