Being nominated by one of the most amazing teachers for the Presidential Award has been the highlight of my career. Throughout my teaching career, I have worked to increase student achievement and understanding for all students. I took on the process of becoming a Presidential Awardee as an opportunity to learn, grow, and reflect on my teaching, and I am honored to have been chosen to represent New Mexico.

Jessica Esquibel Albuquerque, NM | 7-12, Mathematics, 2019

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

Jessica Esquibel has been an educator for 20 years and has taught for the last three years at Taft Middle School, teaching accelerated mathematics grades six and seven and Honors Algebra I. Previously, she was a district high school mathematics coach for two years and taught at Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School, Jefferson Middle School, Taft Middle School, and Sandia High School. At her school, Jessica has served on the instructional council, as the Mathematics Department Chair, and as a sixth grade chair. She is a regional instructor for Teachers Teaching with Technology, which has given her the opportunity to mentor new teachers, and provide professional development to teachers at the school, district, state, and national levels. Jessica is dedicated to giving students the opportunity to engage in and discover mathematics and helping them to embrace mistakes as an opportunity to learn. She strives to grow her accelerated mathematics program, especially by being an advocate for under-served students. She believes all students should have access and support to a high-quality mathematics program. Jessica earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of New Mexico. She is certified in K–12 mathematics and gifted education and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She is also a licensed Educational Diagnostician.

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