Albuquerque Public Schools
Zia Elementary's Katy Hammel Named 2025 New Mexico History Teacher of the Year
The Gilder Lehrman Institute recognizes longtime APS educator for her innovative teaching and dedication to students.
Katy Hammel, a gifted education teacher at Zia Elementary School, has been named the 2025 New Mexico History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.
The national program honors one teacher from every state for their outstanding commitment to teaching American history. Honorees are selected for their creativity, use of primary sources, and ability to inspire students to see the past as meaningful and relevant.
Hammel, a National Board Certified Teacher, has been with Albuquerque Public Schools for more than 18 years. She joined Zia Elementary last year, after 12 years of teaching gifted students at Edward Gonzales Elementary and five years as an assistant principal at Atrisco Heritage Academy High School.
She said history is essential for students and helps them connect with their sense of identity.
“We study history to know who we are, where we've come from, and to see how the challenges and choices of the past inform what we face today,” Hammel explained. “For me specifically, I want to teach history so that my students identify as American and New Mexican and carry that identity, that pride, and those values with them wherever they go in their lives.”
Hammel said she is proud to receive this award and credits fellow APS educators who have previously earned it with inspiring her.
“Throughout my career, I have been inspired by amazing colleagues within APS who won this award, specifically, Venessa Urioste, who won this award in 2023, and Sharon Sharp, who won in 2015,” she said. “I want to be like them.”
Hammel said she is particularly proud of the curriculum that earned her recognition.
“The curricular unit featured in my submission for this award is something I researched, created and have honed over many years. I would like to share it widely among fourth-grade teachers around the state,” she added. “I am hoping a partnership with Gilder Lehrman can help me make that happen.”
As part of the award, Hammel will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of classroom resources and recognition at a local ceremony. She also is in the running for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced this fall in New York City.