
ALT 2023 NM Teacher of the Year Finalist: Tara Hughes. Ms. Hughes teaches a four-year-old inclusion preschool classroom at the Nye Early Childhood Center in Santa Fe. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education. Later, she advocated for access to more peers in her classroom and championed the New Mexico FOCUS high-quality standards for inclusive practices. Accomplishments in Education: •Facilitated school-wide PLCs •Coached colleagues on evidence-based strategies and social-emotional curriculums •Nationally shared support techniques for preschoolers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic

ALT 2023 NM Teacher of the Year Finalist: Bryan Casinger. Mr. Casinger, a science teacher at Cloudcroft Middle School, believes public service is a foundation of our society. After a successful 25-year career in the military, he was inspired to help educate future leaders and decision makers. He’s seen the impact education can make towards a more peaceful world. Accomplishments in Education: •Helped students achieve the 2nd highest scores of the 2021-2022 New Mexico-Assessment of Science Readiness •Engaged students from underrepresented backgrounds in Science Olympiad and Knowledge Bowl

ALT 2023 NM Teacher of the Year Finalist: Vicky Aranda. Ms. Aranda is a Spanish teacher at Gadsden High School and holds a Master’s degree in Hispanic Language and Culture Teaching. She is committed to providing students from diverse backgrounds with the power of education for a brighter future. Ms. Aranda works hard to encourage interest in the Spanish language and culture. Accomplishments in Education: •Initiated her school’s 1st Spanish National Honor Society •Provides Spanish-English translation support for her school community

ALT 2023 NM Teacher of the Year Finalist: Catherine Turietta-Huber. Ms. Huber is in her 22nd year with LCPS and teaches 5th grade at Tombaugh Elementary. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She coordinates Tombaugh’s annual Stargazing event and STEM week and works to provide excellent instruction for students. Accomplishments in Education: •2018 Jose M. Serna Teacher Impact Award •2019 Social Studies Dream Team Member •2022 Tombaugh Elementary Teacher of the Year •2022 LCPS Teacher of the Year
























