MEET THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
David Edward Garcia
Opening Keynote Speaker
8 pm - ABC Ballrooms
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
David is the only 5-language-speaking-motivational-comedian on the planet! David empathizes with diverse students who face challenges because he was once considered an “at-risk student” himself before defying the odds and graduating with a bachelor’s degree and then earning his Master’s Degree.
He has motivated children and mature adults in some of the greatest metropolitan cities of the world: Los Angeles, New York, Sao Paulo, Paris, and London. His upbringing facilitated his multiculturalism/ multilingualism which make it easy to relate to diverse audiences. While his native languages are English, and Spanish, David’s has also presented in French, and Portuguese in his international tours. (He also speaks Italian, bringing his language total to five—for now.)
For more information visit: TopYouthSpeakers.com
Martin Madrid
2025 New Mexico Superintendent of the Year
9:15 am - ABC Ballrooms
Saturday, February 28, 2026
Martin Madrid, M.Ed., is a distinguished educational leader with more than 27 years of experience advancing K–12 systems and elevating student achievement across New Mexico. His career is defined by strategic leadership, collaborative governance, and measurable results. In recognition of his impact, he was named the 2025 New Mexico Superintendent of the Year.
As Past President of the New Mexico School Superintendents Association (NMSSA), Martin has championed statewide policy, leadership development, and innovation for superintendents and school leaders. In his role as Superintendent of Santa Rosa Consolidated Schools, he has led a data-driven transformation that resulted in the district achieving 49% reading proficiency, well above the state average, and earning the Spotlight Designation for three district schools. Martin’s influence extends across both state and national leadership platforms. He serves as Vice President of the New Mexico Activities Association (NMAA) Board of Directors, a member of
the Governing Board of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and a Board Member of Future Focused Education, where he advances career and technical education, workforce alignment, and equitable systems of opportunity for students.
Beyond formal leadership roles, Martin is the founder of Lead the One, a leadership brand and platform dedicated to developing mindset, discipline, and purpose-driven leadership in educators, students, and aspiring leaders. Through speaking, mentorship, and digital content, he challenges individuals to take ownership of their growth and lead by example in both professional and personal arenas.
His leadership philosophy centers on strategic planning, curriculum innovation, and the belief that sustainable system change begins with personal accountability, disciplined mindset, and the daily choice to lead from the front.
Follow his leadership journey and insights on Instagram: @leadtheone
Speaker: Ethan Wright and Shae Devers of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau
Description:
Agricultural careers sit at the intersection of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)—where innovation meets real-world problem solving. With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, agriculture must increase food production by 60% to meet future demand. Solving this challenge will require bold thinkers, scientific research, new technology, and creative solutions across every sector of agriculture.
New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC) connects educators, students, and communities to the science behind agriculture—building agricultural literacy while inspiring the next generation of professionals to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources.
Workshop participants will take part in a hands-on, mini version of the popular Pumpkin Smash activity, applying engineering design, data analysis, and critical thinking in a fun, interactive setting. Participants will also gain access to classroom-ready resources and career-connected tools they can use immediately in education and beyond.
This experience is designed to spark curiosity, encourage innovation, and show students how STEM skills can shape the future of agriculture—and the world.
Objectives:
-
After this presentation, students will be able to:
-
Identify the mission of the New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom Program
-
Explain basic agricultural challenges and the need for STEM solutions in ag
-
Understand how the Agriculture Literacy Project functions to:
-
Cultivate agriculturally literate elementary students
-
Provide examples of challenges in Agriculture and the necessity of STEM
-
Empower high-school students to teach agriculture literacy project materials to elementary students
-
Interest students in pursuing agricultural careers
-
Explore NMAITC’s online resources for use in college coursework (if applicable) and lesson planning
-
Return to their chapters with a connection to NMAITC that can foster future collaboration in their chapter and school district, if desired
Resources:
Breakout with a Presenter Session!
Creating Your Acrostic Poem
NM State Officers Daniel Madrid, Marfyll Alcala Cisneros, Nevaeh Gonzalez
Thursday:
9:00 AM LOBO A 3RD FLOOR
Speaker: NM State Officers Daniel Madrid, Marfyll Alcala Cisneros, Nevaeh Gonzalez
Description: Discover what an Acrostic Poem is, and create your own from your name during this interactive, hands on workshop.
