Teacher of the Month Monica Funston, Hayes Middle School

Pepsi and the APS Education Foundation recognize some of our outstanding teachers.

With 17 years experience as an engineer, it was a life of teaching that seventh-grade teacher Monica Funston longed for. Now in her third year of teaching, Monica is having a positive impact on the lives of her students.

"I'm constantly telling the kids that engineers never give up, you try three times, you ask for help and then try again," Funston said. "I feel that being able to fall down a couple of times and make some mistakes is truly where the kids learn."

Monica Funston is the Pepsi/APS Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Month for January. Pepsi and the APS Education Foundation have partnered for the past seven years to recognize a few of the district’s outstanding teachers for their contributions to the classroom, school, and community.  This year, Flying Star Café is also recognizing our teachers by donating a gift card.

The Foundation randomly selects one APS school each month, and that school’s principal or staff chooses a teacher to be honored. The teacher receives a $100 check from Pepsi, a $50 gift card from Flying Star Café and acknowledgment on the APS website, Facebook page and electronic billboards.

They receive a small token of appreciation but represent the many outstanding teachers in Albuquerque Public Schools.

Meet Monica Funston: