When I started teaching in Grants in the middle of the school year last year, I immediately realized how much there was to learn.
As a very excited newbie, who always doubts herself, I attended three teacher training courses: Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP), Region IX Statewide Mentorship, and The LIFT Mentorship Program. Each offered a unique opportunity for learning whether through educational theory, hands-on strategies, or collaborative coaching. Some of these also came with a stipend, which felt like a supportive reward for educators like me who are just starting out. As the school year ends, I would like to write about how these courses have helped me assess which of my current teaching strategies are effective, which are not, and how I can improve next year.
SIOP, which is required and sponsored by the Grants Cibola County Schools (GCCS), was especially eyeopening. Dr. John Kongsvik, the longstanding and wellloved facilitator, embodies positive teacher energy. He never ran out of practical activities that we could immediately use in our classrooms like cold calling, think-pairshare, carousel quiz, and learning stations. There was never a dull moment with him. Sometimes, I’d find myself deeply inspired by the teaching stories from different countries he shared, only to realize that it was already my turn to participate in the discussion. I’d be stunned as he jokes, “Come back to earth, Richie!” to which I’d say, “Wait, Dr. Kongsvik! I am still processing!”
One of the most exciting features of this seminar was peer coaching. We observed each other’s classes and provided constructive feedback that focused on affirming strengths. For my group, we sat in classes at Los Alamitos Middle School and Laguna Acoma High School. This made the coaching atmosphere collective and uplifting. More importantly, I was able to build friendships that continue to sustain me until now.
Dr. Kongsvik always emphasized that what doesn’t come out in speech won’t show up in writing. SIOP highly encourages student interaction, because long lectures don’t work. Students build confidence by speaking with, listening to, and learning from each other.
In the same light, Dr. Delton Martin, GCCS Director for Educator Success, explains that the District aims to equip teachers with research-based strategies that improve planning, engagement, and support for English Language Learners. SIOP threshes out accessible instruction, formative assessment, and equity to improve student achievement. It helps build teacher confidence, promotes student success, and supports retention by employing tested practices. Dr. Martin believes that teachers who engage students and assist diverse learners manifest the program’s heart, with further insights possible through colleague feedback.
In addition to SIOP, the annual R9 Mentorship pairs early-career teachers with experienced mentors to build teaching capacity through regular collaboration and reflective practice. My mentors include Ms. Shandy Achocoso-Go from Gallup Middle School. She is young and innovative and has six years of teaching experience in the US. Another mentor is Ms. Tammie Hansen, an Education Consultant at RIX Educational Cooperative who is a hands-on mentor and role model. They both guided me through classroom observations and scheduled virtual check-ins. These sessions focused on student-centered activities and inclusive education.
Lastly, The LIFT Seminar,
Anne Richie Balgos
organized by the Priority Schools Bureau (PSB) of the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED), supports teachers by strengthening instructional practices and student engagement. It offered online seminars and two faceto- face sessions in Albuquerque with free hotel accommodation. These gatherings allowed me to meet mentors like Ms. Elna Go, a multi-awarded educator and Principal of Twin Lakes Elementary School in Gallup, NM. I also attended virtual meetings with fellow teachers and was able to better comprehend standardsbased instruction. Among several discussions, what stood out to me was intentional teaching practices. I found this program very helpful in visualizing what quality teaching looks like in New Mexico.
All three programs SIOP, R9 Mentorship, and The LIFT, covered key teaching strategies, including modes of participation, classroom routines, and gradual release of responsibility. These elements are essential for student improvement because when students succeed, teachers succeed too!
This year, I’ve learned that teaching is about changing.
I came into the US classroom with an open mind, and a willingness to shift, if not, unlearn teaching methods that don’t fit in this new educational environment. As Ignacio Estrada says, “If they can’t learn the way we teach, we should teach the way they learn”. There’s so much I still don’t know, and I’ve come to rely on seeking guidance and listening purposively. My mentors and administrators have saved me from countless mistakes - probably 99% of them! Growth happens through conversations and adjustments while staying humble is key to learning, whispers the student in me.