Objectives:
Resources:
Teachers Making Impressions: Printmaking and Interdisciplinary Exploration
Justin Makemson & Michelle Lemons of the NMPED College and Career Readiness Bureau
Thursday:
9:00 AM LOBO B 3RD FLOOR
Speaker: Justin Makemson & Michelle Lemons of the NMPED College and Career Readiness Bureau
Description : In this hands-on workshop, participants explore basic printmaking concepts and techniques and consider how printmaking can be used in the interdisciplinary inquiries of their own students.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
-
create impressions using different printmaking techniques. identify opportunities to use printmaking in interdisciplinary explorations.
-
access teaching resources related to art-infused learning.
-
recognize overlap in initiatives and opportunities available to preservice teachers through Educators Rising and the National Art Education Association.
Resources
From Our Stories to Our Purpose: Building Resilience and Pathways into Teaching
Mishelle Jurado & Stephan Eiland of Highland High School Chapter
Friday:
9:00 AM ROOM BALLROOM B 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Mishelle Jurado & Stephan Eiland of Highland High School Chapter
Description
This interactive session is designed for high school and college students who are interested in becoming educators, with a particular focus on first-generation students navigating unfamiliar academic systems while carrying a strong desire to contribute to change in their communities. Grounded in storytelling, reflection, and practical strategies, the session centers mental health, resilience, and purpose as foundational to sustaining a career in education.
Participants will engage in guided reflection on their lived experiences and explore how personal stories, cultural wealth, and moments of adversity can become sources of strength rather than obstacles. The session also makes the “hidden curriculum” of education visible by addressing time management, goal-setting, and system navigation through a first-generation lens. Emphasis is placed on the idea that caring for oneself is not separate from becoming an educator—it is essential to the work.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
-
Identify and affirm their personal stories as assets for building resilience, supporting mental health, and shaping their purpose as future educators.
-
Apply practical strategies for goal-setting, time management, and system navigation that support persistence through adversity and empower them to create change for themselves and others.
Resources
Team Building Games
Taysia Baca, Ellanie Magana, Yareli Del Muro, Leia Girven, and Ava Herrera Anchando of the Ruidoso High School Chapter
Friday:
9:00 AM BALLROOM A 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Taysia Baca, Ellanie Magana, Yareli Del Muro, Leia Girven, and Ava Herrera Anchando of the Ruidoso High School Chapter
Description
Attendees will play up to 4 team building games from "Cup It Up"
Objectives
Take team building strategies back to their chapters and schools. Work together with students from other schools during conference
Resources
Speaker: Ethan Wright and Shae Devers of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau
Description:
Agricultural careers sit at the intersection of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)—where innovation meets real-world problem solving. With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, agriculture must increase food production by 60% to meet future demand. Solving this challenge will require bold thinkers, scientific research, new technology, and creative solutions across every sector of agriculture.
New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom (NMAITC) connects educators, students, and communities to the science behind agriculture—building agricultural literacy while inspiring the next generation of professionals to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources.
Workshop participants will take part in a hands-on, mini version of the popular Pumpkin Smash activity, applying engineering design, data analysis, and critical thinking in a fun, interactive setting. Participants will also gain access to classroom-ready resources and career-connected tools they can use immediately in education and beyond.
This experience is designed to spark curiosity, encourage innovation, and show students how STEM skills can shape the future of agriculture—and the world.
Objectives:
-
After this presentation, students will be able to:
-
Identify the mission of the New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom Program
-
Explain basic agricultural challenges and the need for STEM solutions in ag
-
Understand how the Agriculture Literacy Project functions to:
-
Cultivate agriculturally literate elementary students
-
Provide examples of challenges in Agriculture and the necessity of STEM
-
Empower high-school students to teach agriculture literacy project materials to elementary students
-
Interest students in pursuing agricultural careers
-
Explore NMAITC’s online resources for use in college coursework (if applicable) and lesson planning
-
Return to their chapters with a connection to NMAITC that can foster future collaboration in their chapter and school district, if desired
Resources:
10:15 AM SESSION BLOCK
Puppets
Guadalupe Estrada
Thursday:
10:15 AM ROOM LOBO B 3RD FLOOR
Speaker: Guadalupe Estrada
Description: In this presentation, we will talk about the process we take in our Bilingual Teacher Academy class to make a Puppet Show. You will hear the perspective from both, the students and the teacher leader. A description from the sketch, the script, the background stage, the puppets and ultimately our presentation at an Elementary school. In an effort to make Children’s Literature engaging for small students, teachers can use a Puppet Show in their classrooms to teach students social-emotional learning and help them fall in love with a story.
STEAM for Early Childhood: Hands-On Magnetic STEM Activities
Lauren Butcher of Explora
Thursday:
10:15 AM LOBO A 3RD FLOOR
Speaker: Lauren Butcher of Explora
Description
Learn about STEAM in early childhood! We'll explore principles of STEAM play, investigate which items are attracted to magnets and which are not, and explore attracting and repelling with a wide variety of materials.
