PYP Teachers
Corrales International School offers an IBO-authorized primary years programme (PYP) for grades K through 6. In grades K and 1, students have one homeroom teacher and see specials (PE, Music, Art, and Computers) twice each week for 45 minutes. Instruction in the kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms is 90% Spanish instruction, with students learning to read and write in Spanish.
Teachers in grades 2 and 3 as well as those in 4 and 5 share students with 50% of instruction in English and 50% in Spanish. These students also have specials offered twice per week per subject (PE, Music, Art, and Computers) for 45 minutes.
Grade 6 students have a homeroom teacher who instructs primarily in English. The students have Spanish three times per week. They also have Science or Social Studies offered in Spanish. Specials consist of Art, Music, and PE classes once per week.
Kindergarten Teacher – Maestra Gaby Escobedo
escobedog@corralesis.org
Maestra Gaby Escobedo has been the Kindergarten teacher at CIS for 16 years.
Before teaching at CIS, Maestra Gaby taught at the Montessori of the Rio Grande Charter School in Albuquerque. She also taught Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades in Chihuahua, Mexico at the Instituto La Salle de Chihuahua, and Kindergarten through lower elementary school at Colegio Montessori de Chihuahua, Mexico.
Ms. Escobedo holds undergraduate degrees in Accounting, and Business Administration, and Masters in Finance, and Bilingual Education. She holds a Level III Kindergarten through 8th grade license, TESOL endorsed, Bilingual Education license, and a Level III Modern Classical and Native Languages license.
Birthplace: Chihuahua, Mexico Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Kindergarten Educational Assistant – Silvia Nino
ninos@corralesis.org
First Grade Teacher – Maestra Claudia Zamudio
zamudioc@corralesis.org
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to first grade! My name is Claudia Zamudio-Larranaga and this is my twenty nine year teaching. I have many fun ideas and things planned throughout the year.
I would like to tell you a little bit about myself both personally and professionally. I was born in Mexico City. I started to work here in Albuquerque since 2006. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and the Master of Science in Educational Psychology. I love going on vacations anywhere there is beautiful landscapes and beach. I like to read, swimming and indoor cycling. My husband Michael was born here at Albuquerque. We have one son, Mikey who is now ten years old.
I would like to work closely together with you, and I believe frequent communication is vital. If you would like to send me notes via email, my school email address is zamudioc@corralesis.org I will try to answer you back as soon as possible.
I am delighted to have your child in my class this year. I am looking forward to a very successful year and I know you are too. I have high expectations for your child and I will do all that I can to help your child achieve those expectations.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with your child!
Sincerely Mrs. Zamudio
Queridos Padres y estudiantes:
¡Bienvenidos a primer grado! Mi nombre es Claudia Zamudio-Larranaga y tengo 29 años enseñando.Tengo muchas ideas divertidas y cosas planeadas a través del año.
Me gustaría decirles un poquito acerca de mi misma, en lo personal y profesionalmente. Nací en la Ciudad de México. Comencé a trabajar aquí en Albuquerque desde el 2006. Tengo una licenciatura en Educación Primaria y una maestría en Psicología Educativa. Me encanta salir de vacaciones a donde sea que haya hermosos paisajes y playa. Me gusta leer, nadar y la bicicleta estacionaria. Mi esposo nació aquí en Albuquerque. Nosotros tenemos un hijo, Mikey quien ahora tiene diez años de edad.
Me gustaría que trabajaramos juntos, creo que la comunicación frecuente es vital. Si a usted le gustaría mandarme notas via email, mi correo electrónico de la escuela es zamudioc@corralesis.org trataré de contestarle lo más pronto posible.
Estoy encantada de tener a su estudiante en mi clase este año. Espero tengamos un año exitoso y sé que usted también eso espera. Tengo grandes espectativas para su estudiante y haré todo lo que pueda para ayudar a que su estudiante alcance esas metas.
¡Muchas gracias por la oportunidad que me da de trabajar con su niño (a)!
Sinceramente Maestra Zamudio
View Teacher’s Page Here
Second Grade Teacher – Maestra Dora Lavenburg
lavenburgd@corralesis.org
My name is Dora Lavenburg, I am the second-grade teacher at Corrales International School since 2018.
I graduated and obtained my license in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Missouri in 2010. I also have a Bilingual Endorsement with the State of New Mexico. I have a Masters in Special Education at University of New Mexico.
