Being a state finalist for the Presidential Award is a tremendous honor, especially during this uniquely challenging time. As an educator, I am called to stand strong in the face of innumerable challenges and provide a safe and positive learning environment for my students. Recognition of these efforts at the national level for this work is both a validation and an inspiration to continue working hard to bring high-quality educational opportunities to the students that I serve.

Heather Harrell Alcalde, NM | K-6, Science, 2022

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

Heather Harrell has been in the education for over 20 years and is currently in her ninth year as a classroom teacher. She teaches third and fourth grade at Dixon Elementary School, where she is also the Inquiry Science Education Consortium (ISEC) Teacher Leader. She provides hands-on learning opportunities for third through sixth graders using Foss science kits provided by a local nonprofit that supports STEM education. Next year, she will teach third grade at Taos Integrated School for the Arts. During the 2021 school year, Heather taught third grade science at Alcalde Elementary School after spending a year as a fourth grade teacher at Curacao American Preparatory School. Before her year abroad, she spent four years teaching third and fourth grade at Dixon Elementary, and one year teaching second and third grade at La Tierra Montessori Charter School. Communicating her love and admiration for the natural world and inspiring awe and fascination in her students are central to Heather's approach to teaching science. Providing opportunities for hands-on experimentation and including cross-curricular activities is at the heart of her science program. Heather is currently a candidate for National Board Certification as a middle childhood generalist. She is also a proud member of the ISEC Teacher Leader Cadre. Heather has a B.A. in English and philosophy from the University of Vermont and an M.A. in eastern classics from St. John's College. She received her teacher certification in elementary and secondary education from Santa Fe Community College and was Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certified at New Mexico Highlands University. She is licensed as a level III instructional leader for kindergarten through eighth grade with a TESOL endorsement.

Know a great teacher like Heather Harrell? Nominate them for PAEMST!