Community Marquee Teachers Science Opt

Math & Science Academy for Teachers

Providing teachers in Northern New Mexico professional development in math, science

“El trabajo te dice que hacer” (“the work tells you what to do”) is the working motto of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Northern New Mexico Math and Science Academy (MSA), which has been supporting the science and mathematics professional development of the region’s elementary and middle school teachers since 2000.

Since its inception, MSA has provided professional development for over 900 teachers and school leaders within the seven-county Northern New Mexico region, including eight public school districts.

Currently, MSA is working with seven schools in five districts through its Math Teacher Leader Network (MTLN) program, which fosters the development of mathematics teacher leaders and supports effective mathematics teaching and learning in participating schools.

This video outlines the impact of the MTLN at one school

Blanco Elementary in San Juan County, NM

Achievements:

Some of MSA’s other achievements include:

  • Assisting in the creation of the Northern New Mexico College Bachelor of Arts in elementary education program (the MSA staff also served as the program’s first adjunct instructors)
  • Partnering with New Mexico State University college of education’s school of teacher preparation, the University of New Mexico college of education, and New Mexico Highlands University school of education to offer master’s degree opportunities to over 70 K–8 Northern New Mexico teachers
  • Leading the way to a Doctorate of Education in educational leadership opportunity for a cohort of seven Northern New Mexico education leaders
  • Partnering with New Mexico Highlands University school of education to offer teachers a master’s degree and/or mathematics specialist endorsement

Headshot of Zachary Leonard

Zachary Leonard

Ed.D. professional development and school improvement specialist

Headshot of Karla Matute

Karla Matute

Ph.D. professional development and school improvement specialist

Headshot of Randy Merker

Randy Merker

M.S. professional development and school improvement specialist

Headshot of Michelle Sanchez

Michelle Sanchez

M.S. professional development and school improvement specialist