ABQ Times

When Tara Palomares is not teaching math at Sandia High School in Albuquerque, she is pursuing her doctoral studies in the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Program at The University of New Mexico. Recently, Palomares gained national recognition by winning a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

Palomares was a state finalist in 2021 and was announced as the awardee four years later under the Biden Administration. "For me, it’s a testament to the people I have worked with, educators who have pushed me, my mentors, my students. They have all challenged me to be the best version and teacher I can be," she said. "That was such a huge honor to be on the platform with other educators around our state who are amazing and have so much to offer."

Her skills continue to develop within UNM's Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Program. This initiative encourages educators to advance their careers into roles such as professors or superintendents. Palomares aims to contribute to education in New Mexico by working closely with future teachers.

“I started the program because I love to learn and I wanted to continue to learn to be the best educator I can be," she said. "I’m a collaborating teacher for UNM, so I have a student teacher. I want to work in a greater capacity with future educators.”

The application process for the presidential award was intense but rewarding for Palomares, challenging educators to reflect on their teaching methods. “Teaching is one of the most fulfilling jobs you can choose; it’s different every day which adds to the excitement of it but also challenges you and pushes you to continue learning," she stated. "The relationships I have with my students keep me going, being able to see the lightbulb go off for them... helping them gain confidence is huge.”

Palomares will soon receive a signed certificate from former President Biden and travel to Washington D.C.

According to COEHS, five teachers in New Mexico received this award, including three with connections to UNM: Lesha Rupert from Eldorado High School and Christopher Speck from Madison Middle School also hold degrees from UNM.