New Mexico Teacher of the Year

2025 Teacher of the Year Application’s Now Available

The New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) is pleased to announce the 2025 Teacher of the Year application window is now open.

This year, educators are to apply directly. The application is available online here.

2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year Announcement

The PED along with New Mexico Gas and Oil Association are proud to announce the 2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year and official Nominee’s. These individuals are skilled and passionate educators who proudly serve our New Mexico students and their communities. Please join us in celebrating these outstanding educators.

2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year

Roy Biñas Basa is an accomplished educator, with an extensive academic journey marked by excellence. With a Ph.D. and Master in Educational Management from the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, and numerous master’s degrees in fields such as Natural Science from the University of St. La Salle and Special Education from Western Colleges Incorporated, Philippines, his dedication to learning is evident. Having excelled throughout, from being a Dean’s Lister in his tertiary education to achieving an Outstanding Dissertation award and high academic distinction in his doctoral studies, Roy embodies a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for education.

He holds a diverse array of teaching licenses, showcasing his expertise in vocational-technical, business, and science education. Accredited by prestigious departments in New Mexico and Arizona, his qualifications include TESOL certification, an International Teaching License, and successful completion of the Licensure Examination for Teachers in the Philippines in 2002.

Basa’s tenure at Twin Buttes Cyber Academy exemplifies an educator deeply committed to fostering excellence in scientific exploration and engineering innovation. Under his guidance, students not only participated but triumphed in prestigious competitions like the 2022 New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge, Regional and State Science and Engineering Fairs, and the International HOSA International Research Competition.

In addition, Basa’s teaching approach extends beyond conventional methods, emphasizing scientific inquiry, engineering principles, and career and technical education (CTE) research. His advocacy for hands-on scientific exploration encourages students to delve into research projects, cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills. His dedication to nurturing young minds in scientific disciplines has propelled students to achievements at local and international levels, showcasing their talents on a global stage.

Through his mentorship, students have embraced innovative thinking, harnessing their potential to address real-world challenges. Basa’s guidance not only empowers students to excel in competitions but instills in them a passion for lifelong learning and a commitment to advancing scientific and engineering frontiers. His teaching experience reflects a transformative approach that cultivates a generation of aspiring scientists and engineers poised to make significant contributions to the world of STEM.

Dr. Basa is a seasoned educator with a multifaceted teaching career spanning various educational institutions globally. With expertise in science, technology, and environmental fields, he has excelled as an instructor, lecturer, and researcher and published author of 13 science, leadership, and children’s books. His extensive experience encompasses roles in curriculum development, science education, and instructional leadership across diverse institutions.

Moreover, he is a distinguished educator, who embodies excellence and dedication, earning numerous accolades like the prestigious 2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, the 2023 New Mexico Academy of Science Outstanding Science Teacher, the 2023 Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award by NSTA, 2022 Asia’s Most Remarkable and Exceptional CTE and Science Educator by Asia-Pacific Luminare Awards and the 2016 Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines given by Metrobank Foundation. His journey includes a myriad of awards, showcasing his impactful contributions, from global recognition to local honors, cementing his position as an inspirational figure in education. From national teaching awards to acknowledgments for outstanding leadership, Roy consistently demonstrates unparalleled commitment, leaving an indelible mark on the education landscape, earning admiration and accolades for his remarkable achievements throughout his illustrious career.

Dr. Basa is an esteemed educator and a featured panelist and research presenter at the NSTA National Conference, his achievements include certifications in STEM, clean energy, and biomedical science. As a CTE materials reviewer and curriculum trainer, Roy demonstrates a commitment to innovative education methodologies.

Basa, a global educator, serves as a Fellow at the Royal Institutions Educators, Singapore, showcasing his commitment to educational excellence. With advisory roles in innovative science programs and memberships in esteemed associations like NSTA, his impactful contributions span international borders, fostering learning and mentorship across diverse communities.

Dr. Basa stands as an ardent advocate for transformative education, championing three fundamental pillars. Firstly, he tirelessly advocates for equitable access to quality education, calling for fair resource allocation and diminishing disparities in socio-economic areas. Secondly, Roy emphasizes the integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into curricula, nurturing students’ emotional well-being and interpersonal skills for holistic development. Lastly, recognizing teachers’ pivotal role, he passionately advocates for increased investment in their professional growth and well-being.

Lastly, he is a family man, and forever a learner.

2024 New Mexico Teacher of the Year Official Nominees