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Recognized for her decades-long dedication to literacy, early childhood education and student success, Las Cruces East Picacho Elementary School first-grade teacher Nancy Orta was named 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the year during a surprise announcement at the school Monday, Sept. 29.
Mariana Padilla, Secretary of the New Mexico State Public Education Department presented the award to Orta.
“Congratulations to Nancy Orta on this incredible achievement,” said Secretary Padilla. “Working with our youngest students takes tremendous talent, kindness and, of course, patience — and Ms. Orta exemplifies all of those traits in abundance. I look forward to gaining insight from her unique teaching experiences.”
Orta will represent New Mexico in the National Teacher of the Year competition and serve as a spokesperson for the state’s teaching profession.
Orta began her career in 2000 as an elementary school teacher and later served for 10 years as a reading interventionist, helping struggling readers gain skills and confidence. Since 2019, she has taught in kindergarten and first grade classrooms, implementing the Science of Reading and systematic phonics instruction to give students a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She has also guided literacy integration with programs such as Heggerty, Handwriting Without Tears and decodable texts.
Beyond her classroom, Orta has served as a university instructor at New Mexico State University, preparing future teachers with the same high expectations and compassion she brings to her own students. She has also facilitated STEM enrichment through NMSU’s afterschool programming, fostering hands-on learning that sparks curiosity.
Orta earned a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from NMSU.
The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association sponsors the New Mexico Teacher of the Year program, supporting travel needs and professional development opportunities for the award winner.
Established in 1963, the New Mexico Teacher of the Year program invites all school districts and charter schools to nominate outstanding educators annually. The award honors teachers who exemplify excellence in the classroom and leadership in the profession.
