2019 Teacher of the Year:

Jessica Sanders

School
Berrendo Middle School
Subject Area
Science
Grade Level
6, 7
More about Jessica Sanders

As a child with dyslexia, reading often frustrated and disappointed Jessica Sanders. However, after finding the support of her middle school language arts teacher, Sanders began to thrive. This teacher helped improve her reading fluency and comprehension, and Sanders no longer stumbled over words and content. One teacher’s hard work, passion, and patience left a lasting impression. 

As a result of her struggles and the impact of an amazing educator, Sanders pursued teaching to help impact the lives of children like herself. Her greatest contribution to education is her ability to relate to each of her students and impact her community on a larger scale via her classroom.

Sanders is now a remarkable sixth and seventh-grade science teacher at Berrendo Middle School in Roswell, New Mexico. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Curriculum and Development from New Mexico Highlands University. Sanders also currently plays an active role in the New Mexico Science Teachers Association.

Sanders has been pivotal in bringing her middle school and school district forward in STEM education, and she is involved in the broader education eco-system through her active involvement in coaching sports and her extracurricular involvement in student-led clubs. Sanders’ leadership in education has been inspiring, providing innovative models of education for all children including students with a wide range of learning differences, just like her.

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