Albuquerque Public Schools
Volcano Vista’s Kristin Garletts is NM Teacher of the Year
Through authentic learning, tech leadership, and continuous advocacy, the Albuquerque educator inspires lifelong learners inside and outside the classroom.
In a spirited school assembly brimming with silver and black balloons and filled with cheers from students, colleagues and state leaders, Kristin Garletts was officially announced as the 2027 New Mexico Teacher of the Year by the New Mexico Public Education Department on Friday.
The prestigious honor celebrates Garletts' extraordinary impact on her school, district and community, recognizing her leadership among educators across Albuquerque Public Schools and the entire state of New Mexico.
"Teaching is still a great career to get into," Garletts said after the assembly. "There's so much good that we can do, and there are so many good things happening. ... It's our job to make them know that they can do anything they want to do."
At Volcano Vista High School, Garletts serves as a ninth-grade English language arts and journalism teacher. A National Board Certified Teacher, her classroom is a dynamic workshop built around high expectations, rigorous analytical writing, authentic real-world work and deeply rooted personal relationships.
Whether helping multilingual learners find their footing, differentiating instruction for students with disabilities, or mentoring student journalists as they produce and publish impactful stories, Garletts creates an inclusive environment where creative and analytical thinking flourish hand-in-hand.
"Kristin Garletts represents the very best of New Mexico's educators: accomplished, innovative and deeply committed to every student she serves," said Public Education Secretary Mariana Padilla. "She helps students find their voices, supports her colleagues and leads with humility and service. We are proud that she will represent New Mexico's teachers in 2027."
"Kristin is an amazing teacher who goes out of her way to connect with students," said APS Superintendent Gabriella Durán Blakey. "We are thrilled that she has been selected as New Mexico’s Teacher of the Year."
A School Leader and Digital Pioneer
Garletts' influence extends well beyond the walls of her own classroom. On campus, she is widely recognized as a technology leader, dedicated to empowering her fellow teachers through targeted professional development, personalized coaching, and the seamless integration of digital instructional resources into daily teaching practice.
"Kristin is the type of remarkable educator who has and continues to influence students beyond the classroom through her innovative teaching and steadfast commitment to student success," Volcano Vista High School Principal Melissa Sedillo said. "Her leadership is characterized by humility and service, and she empowers both students and educators to become confident, creative and lifelong learners."
Two Decades of Dedication to Public Education
Garletts' selection reflects a rich, 20-year career spent across multiple educational roles. Over the past two decades, she has served as an English and English language development teacher, school librarian, literacy mentor, program coordinator, professional learning community leader and technology support specialist. Her extensive qualifications include state endorsements in language arts, reading, teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), and library media sciences.
Her academic foundation was established at Northern Arizona University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English education, graduating summa cum laude.
Honoring the Legacy of New Mexico Educators
Established in 1963, the New Mexico Teacher of the Year program invites annual nominations from all school districts and charter schools across the state to celebrate teaching excellence. The program is sponsored by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association, which provides funding for travel and professional development opportunities for award recipients as they serve as ambassadors for public education.