“In 4th grade, Mrs. Rodriguez asked us to write an essay about whether children should watch TV. Most of my classmates wrote against it, but I argued the benefits — news, weather, even entertainment. Mrs. Rodriguez was proud of me for standing alone. That moment has stayed with me and continues to shape my work. Oftentimes, I stand up against other adults on issues related to education, not because it is easy, but because it is right… for kids.”
Those words from Hope Morales, Executive Director of Teach Plus New Mexico, set the tone for the recent Economic Mobility Summit, where educators, policymakers, and industry leaders came together to chart new pathways for student success.
Teach Plus is a national nonprofit that empowers excellent, experienced teachers to take leadership over education policy and practice. In New Mexico, the organization partners with nearly 900 educators statewide — from rural and tribal schools to urban classrooms — to ensure that the voices of those closest to students help shape the systems and policies that impact them.
The Economic Mobility Summit, co-sponsored by NMOGA, CTECH of Hobbs (Center for Technical Excellence), Ocotillo Strategies, and Opportunity Culture, showcased the power of those partnerships. For Morales, this work is personal. “My background and experience inspired me to work in education and stay in my community. Education has the power to change lives, despite the circumstances that many people grow up with. I’m proof of that.”
At the summit, Morales previewed Teach Plus New Mexico’s new strategic plan. “We are getting ready to launch a new strategic plan focused on improving economic mobility for students by ensuring they are successful after high school. Our efforts, including programming and partnerships, will focus more directly on the issues that will support post-secondary success: measuring what matters (like career readiness and skill acquisition), expanding access to excellence (through rigorous programs, innovative schools, and exceptional teachers), and strengthening collaboration between the business and educational sectors across the state.”
Teach Plus’ reach extends far beyond Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Recent efforts include a convening in Hobbs that brought together educators, businesses, and higher education to focus on the aspirations of southeastern New Mexico students. By equipping teachers in rural, tribal, and under-resourced communities with training and connections to policymakers, Teach Plus ensures that student needs from every region inform state education systems.
Morales was also candid about the unseen challenges teachers face. “It is hard to be a good teacher. All teachers try hard, but not all teachers are effective. The demands have increased over the years — many have to support students beyond academics, often without proper resources or time. Even effective teachers often face burnout.” She added, “A student who gains confidence is a success. A student who learns responsibility and durable skills is a success. A student who leaves a classroom with a goal for their future is a success. And a teacher’s success should always be tied to their students’.”
It is impossible to talk about education in New Mexico without recognizing the foundation that the oil and gas industry provides. The industry contributes more than $5.8 billion annually to the state budget, with over $2.3 billion directly supporting schools, colleges, and universities. Nearly one-third of all funding for New Mexico classrooms comes from oil and gas. Beyond the classroom, industry revenues sustain thousands of scholarships each year, like the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship and the Lottery Scholarship, giving graduates the chance to pursue higher education or technical training without overwhelming debt.
Morales emphasized how vital that partnership is: “Gone are the days of staying in our own lanes. The oil and gas industry continues to strengthen education by combining workforce preparation, community engagement, and financial investment. By continuing to partner with schools and organizations like Teach Plus, the industry will ensure more students are equipped for postsecondary success while also building a skilled local workforce.”
That spirit of partnership was on display during the summit’s cross-industry panel. Becca Myers of Coterra Energy shared how her company collaborates with schools to build real-world pathways for students. Morales echoed the call for deeper collaboration: “We need NMOGA and partners to continue showing up and engage as active partners. We need your expertise, ideas, and commitment to help improve cross-sector collaboration. Teach Plus NM is also ready to work across sectors, bringing in the invaluable voice of great teachers, learning from industry leaders, and helping connect the needs and opportunities for students and partners.”
Despite the challenges ahead, Morales is hopeful. “We have examples of greatness all over our state — from individual student stories to schoolwide success and promising programs. Now it is our job to learn about these successes in order to replicate what we know works.” She believes every student deserves access to excellent teachers, rigorous coursework, and clear pathways to both college and careers. “Our students and communities deserve better. Teaching truly is one of the most empowering, life-changing careers in the world. Teachers can inspire students to challenge the reality of today, build the skills for tomorrow, and gain something no one can ever take away from them — a quality education.”
The Economic Mobility Summit underscored that no single sector can meet New Mexico’s challenges alone. Educators, industries, and communities are already working together, but the future will demand even stronger partnerships. NMOGA is committed to building on this momentum — helping to strengthen schools, expand career pathways, and grow the talent pipeline that ensures opportunity for every New Mexico student.
