Our Work in New Mexico

The Golden Apple Foundation for Excellence in Teaching in New Mexico is building a network of exceptional educators who are committed to teaching, know and love New Mexico’s rich culture, and are dedicated to transforming lives in New Mexico's classrooms through our Golden Apple Scholars program.

We go beyond traditional teacher preparation to provide comprehensive support that fosters excellence, long-term commitment and improved student outcomes through:

  • Intensive Preparation: Scholars are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in diverse learning environments, emphasizing culturally relevant and innovative teaching strategies to make the greatest impact on student learning. This intensive preparation for our Scholars is what New Mexico needs to impact student learning.

  • Mentorship and Guidance: Each Scholar receives individualized mentoring from experienced educators, building a strong support system that extends throughout their teaching journey.

  • Community Building: We foster a network of passionate educators who collaborate, share best practices, and inspire each other throughout their teaching careers in New Mexico.

Our Impact in New Mexico

  • Our 148 Scholars come from 25 of New Mexico’s 33 counties.

    • 76% of current New Mexico Scholars are people of color.

    • 65% of current New Mexico Scholars are first-generation college students.

    • 86% of current New Mexico Scholars are from underserved communities.

“The Golden Apple Scholars program has done so much for me. It’s given me so many opportunities to be in the classroom and learn from amazing teachers.”

Margee Doan, a Scholar from Las Cruces attending New Mexico State University

Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico

The Golden Apple Scholars Program in New Mexico is a teacher preparation program, for high school seniors through sophomores in college in New Mexico, who have the determination and drive to be great teachers in New Mexico Pre-K-12th grade schools. We prepare aspiring teachers for immediate and lasting success in their classrooms. 

Apply to the Scholars Program in New Mexico
Refer a Student to the Scholars Program in New Mexico

Partner with Golden Apple in New Mexico

To learn more about how you can partner with Golden Apple in New Mexico, please contact Julie Lucero.

 
 

Our Team in New Mexico

Julie Lucero

Chief Program Officer, New Mexico
Email

Jaime Hernandez

Manager of Undergraduate Scholar Supports, Mentoring, and Placement, New Mexico
Email

 
 
 

New Mexico Advisory Council Members

Aimee Parra

Formerly Teach Plus

Christine Sims

UNM.

Kersti Tyson

LANL Foundation

Michael Weinberg

Presbyterian Health Care, formerly Thornburg Foundation

Tina Deschenie

Former Vice-Provost, Navajo Tech

Abenicio Baldonado

Civic Leader

Destiny Rojo

Yates Foundation.

Mayra Lovas

JF Maddox

Mike Dabrieo

LANL Foundation

Dr. Amanda Montoya

Chamiza Foundation

Hope Morales

Teach Plus

Michael Thompson

Former Director, San Juan College

Sarah Rovang

LFC