Michelle Estrada Las Cruces, NM | K-6, Science, 2010

The official biography below was current at the time of the award.

Michelle Estrada has been an educator for 9 years in the Las Cruces Public School District. She has spent the last 6 years teaching kindergarten at Desert Hills Elementary. She previously taught fourth and first grade at East Picacho Elementary. Michelle’s passion for science is evident in many areas. In a mere 2 years, she has received more than $15,000 in grants to promote science education. Michelle has organized several school science events and multiple kindergarten field trips, which entailed collaboration among community educators, park rangers, and scientists. Michelle maintains an active schedule outside of the classroom. She is the team leader of the Desert Hills Parent-Community Goal Team. She also mentors new and preservice teachers. She has presented workshop sessions on grant writing and technology in the classroom. Michelle’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed by her community. She has received several awards, including Las Cruces Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year, and Hispano Chamber of Commerce Educator of Excellence. Michelle has a B.S. in elementary education and is currently completing an M.A. in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University. She is certified in kindergarten through eighth grade education.

• High-resolution version of the official portrait photograph
• Awardee holding Presidential certificate between OSTP Associate Director for Science Carl Wieman and NSF Deputy Director Cora Marrett.
• High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

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