Carlos Aceves is a co-founder and bilingual teacher at Raices del Saber Xinacthli Community School. He writes: "I have been a Texas resident since moving from Mexico with my parents at age two. Having earned a degree in mass communication, my first career was working in instructional media for fifteen years. I have now been an elementary bilingual teacher for the past 25 years. My interest in Mesoamerican history and culture inspired me to apply ancient pedagogical models to contemporary educational settings, often with great success in my classroom. This has allowed me to present at national forums such as the National Association for Bilingual Education and university settings. My novel, "Diadema", uses El Paso, Texas, as a setting to explore the mysterious and ancient archaeological site known as Hueco Tanks State Park. My other book, "Nine Seasons: Beyond 2012", has been used in classroom instruction at the University of Texas at El Paso (History), the University of Arizona (Cultural Studies), and Harvard University (Religion). Besides a school teacher, I am a research assistant and presenter for the Indigenous Cultures Institute based in San Marcos, Texas."

caceves@raicesdelsaber.org 

 

Hello,

My name is Laura Hoobler; I was born in El Paso, Texas, grew up, and received my early year's education in Chihuahua, Chihuahua. I started my education at El Paso Community College; then, I transferred to complete my degree at New Mexico State University. I have been an educator for over 30 years. I started as a parent volunteer at El Paso Head Start in 1986. I became an Instructional Assistant for Region 19 Head Start in 1987.

I completed my CDA (Child Development Associate) and became a Head Start Bilingual Teacher in 1989. I attended New Mexico State University and graduated in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in Family and Child Consumer Science. I obtained my Teaching Bilingual Degree at UTEP in 2000 through the ACP (Alternative Certification Program). I attained my teaching license in Bilingual Education from K-8th. Grades. I took several courses toward a master's degree in Bilingual Education at New Mexico State University. I proudly worked for Gadsden School District for 16 years. I have worked primarily in kindergarten, but I have also had experience working with 2 grade, 6th grade, and Reading Intervention. I went as an Education Manager for the Bilingual/Multicultural Head Start Program at the Permian Basin for three years. I was a conference presenter, teacher trainer, and CDA advisor. I have a passion for early childhood education, and I strongly believe in developing our heritage language that will serve as the connection to grow, design, and be proud of our roots. I am also a child's advocate in all areas of the child, not only academics. I also have a strong belief in age-appropriate practices and parental empowerment.

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lhoobler@raicesdelsaber.org

Hello,

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emartinez@raicesdelsaber.org

My name is Fatima Batres, and I am the fourth-grade teacher at Raices del Saber this school year. I have been a Bilingual teacher for kindergarten and first grade for the past 11 years in Las Cruces, NM. I have also gained experience teaching grades Kindergarten to 12th grade from substitute teaching the past year.

I moved to Las Cruces from the state of Durango, Mexico, and have been living here for the past 27 years. I also proudly attended NMSU for both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees and currently hold endorsements in Bilingual Education, TESOL, and as an Elementary Math Specialist.  

I feel very fortunate to be starting a new teaching adventure at Raices del Saber with this amazing community.

 

Thanks! 

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fbatres@raicesdelsaber.org

Hello,

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rmiller@raicesdelsaber.org

Hello! My name is Guadalupe Aguirre de Hernandez. I was born on CD. Juárez Chihuahua México. There, I went to school from the elementary level to the university (UACJ), where I graduated as a Social Worker. In Cd. Juárez, I worked in the youth integration center and in two elementary schools. I have lived in Las Cruces for 21 years, and since the beginning, I have volunteered at Mesilla Park, where my four children attend. While my children were at school, I attended English classes in the afternoons; later on, I finished my GED and made the decision to enter Doña Ana Community College and study Early Childhood. It was very difficult because my first language is Spanish; during this period, I volunteered at the Doña Ana community center caring for children, also at the Children's Reading Alliance, providing daycare support to the parents while de attend to the courses “Primer Maestro” (First Teacher), also, at Engage NM and at Tombaugh Elementary School in Kindergarten and Head Start. Today I have the privilege of working at Raíces del saber Xinachtli Community School as an ICE member-Indigenous Educator Corps and be able to share all my knowledge in an enjoyable way, which motivates students to be the best version of themselves. My hobbies are enjoying time/trips with my family, reading, and walking with my pets.

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ghernandez@raicesdelsaber.org

I am an Indigenous Native New Mexican Woman.  Born and raised in the Pueblo of Tortugas, New Mexico. I am strongly connected to my community and the preservation of our cultural traditions. I am a graduate of New Mexico State University, receiving my degree in Literature, creative writing, and minor in cultural anthropology in 2009. My professional work reflects my passion for unity, empowerment, and education. 

Through my experiences at Raíces del Saber Xinachtli Community School, I am learning to use the natural ways of the earth and universal elements and how they can empower young leaders through education. By connecting every day with our inner fire of the heart, the fluidity of emotional waters, and the purposeful earth path of education every student and family in our community can succeed. 

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 alara@raicesdelsaber.org 

Hello,

An optimistic, creative woman passionate about learning new things about the world. Pursuing opportunities for professional growth while sharing my education, experience, and passion for ancestral knowledge.

Bachelor of Science: Geography

August 2007 - December 2011

New Mexico State University, Las Cruces

Study Abroad, Brazil

July 2010 - December 2010

Universidade Federal de São João Del Rei,São João Del Rei MG

 

Indigenous Educator Service Member

Aug 2019 - July 2020

• Create curriculum, content, and  material inspired by Xinachtli

• Organize with community members to share culturally diverse knowledge in class time and Tloke Nauoke Afterschool

• Created and Supported all afterschool activities and community events

• Collaborated with community partners during Covid 19 to provide opportunities and materials for learning and creating

• Create online learning platforms and content

• Successfully represented Raices del Saber at national and international conferences

• Resource free materials for OST art projects and Activities

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kmartinez@raicesdelsaber.org

Hello!!

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lramos@raicesdelsaber.org 

Hello, my name is Filomena Rigales.  I have taught for 38 years in bilingual classes in Las Cruces, Gadsden, Cobre, Canutillo, and Belen school districts and charter schools such as La Academia Dolores Huerta, and currently at Raices del Saber from DD Preschool through eighth grade.  I have taught in special education, gifted education, bilingual facilitator, and migrant summer programs.  I have been a Title I, am reading and Math teacher for students from Kindergarten through fifth grade in English and Spanish language.  I have had training in taking Flight, Orton-Gillingham, and Esperanza multisensory reading instruction.  I have endorsements in Bilingual, TESOL, and Reading.  I love teaching and am happy to be a member of the staff at Raíces.

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frigales@raicesdelsaber.org