Real Talk About Teaching: New Mexico Teacher of the Year Sets the Record Straight

Think you know about teaching? Join a conversation with New Mexico Teacher of the Year, Lori Chavez, as she sets the record straight! 

Join TEACH New Mexico for a free virtual session introducing NMPED’s Grow Your Own Initiative and exploring how we can help more New Mexicans find their path to teaching, particularly in the rural, Tribal, Pueblo, and BIE school communities they know and love.

Whether you’re a high school or college student curious about teaching, someone considering a career in education, a family member supporting someone as they consider their future, or an education professional helping future educators find their path, this session has something for you.
 

Hear from New Mexico’s 2025 Teacher of the Year
 

Lorilei Chavez, New Mexico’s 2025 Teacher of the Year, will share her own journey in education, what has made teaching meaningful to her, and what she wants the next generation of New Mexico educators to know.
 

Through Lorilei Chavez’s experience and practical information from TEACH New Mexico, we’ll explore what teaching can offer beyond the common perceptions of the profession, including strong benefits, long-term career stability, opportunities to continually grow and lead, and the chance to make a lasting difference in the community you call home.
 

What You’ll Learn

During this 60-minute session, you’ll:

• Hear directly from Lorilei Chavez about her experience as a New Mexico educator and 2025 Teacher of the Year.
• Explore what a career in teaching has to offer, including compensation and benefits, career stability, meaningful community impact, and opportunities to grow and lead throughout your career.
• Discover the different paths to becoming a teacher in New Mexico. There isn’t just one starting point. Whether you’re in high school, community college, a four-year college, or already have a degree or professional experience, there are different routes into the classroom.
• Learn about free resources and support from TEACH New Mexico, including help exploring programs and pathways, connecting with a teacher coach, finding scholarships and financial aid, and navigating next steps.
• Identify the next step you can take to learn more or continue exploring whether teaching could be right for you.

Prospective educators from rural, Tribal, Pueblo, and BIE school communities are especially encouraged to join as New Mexico works to grow strong, locally connected pathways into teaching.

Lorilei’s bio

For over a decade, Lorilei Chavez has inspired students in the Bernalillo School District, empowering Native youth and cultivating Indigenous pride. She’s helped establish Native studies at Bernalillo High and championed culturally relevant learning at Santo Domingo School. Lori’s motto, “Teach with Love,” guides her as she works to uplift her school community. Her dedication has earned her the BPS Middle School and District Teacher of the Year titles, and she proudly served as the 2025 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, becoming the first Indigenous person to hold the title.