Experienced APS Educator Named Interim Chief Academic Officer

Shelly Green makes the move from Volcano Vista High School next week.

August 8, 2012

Shelly Green, a long-time Albuquerque Public Schools teacher and administrator, has been named the interim Chief Academic Officer by Superintendent Winston Brooks. She replaces Linda Sink who is retiring at the end of August.

Green, who spent the past year as principal at Volcano Vista High School, was tapped for the job because of her broad academic knowledge and experience coming from more than two decades of serving as a teacher and administrator in schools in all four quadrants of the district.

Green will be replaced at Volcano Vista by Assistant Principal Valerie Atencio who helped open the West Side school five years ago.

“Shelly has been tasked with the job of improving academic opportunities for our students and closing the achievement gap so all students have the same chances to succeed,” said Superintendent Brooks. “This district needs to do everything it can to support our students, and I believe Shelly’s knowledge and experience make her the right person to lead that charge.”

Green began her career in education 24 years ago with New Mexico Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) as a summer programs assistant and student advisor. She also was a teacher at Rio Grande and Highland high schools and acting activities director for the Hornets before she became an administrator.

She served as an assistant principal at Highland for three years and at La Cueva for more than a decade before moving to Volcano Vista. She has spent years developing and implementing master schedules, overseeing grade reporting and transcripts, implementing policies and procedures to support students and district initiatives, analyzing budgets, implementing strong academic programs and reaching out to parents and community members.

“I am passionate about education and the opportunities it provides to all our young people,” Green said. “I believe the work our teachers do every day in classrooms across the city improve the lives of our students. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as Chief Academic Officer so that I can help our schools across the district continue to do the work they’re doing for our students.”

Green will make the move on Monday, Aug. 13. Sink will work with her during the next couple of weeks to help with the transition.

Atencio started her career with Albuquerque Public Schools as a special education teacher at Taylor Middle School. She also taught math at James Monroe Middle School before moving to Cibola and then Volcano Vista as an assistant principal.

“Valerie has spent her entire APS career serving students on the West Side. She knows the community and understands the needs and strengths of her students,” said Brooks. “I’m sure she’ll do a great job as interim principal at Volcano Vista. The Hawks are in very competent hands.”