I have taught in the elementary grades for 15 years. I have had the pleasure to teach Pre-School, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second grade. I enjoy family time, especially outdoors. I enjoy reading educational books that can help me in my profession and how I can help students succeed. Apart from that, I am always on a quest to meet new people and learn about their language and culture.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Third Grade Teacher – Maestra Marina Cortes-Nunez
nunezm@corralesis.org
My name is Marina Cortes Nunez
I was born and raised in Mexico City, I graduated in Public Accounting and Education. I am studying for my master’s degree in education and teaching. I have 9 years of teaching experience and have worked teaching in bilingual schools here in Albuquerque. I got married here in Albuquerque and I have a daughter who is currently in high school. I really like teaching through songs. I am in love with nature and respect for the living things that surround us. I also love to travel and especially like going to the beaches since I really like to swim. I am very happy to be back at my favorite Corrales International school.
View Teacher’s Page here
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Fourth Grade Teacher – Maestra Monica Saenz
saenzm@corralesis.org
¡Mexico lindo y querido! I was born and raised in the small town of Raton in northern New Mexico. Growing up, I spent most of my summers on the farm with my grandparents in Chihuahua, Mexico. The crisp morning air and the aroma of flour tortillas cooking on the wood stove was the invitation to a new day. With it came the great anticipation of gathering eggs, feeding the chickens, carrying water from the river, and pleading with my grandmother to grant me permission to go work in the corn fields with my grandfather. “¡No se raje, mija! ¡No se raje!,” he would say, looking over his shoulder one hand on the plow and the other dropping seeds into the freshly turned soil. My grandfather has since passed on to a better life, but his words still resonate with me today. Perhaps it was those very words that taught me that I could do anything that I set my mind to; one of those things: becoming a teacher. During playtime with my sisters and friends, I’d often say that one day I would become a teacher, and I did. I am proud to admit that education is an inseparable part of my identity. I graduated with my BA in Elementary Education from New Mexico Highlands University in 2011, but my eyes were always set on studying abroad, and so, I did that, too. A few years ago, I jumped on the wonderful opportunity to obtain my master’s in Spain. I spent two summers immersing myself in its rich and diverse culture while soaking up the sun and picturesque views of the beautifully carved cathedrals. If you’re ever in Spain, you may want to include a short trip to the beautiful city of Salamanca. I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. Those very accomplishments can only be attributed to my beautiful family of five, three children, and two grandchildren. They are the very reason for everything I do. With that said, it is an honor to be entrusted with your children – your treasures. I am humbled to have the great opportunity to teach and empower them to continue to be excellent little human beings.
View Teacher’s Page here
Fifth Grade Teacher – Maestra Nara Olivas
olivasn@corralesis.org
Hello and bienvenidos to the 2024-2025 school year! My name is Nara Olivas, and your children call me Ms. Nara. I am honored to be their 5th grade teacher, and excited for the memories we will share this year!
This year marks my 9th year teaching elementary and secondary students, and my 3rd year at CIS. My approach to the classroom is informed by my degrees in Spanish and Psychology with an emphasis in Bilingual Education. Currently, I am working on my Master’s degree in Language and Culture in Salamanca, Spain. Before pursuing my M.A. in Spain, I lived there for a year working as an English teacher. My expertise in the IB curriculum is strengthened by my international experiences, which I am thrilled to share with your children. I believe that exposing students to the different ways humans live around the globe further enriches their own sense of place and home. When I’m not at CIS, I enjoy being active through yoga, running, and hiking. I also love to read, and spend quality time with my friends, family and my two senior dogs, Dallas and Zia.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Sixth Grade Teacher – Maestra Daniela Acosta
acostad@corralesis.org
Welcome to 6th grade! My name is Ms. Acosta, and this is my third year teaching. A little bit about me is that I am a first generation graduate. Both of my parents are from Mexico and worked hard so that my brother and I could have a better future. I grew up in bilingual schools and doing sports and I knew that is something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I received my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a minor in TESOL and Bilingual Education. I also received my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Reading. I was very involved with the Education Department of New Mexico Highlands University. Go Cowboys!
With my first class, I wrote a book titled “Bilingual Education A Través De Las Voces De Los Niños y Niñas De Nuevo México. Language, Culture, and Identity”. With the help of NMHU this book has been presented in Bilingual Conferences such as La Cosecha. It’s about the history and resilience of Bilingual Education and the Yazzie-Martinez case.
I also believe and care about children’s health and wellness. I am a certified CrossFit level 1 trainer. I believe that exercise helps students with coordination, stress, self-esteem and with their growth and development. So if you hear loud music coming out of my room come join our workout! Or our breathing technique session!
Thank you!
