Pat Naranjo,
Math/Literacy Lab instructor at Centauri Middle School
Born and raised in La Jara, as she proudly says, Pat Naranjo is acutely aware of the struggles with math and English that some Hispanic children can experience. It’s a main reason why she became the Literacy and Math Lab instructor at Centauri Middle School eight years ago.
“I just wanted to help my people out and help them get there,” is how she puts it.
This week, Adams State School of Education faculty arrived at Centauri Middle School to recognize Naranjo and her teaching excellence. She was joined by her students, who along with Principal Brian Riccatone, celebrated Naranjo’s recognition.
“She’s a super effective teacher,” Riccatone said.
From the nomination of Naranjo comes more: “I have countless memories of this educator in action. My stories will never compare to the students she had and continues to teach. I have seen nothing but hard work and dedication to her students all my life. She always finds ways to reach her students. Continues to educate herself and those around her to better her skills for the students. She makes a home for students who struggle with different subjects. They leave feeling confident and ready to take on their educational road blocks.”
Like many from the Valley, Naranjo moved away after high school when she attended and graduated from Barnes Business College in Denver. She made her way back home to La Jara a year later and knew then the Valley was where she’d spend her life.
She attended Adams State to become a teacher, then went to work at Centauri Elementary for 14 years before migrating over to the middle school.
“I love middle school,” she said in receiving the Adams State award. Students at that age, “are just so fascinating. They’re so fun, they get my jokes…They’re so spontaneous and just fun to be around.”
Consistency in the classroom is key, she says. “Letting them know that I care about them, and just my interest. I think my math and language interests really are a big part of it because if they know I’m really into it, then they’re easier to buy into what I’m doing.”
If you know a teacher like Pat Naranjo or any educator doing exceptional work in the San Luis Valley, make a nomination for the Adams State Educator Highlight Award.
PAST EHA WINNERS
Presley Garcia, Monte Vista special education teacher
Nick Dionisio, Alamosa High English teacher
Aaron Miltenberger, Boys & Girls Club executive director
Anna Bishop, Center High School CLD teacher
Phyllis Vigil, Sierra Grande first-grade teacher
AlexAndria Moore-Guenter, Moffat Schools secondary counselor
Omar Gonzalez, Alamosa Elementary visual art and music teacher
Leanna Brazel, Alamosa Elementary kindergarten teacher
Freddy Lawrence, Alamosa Elementary custodian
Joe Guenther, South Conejos School District
Katie Turner, Del Norte math teacher
Edwin Mondragon, Monte Vista High School agriculture teacher
Aaron Williams, GOAL High School English teacher
Miriam Baines, Alamosa High School biology and math teacher
Rachel Kellum, Moffat Schools art teacher
Darlene Pinales, Sargent School District, food service staff member
Upward Bound summer faculty, Adams State University
Erika Henderson, chemistry teacher Alamosa High School
Jay Sarason, aviation teacher, Sargent High School
Domingo Estrada, director, Semillas de la Tierra
Lisa Lucero, preschool teacher, Moffat School District
Scott Honeycutt, ASD’s transportation director and chief safety officer
Annette Sisneros, fifth-grade teacher, Alamosa Elementary
Taylor Hubbard, K-12 art teacher, Centennial School District
Lauren McKinney, science teacher, Sangre de Cristo Schools
Amanda Stagner, business teacher, Alamosa High School
Laura Hegey, third-grade teacher, Alamosa Elementary
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) staff, Adams State University
Student Support Services, Adams State University
Kelly Reynolds, Sanford Elementary
ABOUT THE EDUCATOR HIGHLIGHT AWARD:
This monthly award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley. In so doing, Adams State University hopes to build familiarity with the community as a serious destination for future educators. Nominate an educator.
