Retired Nerd Teacher is 2014 Teacher of the Year


Steven Rospopo, a mathematics teacher at the South Valley Academy Charter school in the South Valley of Albuquerque Mexico, was named on Monday as 2014 Teacher of the Year. Rospopo was selectd from the 12 regional candidates announced in January. He will bcome a finalist in the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the IMG Foundation.

Rospopo teaches resource mathematics to at-risk students ranging from 9th to12th grades and sponsors the after school soccer and college preparatory mathematics challenge program for those students who love the beauty and wonder of mathematics. The students have been award winners in the state wide Fractal Foundation Competitions. Rospopo is a three year teacher, who previously was recruited to become a teacher after working as an Engineer and Material Scientit for thirty-two years of Federal Laboratory Service.

Dr. Alberta Sandoval, superintendent of instruction, in her award letter states, "Steve is a mentor and champion  for his students and has continued to work tirelessly to excel in mathematics instruction".

When asked about a philosophy of teaching  Mathematics to Secondary School Students, Rospopo said "Engaging the students in a meaningful, almost individual designed programs is the backbone to building the students love for Mathematics." Steve adds, "Mathematics has been historically to difficult subject to teach because not all students learn in a an analytical way and even then at different rates over time.".  He emphasizes, "You have to teach basic concepts and using those fundamental concepts, then solve individual challenges (problems), making those challenges relevant to modern day technology and use."

When asked about the current state of education in New Mexico, Rospopo said, "There are those cynics out there that say we cannot succeed, that we cannot impact graduation rates or improve test scores, or even change might may described as a soft or indolent youth in our society, what I feel deep inside is that we must return to a system where expectations are not just spoken or written but demanded, that each student must maximize their individuals skills and opportunities, and one which emphasizes the success of the individual not the system." Rospopo also feels that "the emphasis on test scores is affecting the overall quality of education and that nations-wide standards when applied locally is the key to success."

The National Teacher of the Year award will be announced at the White House in May. No teacher from  New Mexico have gone on to win the National Award.