Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Educator Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
National recognition celebrates Jeff Beg, a resource teacher with McKinney-Vento Outreach.
Albuquerque Public Schools is proud to share that Jeff Beg, a resource teacher with McKinney-Vento Outreach, has been awarded the 2025 Sandra Neese Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the nation’s highest honors for professionals serving children and youth experiencing homelessness.
The award recognizes individuals whose work embodies the courage, compassion and unwavering commitment modeled by Sandra Neese, a pioneer in advocating for vulnerable students. Spanning more than twenty-five years, Beg’s career reflects these values at every step.
Since 1998, Beg has been a steadfast leader in New Mexico, supporting families in crisis with dignity, empathy and determination. As chair of the State Advisory Council, he has guided liaisons and programs statewide, ensuring strong compliance with the McKinney-Vento Act while building relationships that extend beyond basic requirements.
Colleagues consistently describe his approach as one rooted in kindness and respect. Beg sees families not as challenges, but as opportunities to deepen connection and impact, an outlook that has shaped his career and inspired others.
Beg has dedicated his life’s work to both advocacy and action. His leadership has strengthened supports for students experiencing homelessness across New Mexico, all while keeping the needs and dignity of each child at the center. He is widely respected for his integrity, humility and his steadfast belief that every child deserves safety, stability and opportunity.
APS proudly celebrates Jeff Beg for this well-deserved national recognition and thanks him for his continued service to the students and families of New Mexico.