St. Joseph Mission School

Our inspiring Interview with Ms. Juanico:

Q: What inspired you to enter the realm of education?

A: My mother and an innate love for learning. My mother has been a teacher for over 20 years and is currently the language teacher at Acoma Head Start. She has always been a great role model who nurtured all my interests and still does today. I also remember always loving to go to school, seeing my teachers and friends, but mostly always excited about learning something new. I love to engage in my own learning and the learning of others. In fact, I love learning so much that I am about to attain my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology which focuses on cognition, learning, memory, assessment, and much more.

Q: What most excites you about your role as Assistant Secretary of Indian Education?

A: I am most excited about working with and for native communities. I am from the Pueblo of Acoma, was raised on the reservation, and am a product of the public school system. I am excited about providing Pueblo representation and perspective within a division and department that can make huge impacts directly affecting all children, teachers, and support staff. I know that there is a lot of work to be done but, I love to work and am passionate about education and the relationships with tribes and nations that are vital to the process. I plan to take it day by day, always remembering that the work is first and foremost for the children of New Mexico.

In the photo to the left: Mrs. Lopez (left) and Ms. Sue Cerno, teacher (right). The picture was taken at her kindergarten promotion. Ms. Juanico attended SJMS from kindergarten to 6th grade.

Calling all St Joseph School alumni, we are looking towards crowd sourcing support and ideas to more impactfully celebrate our 100 year anniversary of the school’s founding.

In July 2022, we held a small gathering with a dinner, live band and door prizes.

Are you registered with the school as an alumni?

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