Teaching may be one of the oldest professions in the world. It’s defined as the practice of transmitting skills and knowledge to learners. Skills aside, the heart of a teacher comes from the deep desire to inspire, motivate, and help others succeed. This month we honor Questa Alta Vista Elementary educator and third-grade teacher, Feliz Ortega.
Feliz Ortega has been a teacher at Alta Vista Elementary for nine years, since 2015. She’s worked with second to fifth grades but most of her classroom experience has been with the third grade.
Born and raised in Taos, her career working with children started out in the daycare at Taos High School. She then moved on to be an educational assistant (EA) at Enos Garcia Elementary School in Taos for seven years. Then she transitioned to a secretary position at Questa High School and soon after that obtained her teaching degree from the University of New Mexico
There was one instance that really sparked Ortega’s interest in teaching. When she was about ten years old, she saw an advertisement with children describing what they wanted to be when they grew up. Several kids listed the many professions kids often do, but one little girl stood up and said she wanted to be a teacher. The other kids laughed and made fun of her. The little girl in the ad said in return, “Where would all of you be without teachers?” The notion that all professions are influenced by teachers stuck with Ortega.
Ortega’s teaching style is hands-on and science-based. With a teaching endorsement in science, she leads with this and connects it to lessons, whether in language arts or social studies. “I really love hands-on learning because the kids really enjoy it and it gets them excited,” Ortega says.
Ultimately, Ortega is inspired to teach by her father, a retired educator and administrator—as well as retired lieutenant colonel in the National Guard. From her father comes Ortega’s aptitude for classroom management and routine, and from her mother comes her nurturing touch. Ortega was raised with a stay-at-home mother and three sisters, with whom she remains close. “We are very family oriented,” says Ortega.
Another valuable trait Ortega brings to the classroom is the ability to allow her students (“her kids,” she calls them throughout the year) to have a voice. She allows them to express their opinions and even challenge her at times. This year she held a class vote where “her kids” decided what she would be for Halloween. She says they were so surprised and happy when she walked into the classroom dressed as their choice!
When asked to share something with readers they might not know about her, Ortega replied, “I love to travel. I have a bucket list that I refer to about twice a year with my two kids. I’ve traveled to 10 states and 13 different countries. I try to go somewhere new every year.” Ortega has twin children, Diego and Mariana, both 16. “They keep me busy with their sports and activities. I continue to push them and encourage them to expand their interests, activities, and knowledge,” says Ortega.
In the classroom, Ortega is constantly reminded that children can teach adults as well. She recalled one instance when she first started teaching when a seven-year-old boy showed her a new way of solving a math problem. She says, “Even though he was only seven years old, he taught me something new. It made me realize that everyone learns at their own speed and with their own style,” and states “our classroom is our little family, our own little community. I want to be the kind of teacher that tries to understand my students’ needs and give them an opportunity to shine wherever they can.”