Objectives
Describe principles of STEAM play in early childhood
Resources:
The IEP Files: A Special Education Escape Room
Madeline Ferguson of the Eastern New Mexico University Chapter
Friday:
10:15 AM ROOM BALLROOM B 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Madeline Ferguson of the Eastern New Mexico University Chapter
Description:
This engaging, escape room–style session introduces students to the core roles, responsibilities, and skills of Special Education teachers while helping them consider whether the field is the right fit for them. Through collaborative challenges and hands-on activities, participants explore key concepts such as advocacy, instructional supports, differentiation, and the pathway to becoming a Special Education educator.
The experience concludes with guided reflection, discussion, and a Qamp;A with a Special Education professional, giving students both practical insight and a personal perspective on the profession.
Objectives: Participants will understand the importance of advocacy, understand how to use accommodations and modifications, differentiated instruction, and how to become a SpEd teacher themselves!
Resources:
You'd Make a Great Teacher - Supports for Future NM Teachers
Lisa Faith of TEACH New Mexico/NMPED
Friday:
10:15 AM ROOM BALLROOM B 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Lisa Faith of TEACH New Mexico/NMPED
Description
Licensure 101: How to Become a Teacher in New Mexico. In this session, participants will learn about the steps and requirements to becoming a licensed teacher in New Mexico, and the free guidance and direct financial assistance available to all future NM teachers from NMPED.
Objectives
Participants will be able to identify their pathway to becoming a teacher and the financial aid available to cover the costs, find free guidance and direct financial assistance for anyone interested in teaching in NM, and understand the benefits of becoming a teacher in NM.
Resources
1:15 PM SESSION BLOCK
Speaker: Ethan Wright and Shae Devers of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau
Description:
Workshop participants will take part in a hands-on, mini version of the popular Pumpkin Smash activity, applying engineering design, data analysis, and critical thinking in a fun, interactive setting. Participants will also gain access to classroom-ready resources and career-connected tools they can use immediately in education and beyond.
This experience is designed to spark curiosity, encourage innovation, and show students how STEM skills can shape the future of agriculture—and the world.
Objectives:
After this presentation, students will be able to:
-
Identify the mission of the New Mexico Agriculture in the Classroom Program
-
Explain basic agricultural challenges and the need for STEM solutions in ag
-
Understand how the Agriculture Literacy Project functions to:
-
Cultivate agriculturally literate elementary students
-
Provide examples of challenges in Agriculture and the necessity of STEM
-
Empower high-school students to teach agriculture literacy project materials to elementary students
-
Interest students in pursuing agricultural careers
-
Explore NMAITC’s online resources for use in college coursework (if applicable) and lesson planning
-
Return to their chapters with a connection to NMAITC that can foster future collaboration in their chapter and school district, if desired
Resources:
Integrating Agriculture into STEM Education
Thursday:
1:15 PM ROOM BALLROOM A 3RD FLOOR
Ethan Wright & Shae Devers of New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau
Achieving Your Goals (time management)
Cleo Mow & Selena Enriquez of Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso Branch
Thursday:
1:15 PM ROOM LOBO A 3RD FLOOR
Speaker: Cleo Mow & Selena Enriquez of Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso Branch
Description
This interactive session helps future educators connect their purpose with practical skills such as time management and goal-setting. Students will reflect on their “why,” identify habits that support success, and write a letter to their future teacher self—creating a tangible reminder to stay focused, organized, and committed as they pursue a career in education.
Objectives
Participants will:
-
Clarify their purpose for becoming an educator
-
Explore time-management strategies that support goal achievement
-
Connect present habits to future success
-
Create a personal letter to guide their journey into teaching
Resources
Funding Your College Experience at UNM
Mariel Leon Lazcano, Andres De Santiago, Adriana Achuleta and Samantha Fisher of University of New Mexico
Friday:
1:15 PM ROOM BALLROOM B 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Mariel Leon Lazcano, Andres De Santiago, Adriana Achuleta and Samantha Fisher of University of New Mexico
Description
Current students at UNM will give a presentation regarding funding college, including information on the Lottery and Opportunity Scholarships as well as opportunities such as the DPTR Program offered at UNM. There will also be an extended period for HS students to ask UNM students about college life in general and other questions
Objectives :
Participants will:
-
Have more confidence in how to pay for an education degree at UNM
-
Have knowledge about additional opportunities through the College of Ed. about funding and gaining field experience
-
Have a greater understanding of campus life here at UNM
Resources
Spanish o Inglés: Careers in Bilingual & ESL Education (No Second Language Required!)
