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Friday, January 17, 2025

Milken Educator Award goes to Kirtland Elementary teacher Rashinda Billie

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Suzette Jean Haskie-Oberly Board President District 5 at Central Consolidated School District | Official website

Suzette Jean Haskie-Oberly Board President District 5 at Central Consolidated School District | Official website

Kirtland Elementary School's fourth-grade teacher, Rashinda Billie, has been honored with the Milken Educator Award. This award, recognized nationally as the "Oscars of Teaching," includes a $25,000 prize and acknowledges Billie's significant contributions to education.

The award was presented during a schoolwide assembly on January 15, 2025. Jennifer Fuller, Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and former recipient from Texas in 2017, along with Dr. Candace Castillo from New Mexico's Public Education Department, delivered the accolade.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rashinda Billie into the ranks of America's most incredible educators," said Fuller. "Rashinda's creativity in the classroom, enthusiasm for education, and leadership have made a significant impact on her students, colleagues and her community. Welcome to the Milken Educator Network!"

Billie is now part of a national network comprising over 3,000 educators recognized by this program. As the sole recipient in New Mexico for the 2024-25 season and an alumna of Shiprock High School, she joins an esteemed group within her district.

Steve Carlson, Superintendent of Central Consolidated School District stated: "It is an honor to have Ms. Rashinda Billie as an educator at Kirtland Elementary School...Ms. Billie's achievement serves as an inspiration to all educators across New Mexico."

This recognition marks Billie as the fourth recipient from Central Consolidated School District to receive this award alongside Delphina John, Dr. Elvira Bitsoi Largie, and Glojean Todacheene.

Several notable attendees were present at the ceremony including Mark Duncan (NM State Representative), Sandra Lanier (District 3 County Commissioner), Shane Ferarri (San Juan County Sheriff), Tony Herrera (Chief of San Juan County Fire Department), Lt. Shawn Montgomery (San Juan County Fire Department), Terri Garcia (Member of CCSD Indian Education Committee), Jim Dumont (Representative of Martin Heinrich), Anthony T. Pacheco Jr., MPA (Representative of Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández) and CCSD School Board Members Marion L. Wells and Gary J. Montoya.

From New Mexico Public Education Department were Dr. Candice Castillo and Dr. Janelle Taylor Garcia.

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