¡Bienvenidos a 6to grado! Mi nombre es Ms. Acosta y este es mi tercer año enseñando. Un poco sobre mí es que soy una graduada de primera generación. Mis padres son de México y trabajaron duro para que mi hermano y yo pudiéramos tener un mejor futuro. Crecí en escuelas bilingües y practicaba deportes y sabía que eso era algo que quería hacer por el resto de mi vida. Recibí mi Licenciatura en Educación Primaria con especialización en TESOL y Educación Bilingüe. También recibí mi Maestría en Currículo e Instrucción con énfasis en Lectura. Estuve muy involucrada con el Departamento de Educación de la Universidad Highlands de Nuevo México. ¡Vamos vaqueros!
Con mi primera clase escribí un libro titulado “Educación Bilingüe A Través De Las Voces De Los Niños y Niñas De Nuevo México. Lengua, cultura e identidad”. Con la ayuda de NMHU este libro ha sido presentado en Congresos Bilingües como La Cosecha. Se trata de la historia y la resiliencia de la educación bilingüe y el caso Yazzie-Martinez.
También creo y me preocupo por la salud y el bienestar de los niños. Soy entrenadora certificada en CrossFit nivel 1. Creo que el ejercicio ayuda a los estudiantes con la coordinación, el estrés, su autoestima y con su crecimiento y desarrollo. Entonces, si escuchas música alta saliendo de mi salón, ¡únete a nuestro entrenamiento! ¡O nuestra sesión de respiración técnica!
¡Gracias!
View Teacher’s Page Here.
MYP Teachers
English Teacher – Megan Chatterton
chattertonm@corralesis.org
Megan Chatterton is currently in her eighth year with Corrales International School. She graduated from the University of New Mexico summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s in Secondary Education (and a black belt in karate!). Megan formerly taught New Mexico and world history and English for four years in Gallup-McKinley County and English for two years with Rio Rancho Public Schools. She enjoys reading, video gaming, exploring nature, and creative writing in her spare time. When not teaching at CIS, she also tackles the school’s yearbook and sponsors National Honor Society.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Math Teacher – Anthony Valdez
valdeza@corralesis.org
Greetings!
I am looking forward to the 2024-2025 school year!
For those of you that don’t know me, I teach middle and high school math full-time at CIS during the day and I also teach math part-time in the evenings at CNM – usually just one class per semester.
Teaching math is my second career. My first career was in engineering. I spent 15 years at Intel in Rio Rancho, and worked at a few other companies before that.
I earned my B.S. in Electrical Engineering at UNM and an M.S. in Educational Leadership at New Mexico Highlands University. I am currently working on a Masters Certificate in Mathematics via Western New Mexico University.
Looking forward to seeing all of you,
Mr. Valdez
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Project Lead the Way Teacher – Scott Copley
copleys@corralesis.org
Scott Copley is in his 12th year at Corrales International School teaching Project Lead The Way, Biomedical Science. He graduated college and taught science in Lincoln, NE before moving to New Mexico. I have embraced IB and PLTW as world class programs and enjoy delivering the content in the charter school setting. I really enjoy the applicability of the biomedical program to our personal lives. I enjoy officiating high school football, volleyball, basketball, and wrestling as well as camping around NM.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Science Teacher – James “Jim” Painter
painterj@corralesis.org
James “Jim” Painter grew up in Taos, New Mexico, where he attended Taos High School, earning honors in academics and FutboI (soccer). In his spare time, he snowboarded and was a ski instructor at Taos Ski Valley. He earned a full scholarship to the University of New Mexico (UNM) where he continued his passion playing soccer while earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Jim has a Master’s in Secondary Education and a Level III license from the New Mexico Public Education Department. He fulfilled his EMT-Basic requirements along with a Microsoft A++ certification in software and hardware. He spent several summers in Durango, Colorado, leading backpacking and mountain climbing trips with youth worldwide. Jim worked at UNM as an Experiential Education Leader and has taught in Albuquerque schools for the last 20 years.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Social Studies Teacher – Lisa Tiger
tigerl@corralesis.org
I have 32 years of teaching experience, ten of those in New Mexico. My teaching background began with Language Arts, then moved to Journalism, Public Speaking, Film and Television, History, and Health Education. Coming from the Oklahoma/Arkansas public school systems, I had little knowledge of charter schools, but quickly began to see the benefits. I love the creativity and culture of Corrales International School. More importantly, I love that I’m given the opportunity to have a small part in the development of these wonderful students’ learning. I have committed myself to providing them with a quality education and to best serve them by growing myself professionally within my content area, as well as extensive training in IB related areas, like Service Learning and Personal Project. I also advocate for growth within our state’s educational system to better support the needs of every child and promote a rigorous curriculum designed to help them succeed in an ever-changing world. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Spanish Teacher – Maestra Michelle Adam
adamm@corralesis.org
This is my 7th year as a Spanish teacher for MYP students at Corrales International School! Prior to this, I taught 10 years at Southwest Learning Centers in New Mexico and 4 years in New England all levels and ages.