Kyle Gentile and Amoreena LaCour of the Eastern New Mexico University Chapter
Friday:
1:15 PM ROOM BALLROOM A 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Kyle Gentile and Amoreena LaCour of the Eastern New Mexico University Chapter
Description:
The presentation will explore the differences between ESL and Bilingual Education. It will be lead by two ENMU students with experience in their respective fields. We will be comparing the two fields, sharing the power of these career paths, and walking students through several different language teaching activities.
Objectives: After this presentation students will:
-
Understand the core ideas of bilingual/ESL education.
-
Identify new career paths in language education.
-
Use specific bilingual/ESL teaching strategies.
Resources
2:30 PM SESSION BLOCK
Navigating Learning Paths with a UDL Compass: Escape Room
Cammie LePlatt, Cori Brooks & Candise Forgue of the NM Universal Design for Learning - Central Region Educational Cooperative
Thursday:
2:30 PM ROOM BALLROOM B 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Cammie LePlatt, Cori Brooks & Candise Forgue of the NM Universal Design for Learning - Central Region Educational Cooperative
Description
Let your UDL Compass guide the way! In this hands-on escape room experience, you'll collaborate, solve puzzles, and uncover the power of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). From building engagement cairns to mapping representation and unlocking action & expression, each challenge will bring you closer to designing learning that works for all students. Ready to take the journey? Grab your compass, embrace the adventure, and become a UDL champion!
Objectives
Participants will:
-
Experience the three principles of UDL occurring and name them.
-
Understand the value of a productive struggle for learner agency
-
Form meaningful connections with your learning.
-
Valuing each group members unique differences.
-
See the power of utilizing strengths in collaboration.
-
Understand how to remove learning barriers proactively instead of reactively.
-
Discover how unique learning styles can flourish in gamified learning.
Resources
Boosting Engagement and Retention with Fast and Curious
Selena Shepherd & Jennifer Armstrong of Central Region Educational Cooperative
Thursday:
2:30 PM ROOM BALLROOM C 2ND FLOOR
Speaker: Selena Shepherd & Jennifer Armstrong of Central Region Educational Cooperative
Preparation
At the beginning of the session, participants will need access to their laptops to actively engage in the learning activities.
Description
In this session, participants will explore Fast and Curious, a high-impact EduProtocol that increases student engagement, retention, and confidence across content areas. This short, repetition-based routine uses quick formative cycles with immediate feedback to help students internalize key concepts in just 15 minutes a day. Teachers gain real-time data to guide instruction, while students benefit from a fast, fun, and confidence-building learning experience. Participants will experience the protocol firsthand and leave with practical strategies, templates, and tips to implement Fast and Curious for inclusive, student-centered learning.
Participants will also learn how to incorporate the Frayer Model to deepen understanding of academic vocabulary and key concepts. This research-based strategy guides students to define terms, identify characteristics, and generate examples and non-examples, promoting critical thinking and stronger conceptual clarity. When paired with Fast and Curious, the Frayer Model supports multiple learning modalities, reinforces academic language, and helps all learners build meaningful, lasting understanding.
Objectives
After this presentation, participants will be able to:
-
Describe the purpose and key components of the Fast and Curious EduProtocol.
-
Experience and facilitate a Fast and Curious learning cycle to increase student engagement and retention.
-
Use formative data from Fast and Curious to provide timely feedback and adjust instruction.
-
Integrate the Frayer Model to deepen student understanding of vocabulary and key concepts.
-
Apply inclusive, student-centered strategies that support diverse learners across content areas.
Resources
Math is Actually Really Relaxing
Casey Mariscal of Eastern New Mexico University
Speaker: Casey Mariscal of Eastern New Mexico University
Description
Using Math to create balance. Math helps us balance our lives the same way it balances equation. When one side is empty, the whole system is off. Unless you are a quadratic.
What if we approached personal well-being the same way we approach math by aiming for balance? This interactive session uses simple math concepts as a metaphor to help participants reflect on what drains their energy, what restores them, and how small, intentional choices can create a more sustainable daily rhythm. Through hands-on activities, reflection, and practical strategies, attendees will explore how to “add” supportive habits, “subtract” stressors, and build routines that prevent burnout. Participants will leave with a personalized plan and a fresh perspective on self-care as structured, necessary, and achievable, rather than selfish.
Objectives
Participants will be able to understand how to fill their cups with their needs and their wants, by using a math equation to understand how to use it throughout their weeks as a future teacher.
Resources
Friday:
2:30 PM ROOM BALLROOM B 2ND FLOOR