Gloria Hale Wins 2008 New Mexico Indian Educator of the Year

 The New Mexico Public Education Department has awarded Gloria Hale with the 2008 New Mexico Indian Educator of the Year.  Hale is the Director of Indian Education for the Grants/Cibola County School District in New Mexico. She joined the school district in 2004 after serving as a school superintendent in Arizona.

In the past four years, she has created two language programs and obtained funding for another.  She is of Navajo descent in a school district that is comprised of 41 percent Native American students.  She is committed to providing an atmosphere where Native American students can learn.

During her tenure, Hale has worked to bring the school district into compliance with the New Mexico Indian Education Act of 2003, which was passed to provide equitable access and educational opportunities; maintain Native languages in instruction; study, develop & implement positive educational systems and increase tribal involvement and control, and build positive relationships between the school system and the Navajo Nation, among other things.

Hale has a bachelor’s of art in elementary education from Fort Lewis College, and a master of arts in educational administration from Northern Arizona.  In addition, she serves on the New Mexico Native American History Curriculum guide committee. She is also the current New Mexico state chairperson for the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, which addresses issues on Impact Aid funding and the Equalization law.

— Teachers of Color