Teacher of the Year, Educational Support Personnel of the Year, Principal of the Year selected to represent district
The Las Cruces Public Schools Foundation, in partnership with Las Cruces Public Schools, announced the winners of the 2026 Teacher of the Year, Educational Support Personnel of the Year and Principal of the year at the annual Celebration of Excellence dinner held Friday night, April 25, at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum.
Nancy Orta, a kindergarten teacher at East Picacho Elementary School, was named the Teacher of the Year. Elizabeth Saenz, who works as a bilingual educational assistant at Centennial High School, was named the Educational Support Personnel of the Year, and Diane Barela at Mesilla Park Community Elementary School was named the Principal of the Year.
In their notes, the Teacher of the Year selection committee said they were immediately engaged in learning when they walked in to Ms. Orta's class. "What truly set Ms. Orta apart was not only her exemplary planning and instruction, but the meaningful relationships she builds with every student,” they wrote. “Her classroom is a space where all learners feel included, supported, and deeply cared for. Her students say she is kind, and that they feel loved—and it shows."
The Educational Support Personnel of the Year selection committee saw the same engagement when they visited Ms. Saenz's class. "Elizabeth is known for doing the small things that make a big difference," they wrote. "Whether it's advocating for students, taking time to learn content she doesn’t understand so she can better explain it, or simply listening to students and encouraging them, she pours her heart into every interaction. She has found her niche working with high school students, and says she draws energy and inspiration from their stories and their determination.
Diane Barela was selected in recognition of her exemplary leadership, commitment to continuous improvement, and unwavering dedication to students, staff, and the broader school community, noted the Principal of the Year selection committee. Ms. Barela has demonstrated a strong focus on instructional leadership through the thoughtful and collaborative implementation of the school improvement plan, consistently analyzing progress and aligning her work with school and district priorities. She continues to move the work forward by increasing the frequency of instructional walkthroughs to strengthen the connection between feedback and student achievement.
Leading up to the announcement, three finalists in each category were named, culled from a larger group of semifinalists chosen from campus-level winners. The finalists for Teacher of the Year, in addition to Orta, were Kimberly Kaime from Picacho Middle School and Shawn Silva from Organ Mountain High School. Finalists for Educational Support Personnel of the Year, in addition to Saenz, were Sylvia Laborin from Zia Middle School and Alvaro Rivera-Parra from the LCPS Physical Plant Department. Principal finalists, along with Barela, were Cherie Love from Doña Ana Elementary School and Yong Vega from Sierra Middle School.
Finalists were each awarded a $500 cash prize and the winners in each category were given a $1,000 cash prize. First Light Federal Credit Union sponsored prizes for the finalist and winner in the Teacher of the Year category, Campos School Portraits sponsored prizes in the Educational Support Personnel of the Year category and Century Bank sponsored prizes for the Principal of the Year finalists and winner.
The top educators in the district spend the coming school year representing LCPS at various events, including the State of the District Address. The Teacher of the Year advances to a state-level consideration for New Mexico Teacher of the Year. Administered by the New Mexico Public Education Department, the New Mexico Teacher of the Year program recognizes outstanding educators who demonstrate exceptional teaching practices and leadership. Other factors include teaching experience, classroom effectiveness and contributions to the teaching profession.
Photos from the April 25 Celebration of Excellence dinner at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum. Top to bottom: Nancy Orta with First Light Federal Credit Union CEO Margie Salazar, Diane Barela and Elizabeth Saenz on stage with Nick Campos from Campos School Portraits.
