Tiffany Karney: Los Lunas Schools Teacher of the Year

Tiffany Karney, a teacher at Century High School in Los Lunas, has been named Certified Employee of the Year.

She has a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies with a focus in Secondary Education, and a MS in special education and counseling psychology.

Karney has been a classroom teacher for 10 years, and at Century High School for two years. She teaches ninth and 12th grade English language arts, government and service learning.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?

“It’s a cliché, but like many teachers, I chose to become a teacher because I wanted to have a positive impact on the world — specifically in the lives of children. I continue to choose teaching for a far more selfish reason — because the students I get to work with change my world and make it a better place.”

What brings you the most joy in teaching?

“There are so many things that bring me joy in teaching. I am so fortunate to have a career that I love. The thing I love most is that I get the chance to interact with the most amazing young people every day; people who challenge and change me; people who ask me to question my assumptions about life and help me see things through a different lens. It really is the best job.”

How do you inspire your students to learn?

“I’m not sure I am the expert on this question — my students would have a better answer. However, I can say that I go to work every day hoping to inspire students to keep trying, to keep pushing toward their goal despite the sometimes seemingly insurmountable obstacles they face. I hope I inspire them to look outward, from their own challenges and hardships to their community and ask, ‘How can I help?’”

What is your reaction to being named District Teacher of the Year?

“I am deeply honored to have been named Teacher of the Year. I see teachers every day putting all of themselves into this profession and am honored to work next to them. Teaching is not a competitive sport, it is a community, so while I appreciate the honor, I also know that our work as teachers relies on the support and love of other teachers, and the trust and willingness of the students we proudly serve.”

Site Teachers of the Year

Lorien Aragon, Ann Parish Elementary

Salena Aragon, Bosque Farms Elementary

Crystal Baca, Valencia Elementary

Shelley Brown, Sundance Elementary

Demetria Gallegos, Los Lunas Middle School

Judith Gutierrez, Raymond Gabaldon Elementary

Tiffany Karney, Century High School

Andrea Klaurens, Katherine Gallegos Elementary

Theadora Leyba, Desert View Elementary

Dante Logan, Valencia High School

Patricia Powers, Los Lunas High School

Carl Quintana, Los Lunas Elementary

Ashley Robinson, Valencia Middle School

Geneva Romero-Sanchez, Peralta Elementary

Renee Tabora, Tomé Elementary