Las Cruces, Sunland Park teachers receive national recognition

Curriculum Associates (CA) has named Laura Bryant of Central Elementary School in Las Cruces and Rita Chavira of Desert View Elementary in Sunland Park to its 2023 class of Extraordinary Educators, an annual program that celebrates and connects exceptional K-8 teachers from around the country, CA said in a news release.

Chosen from hundreds of nominations, Bryant and Chavira are among 30 educators from 22 states selected for the recognition, said CA, a private company founded in 1969 and based in North Billerica, Massachusetts. The company designs research-based print and online instructional materials.

To achieve the recognition, Bryant and Chavira demonstrated “innovation and engagement practices for students, being evangelists for high expectations and student achievement, championing equity and having taught for at least two years,” the news release said.

“I am excited to be named an Extraordinary Educator because I love learning! i-Ready is a very different math curriculum from what I have seen in the past. We are in year three of implementation and it has given me an opportunity to test what I know and challenge what I don’t in math,” said Bryant. “As an Extraordinary Educator, I am looking forward to networking with other educators and all the hands-on professional development opportunities. I am always looking for different ways of thinking, breaking molds, and learning from others.”

“It is humbling to have been chosen as Extraordinary Educator amongst so many admirable candidates. It is truly an honor,” said Chavira. “I look forward to collaborating with other teachers and building a positive rapport with them.”

This is the fourth year of the Extraordinary Educators program. This year’s class joins 110 additional educators from across the country in receiving this recognition.

Visit www.curriculumassociates.com/extraordinary-educators/classes.