As a global citizen, raised in Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S., with an Argentinean father, I embrace diversity, language, creativity and teaching students to become part of a global society. I’ve returned to Spain often to study, live, and present my novel. I’ve traveled to Morocco, Chile, Argentina, and many European countries. I speak English, Spanish, and German.
I am a professional magazine writer and former photographer. I have 2 published children’s stories that I use for storytelling performances throughout New Mexico. I have also published a novel, Child of Duende, which is in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I’ve presented this with Flamenco guitarists in the U.S., Spain, Portugal, and Argentina. I also offer storytelling workshops. (https://www.michelleadam.net/children-s-stories)
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Special Instruction
Physical Education Teacher – Kandy Berry
berryk@corralesis.org
My name is Kandy Berry. I have two amazing children and three beautiful grandchildren.
I am from Wyoming; I received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wyoming. While attending University of Wyoming, I competed in Tennis and Powerlifting.
After I graduated from college, I moved to Denver, where I was the strength coach at Regis Jesuit High School and Regis College for Lacrosse and Baseball.
When my children were very young, we moved to Albuquerque, NM, to be near my parents. I applied to teach P.E. at the elementary level so I could be with my children. I was their P.E. teacher for their elementary years. I continued to teach for 20 years then I retired and went to work for a law firm. After three years I realized sitting behind a desk was not for me and decided to go back to teaching.
View Teacher’s Page here
Visual Arts Teacher – Laurie Crump
crumpl@corralesis.org
Native to Las Cruces NM I grew up on green chile and enjoyed the sunsets that we are fully blessed with. From a young age I knew I loved art . I felt I was created to create art and must be immersed in it. I received my secondary education from Pratt Institute of Art and Design and with University of Oregon with a focus in Painting/Drawing and Sculpture . I’ve been teaching Visual Arts with Corrales International School since 2015. It has been my joy to share my passion for the arts with my students and community.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
ELL Teacher – Norma Giannini
gianninin@corralesis.org
I was born in 1950 and I lived in the south Broadway portion of the city. In elementary school I attended Sacred Hear and Coronado School. I attended high school at St. Mary in downtown Albuquerque and I graduated from Valley High School in 1968. I enrolled at the University of NM in the fall of 1968 and I graduated in the spring or 1973 with a degree in Art Education K-12. In the same year I married my husband. I received my TESOL endorsement a few months later. I have worked as a teacher at Casa Linda Special Needs Private School, Marie Hughes Elementary and Corrales International. My Knowledge in both the special needs and regular education spectrums has given me a solid background in developing skills that have shared with my fellow teachers in APS and at CIS.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Special Education
Special Education Director/Teacher – Kimberly Romero
romerok@corralesis.org
Education: Mrs. Romero earned her bachelor’s in general and special education, Cum Laude, from Highlands University and received her master’s degrees in general education and special education, with a focus in Autism Spectrum Disorder (A.S.D.), from Grand Canyon University. She is a level III Special Education Teacher, (K-12) & General Education Teacher, (K-8). Mrs. Romero is Project G.L.A.D., I.B. and Orton Gillingham certified.
Background: Prior to Corrales International School, Mrs. Romero taught for Bernalillo Public Schools where she received her certification in G.L.A.D. (Guided Language Acquisition Design). During this time, she also worked with Cien Aguas International to assist in facilitating the opening of the school, their first lottery and was a Governing Council voting board member for three years. Mrs. Romero joined Corrales International school in 2010. She has been the Special Education Director for C.I.S. since 2014, creating an inclusive program, overseeing the spectrum of special needs and Gifted & Talented programming. She has a history and passion for working with students with diverse needs both professionally and personally, helps to coordinate sports and club involvement for middle and high school students at C.I.S. and is a coordinator for Special Olympics. Mrs. Romero continually fosters an inclusive educational environment with her team where students are encouraged to embrace their abilities and talents. It is her mission to educate and empower students to be independent, pro-active, and confident, while teaching academic skills, life skills, self-advocacy, and independence for the success of all students.
