Latino Educational Leaders Encouraged to Join ALAS de Nuevo México

The newly formed state chapter of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents seeks to inspire, cultivate and promote Hispano/Latino educational leaders for the benefit of all students.

May 24, 2012

A group of APS administrators led by Associate Superintendent Eddie Soto is working in partnership with other public education officials from across the state to form a New Mexico chapter of ALAS, the  Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.

The mission of ALAS de Nuevo México, like its parent organization, is to advocate for public education by inspiring and cultivating the development and promotion of Hispano/Latino educational leaders for the benefit of all students.

The purpose of ALAS de Nuevo México is to:

• Establish networks that support educational advancement for all students
• Advocate for the improvement of the education process
• Develop pathways for leadership opportunities and
• Provide mentorship and support.

ALAS not only is an acronym but is the Spanish word that means wings. “It is our hope that the Association will generate wings to success for Latino educators,” explains the ALAS website.

Soto, who oversees secondary education for APS, is heading up the strategic planning committee for ALAS de Nuevo México. He said the group’s primary focus will be to improve educational outcomes for all students.

“While the national organization specifies support for Latino children, we know in Albuquerque Public Schools and across New Mexico that all students need a voice, an advocate,” Soto said. “We are looking forward to working with our peers from around the state on professional development, information sharing and policy advocacy to ensure high standards and quality public education.”

Any school or district administrator interested in getting involved with ALAS de Nuevo México is encouraged to contact Soto at soto_e@aps.edu, Martin Sandoval at sandoval_mc@aps.edu or Jacqueline Costales at costales@aps.edu. There will be an inaugural reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 8, in the Atrium North of Hotel Albuquerque.