Executive Director of Teaching and Learning
mronga@lcps.net
Teaching and Learning Center Menu
Content Information
Address: 505 S. Main Street, Suite 400, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone: (575) 527-6054
Teaching and Learning
The Division of Teaching, Learning, Leadership and Research (TLLR) is responsible for all instructional programs of the Las Cruces Public Schools, including summer school. TLLR also supports various programs to develop and improve teaching and learning in the district.
The Deputy Superintendent of Teaching, Learning & Research is responsible for the general administration and supervision of this division and is directly responsible to the Superintendent.
In collaboration with teachers and building administrators, TLLR has general responsibility for the instructional material adoption process, revision of instructional guides, approval of all courses offered for credit, and staff professional development related to teaching and learning.
Dr. Wendi Miller Tomlinson
Deputy Superintendent
Division of Teaching, Learning, Leadership, and Research
wmiller-tomlinson@lcps.net
Dr. Miller-Tomlinson has been working in education since 1991. Her favorite part of the job is graduation, both kindergarten and high school, where students are celebrating an achievement and embarking on the next step in their journey. Dr. Miller-Tomlinson is an avid learner, earning degrees from Rice University and NMSU, including a B.A., an M.A., an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. She is the proud parent of 2 LCPS students.
Michelle Ronga
Associate Directors of Teaching and Learning
Stephanie Hofacket
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning
K-12 Science
shofacket@lcps.net
Stephanie began her career in education with LCPS in 2004 after earning a B.S. in Special Education and Elementary Education from NMSU. She also earned an M.A. from NMSU, an Educational Leadership License from Western New Mexico University, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at NMSU. She loves to hear the excitement of students as they work together during missions at the Challenger Learning Center of Las Cruces. Stephanie is a proud mom and can be found cheering on her 2 children in soccer, basketball, and track in her off time.
Click here for additional science information
Click here for additional Challenger Learning Center information
Lisa Hufstedler
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning
K-12 Mathematics
lhufstedler@lcps.net
Lisa began her educational career in 2005. She is a proud NMSU Aggie Alumni, earning degrees in a BS in Secondary Education, a BS in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics. Lisa's favorite part of the job is that "light-bulb" moment. Whether it be with students, teachers, or administrators, that "AHA" is the best feeling in the world! Lisa loves spending time with her husband, 2 children, and 3 miniature daschunds and enjoying the great outdoors that this beautiful state has to offer!
Jen Coon
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning
504, Advanced Pre-K, Assessment, Research, and Virtual Learning
In 1996, Jen began their journey in education as an educational assistant for students with special needs. Being a non-traditional student themself, Jen recognized the need to serve others as an educator. They obtained an AA in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University- Idaho (1994), a BA in Elementary Education from NMSU (2002) and an MA in Educational Leadership from WNMU (2016). In over two decades with LCPS, Jen dedicated their service to the communities of Loma Heights and Sunrise Elementary- working hard and playing hard. During their free moments, Jen can be found exploring the outdoors with their family, tending to the needs of their farm, embracing all things DIY, or watching episodes of the Magic School Bus for inspiration.
Esther Peterson
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning
K-12 ELA and Social Studies
epeterso@lcps.net
Esther began her adventure as an educator in 1993, while working in an English Immersion program for 3 year olds. Her work at LCPS started in 2001 as a bilingual Kindergarten teacher at Conlee Elementary. She has a B.A. in Psychology, a M.A. in Pedagogy, and from NMSU a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction and an MBA. Her favorite parts about reading instruction are providing students with vocabulary rich experiences and that moment when students realize reading is the door to learning. Esther loves winding down at home with her family, while sharing great food and a good movie.
Susie Hendee
Associate Director of Teaching and Learning
Student Support: 504, MLSS
shendee@lcps.net
Susie Hendee has been in education since 1998 where she began teaching in Portales, NM. Prior to moving to Las Cruces to continue teaching she also taught in Gallup, NM. Being able to create a partnership with students, teachers, and parents to meet the end goal of academic success is what she enjoys the most. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern New Mexico University and her Master's Degree in Educational Management and Deveolpment from New Mexico State University. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her kids, family, and friends.