In a surprise visit today, Education Secretary Mariana D. Padilla announced that Nancy Orta of East Picacho Elementary School in Las Cruces is the 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. Courtesy/NMPEDFirst grade teacher Nancy Orta celebrates with her students today at East Picacho Elementary School in Las Cruces after hearing she was named the of 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. Courtesy/NMPEDNMPED News:LAS CRUCES — Today, during a surprise announcement at East Picacho Elementary School in Las Cruces, New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) Secretary Mariana D. Padilla named first grade teacher Nancy Orta as the 2026 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. “Congratulations to Nancy Orta on this incredible achievement,” Secretary Padilla said. About New Mexico Teacher of the Year program:The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association sponsors the New Mexico Teacher of the Year program, supporting travel needs and professional development opportunities for the award winner.