At Ruben S. Torres Elementary School, located in a remote corner of New Mexico, Gomez has established herself as a steadfast teacher leader and inspiring mentor who works every day to support her colleagues and achieve notable academic and personal growth for her students. From the first day of school, Gomez sets her classroom expectations high, and her students regularly rise to meet the challenge.
Known as an innovative educator who drives student-led learning, Gomez embraces methodologies such as empowering students to use data-trackers to chart their own growth as they learn new sight words; incorporating color-coded strategies for teaching math, an approach that yields greater understanding for her students; teaching communications skills through a hands-on journalism project that encourages students to use data-driven journalism techniques to inform their writing; and weaving project-based learning (PBL) throughout her curriculum to foster student cooperation and spark creativity. Her students’ first PBL project this year was to create their “ideal learning environment,” and the class developed an outdoor classroom space for science and other related subjects.
Gomez regularly looks for ways to inspire students to see a future career for themselves: inviting local newspaper journalists to the school for a Black History Month project and outdoor art installation; hosting the Public Service Company of New Mexico to speak to her students when she taught about electricity; and facilitating other real-world, team-based learning projects for students to elevate their academic performance and instill a sense of responsibility and curiosity. In addition, as a former therapist, she brings social emotional learning techniques into her classroom, ensuring that the needs of the whole child are consistently met.
Gomez’s leadership extends beyond her classroom, into the school and greater community where she is seen as a leader and mentor for her peers at the elementary school; serving as a court-appointed advocate for foster children; an honorary board member of Playsharity, a hands-on children's museum; and an adjunct professor in social work at Western New Mexico University. She embodies a spirit of service to both her students and the community and can be regularly found helping non-native English speakers with taxes or benefit applications, caring for the homeless, and helping migrant families adjust to their new lives in Deming.
Gomez completed a Bachelor of Social Work from Western New Mexico University (WNMU) in 2012. She continued her postgraduate education at WNMU, earning two master’s degrees: Master of Social Work (2017) and Master in the Art of Teaching (2021).
Press release: Deming Elementary Teacher Surprised with 2023 Milken Educator Award and $25,000 Cash Prize
To my daughter, knowing that I have your love and support is a source of inspiration that pushes me to be my best self every day. The thought of wanting you to feel proud of me fills my heart with a deep sense of purpose and determination. Your pride in my efforts is a driving force that motivates me to excel and make a positive difference, not just in my profession but in the person I strive to be every day, it is your success and emotional well-being that serve as my greatest inspiration, propelling me to strive for excellence and prioritize creating a nurturing environment for my students, understanding firsthand the profound impact it has on their lives. I love you.
Masters in Social Work
Masters in the Arts of Teaching
