Las Cruces Public Schools celebrates three outstanding educators recently recognized by the National Education Association Southwest Region and NEA-New Mexico for their dedication, leadership and service to students and schools across New Mexico.
Josephine Lopez, the office manager at Mesilla Valley Leadership Academy (MVLA), was first nominated by the NEA Southwest Region as its Education Support Professional of the Year before advancing to the NEA-New Mexico Recognitions Committee, where she was selected as the Education Support Professional of the Year for the entire state of New Mexico. Lopez was recognized during the Southwest Region awards ceremony on May 5 and will again be honored during the NEA-New Mexico Delegate Council Awards Banquet in October.
“It has been my privilege to see Josie grow into a strong and confident advocate – not only for secretaries, but for all classified staff,” noted Irma Valdespino, President of the Las Cruces chapter of the Classified School Employees Council (CSEC-LC). “Her dedication to supporting her colleagues, along with her integrity and leadership, makes her an outstanding candidate for this award.”
Anita Martos, Principal at MVLA, also earned statewide recognition after being nominated by the NEA Southwest Region as Administrator of the Year. Following review by the NEA-New Mexico Recognitions Committee, Martos was selected as the Administrator of the Year for all of New Mexico. She will be formally recognized during the NEA-New Mexico Delegate Council Awards Banquet this October.
In the nomination submitted on her behalf, Martos was praised for leading “with integrity, compassion and commitment to both students and educators,” while fostering a school culture built on relationships, trust and shared purpose.
“Under her leadership, students know they are valued, and teachers know they are supported,” said Julie Wotjko, President of NEA-LC. “Anita creates an environment where educators feel empowered to do their best work, because they have a leader who stands beside them and advocates for them every step of the way.”
Martos was also recognized for championing instructional excellence and high-engagement teaching practices that help students remain fully invested in their learning.
In addition to the statewide honors for Lopez and Martos, Gail Wheeler was named the recipient of the New Mexico Human and Civil Rights Award. Wheeler is a longtime educator who has become known among colleagues as an effective mentor to struggling students and makes herself available in the classroom to help tutor students outside of class. At Centennial High School, she started the first Gay Straight Alliance Club.
“Both in and out of the classroom, Gail Wheeler has been a champion for her students,” said Bob Wofford, LCPS Board of Education Vice President and retired LCPS teacher. “As a teacher, she has worked tirelessly to help her students improve their skills, as club sponsor, an advocate, and as a role model she has shown her students that we can set about to make this world a better place for children.”
“These recognitions reflect the incredible talent, dedication and heart found across Las Cruces Public Schools,” said Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “Each of these three educators represent the very best of public education through their service to students, support for colleagues and commitment to building strong, inclusive school communities. We are incredibly proud of each of them.”
