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      Recent News
New Mexico High School State Principal of the Year for 2008 Awarded to Kelly Callahan of SIATech at
Albuquerque Job Corps Center
ALBUQUERQUE—June 20, 2008—Kelly Callahan, the principal of the School for Integrated Academics and Technologies (SIATech) at Albuquerque Job Corps Center, has been chosen as the 2008 High School State Principal of the Year for the state of New Mexico for her collaborative leadership; guidance of the school curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and her personalization and creation of a positive school climate. The award given by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and MetLife is designed to recognize outstanding secondary school leaders who provide high-quality learning opportunities for students. MetLife and NASSP will honor all State Principals of the Year at the Principal’s Institute and Awards Banquet held in October 2008 in Washington, D.C. As a state winner, Callahan is eligible to be named National Principal of the Year. The state winner applications will be reviewed and judged by a distinguished panel in Summer 2008, and three high school principal finalists will go on to compete for the 2008 National Principals of the Year. Callahan has been the principal of SIATech Albuquerque for four years. The charter school serves an ethnically diverse, low-income student population: more than 80% of students are American Indian or Latino and 100% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. Through its program, the school strives to transform students into contributing members of society who are prepared for careers, the military, and higher education. SIATech is different from most other schools since the school is embedded in the Job Corps program. Dr. Emily Salazar, member of the SIATech Governing Council, founding member, and Business Community Liaison for the Albuquerque Job Corps Center, recommended Callahan for this award. “Kelly works with the center and her program to be sure we are using the best teaching and learning program to improve all efforts for student achievement. Kelly has been phenomenal in helping our programs develop, maintaining a positive school climate, and supporting our positive normative culture.” Callahan credits her dedicated and hard-working staff. Her staff admires her as well. Mathematics Teacher Michael Mack commented, “I know many students and staff who look to Ms. Callahan for guidance both academically and personally. She keeps her door open to all students and staff, her time becomes their time when their issues need attention…She exemplifies, through her daily communication, continued moral adherence, and professionalism exactly what a supervisor, mentor, and principal must be in this time of educational change.” Callahan is also admired by her colleagues. One recommendation from Greta Roskom, Director of Gordon Bernell Charter School, said: “Kelly has been a fearless advocate for meaningful high school reform and a champion for students’ right to a free and appropriate education. In all aspects of her work, Kelly conducts herself with the integrity and intelligence that are fundamental underpinnings of a truly exceptional leader.” Upon learning of the award, Callahan commented, “I’m very humbled and honored. The great work of the staff and students here, and around the entire SIATech network, represents the true essence of this award, and I’m fortunate to receive recognition as a representative of our great program.” About SIATech About Albuquerque Job Corps Center About the New Mexico Coalition of Charter Schools -30-
CONTACT: Linda Leigh |
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