Personal: Mrs. Romero is originally from Southern California. She enjoyed sports throughout her childhood and young adult life. She was a competitive speed skater where she competed against various cities throughout Southern California. She has worked with youth since high school and was the director of the AWANA youth program at her home church. She is an avid Disney fan! Her and her husband moved to Albuquerque in 1997. They have two children together, both of whom have been in bilingual education since early elementary. Due to C.I.S.’s well established Bilingual and Bio Medical program, their daughter graduated from C.I.S. and received her B.S.N. in nursing from the University of New Mexico. Their son graduated from C.I.S. as well and is attending Project Search in the medical field. She has been an active volunteer, coach, and coordinator with Special Olympics since 2015. She enjoys being with family and friends, and supporting special needs individuals of all ages.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Gifted Teacher – Alexa Banks
banksa@corralesis.org
Alexa Banks has been teaching for 14 years in Albuquerque public schools. She has been the Gifted teacher for 10 years at Corrales International, she also teaches Career Exploration and is the testing coordinator. She has a Bachelor’s degree from University of Denver in Sociology and Women’s Studies, and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from University of New Mexico. Her love of teaching began in the Peace Corps where she taught community health and income generation skills in rural Mozambique
Alexa’s global teaching philosophy encompasses educating the whole child to be as independent and cooperative as possible. Her goal is to empower students to effectively navigate our complex world with useful skills, creativity and confidence. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring outdoors, and gardening.
View Teacher’s Page Here.
Educational Assistant – Marisa Lopez
lopezm@corralesis.org
Marisa Lopez is a PYP Educational Lead Assistant and has been with Corrales International School since 2013. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism from the University of New Mexico in 2009, while working part-time with children, she discovered working with children was one of her passions. Starting with teaching Pre-K and moving through primary grades, and now teaching in special education. Marisa is completing her teaching education at Western NM University and is nearing the end of her program, where she will earn her degree in Special Education with a content area focus on History. Marisa has many passions, which include playing the violin, which allowed her to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City, has a minor in vocal performance, and loves snowboarding. Marisa shares her passion for music with her two sons, whom she could not imagine life without.
Marisa López es asistente educativa de Corrales International School desde 2013. Después de obtener una licenciatura en comunicaciones y periodismo de la Universidad de Nuevo México en 2009, mientras trabajaba a tiempo parcial con niños, descubrió que trabajar con niños era una de sus pasiones. Comenzando con la enseñanza de prekínder y pasando por los grados primarios y ahora la educación especial, Marisa está completando su educación docente en Western NM University y está llegando al final de su programa donde obtendrá su título en Educación Especial con un área de contenido enfocada en Historia. Marisa tiene muchas pasiones que incluyen tocar el violín, lo que le dio la oportunidad de actuar en el Carnegie Hall de la ciudad de Nueva York, tiene una especialización en interpretación vocal y le encanta el snowboard. Marisa comparte su pasión por la música con sus dos hijos sin los cuales no podría imaginar la vida.
Educational Assistant – Cristina Roland
rolandc@corralesis.org
Dear Community of Corrales International School,
My name is Cristina Roland. I was born and raised in Medellin, Colombia. I studied Marketing and worked for 10 years in that field. I arrived in the USA in 1996 and dedicated myself to my two children when the youngest reached school age. I started working in daycares and finally came to schools, working as a substitute teacher for five years in Virginia; In 2010, I arrived in New Mexico and worked at Kelly Services as a substitute teacher for 6 years; I had other types of jobs but decided that my passion is
with children so I returned to schools as a kindergarten assistant for four years. I enjoyed it very much and am seriously considering returning to studying to be a teacher. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at Corrales International School, of which I have had very good references.
Querida comunidad de Corrales International School,
Nací y crecí en Medellín Colombia. Estudié Marketing y trabajé 10 años en ese campo. Llegué a USA en 1996 y me dediqué a mis dos hijos, cuando el menor llegó a la edad escolar comencé a trabajar en guarderías y finalmente llegué a las escuelas, trabajando como maestra suplente durante 5 años en Virginia; En el 2010 llegué a Nuevo México y trabajé en Kelly Services como maestra suplente por 6 años, tenía otro tipo de trabajos, pero decidí que mi pasión son los niños por lo que regresé a las escuelas como asistente de kínder por cuatro años. Lo disfruté mucho y estoy pensando seriamente en volver a estudiar para ser maestra. Estoy muy agradecido por la oportunidad de trabajar en Corrales International
School, del cual he tenido muy buenas referencias.
For more information:
PYP Classroom
Sharing and celebrating what we are learning in our classrooms by working collaboratively, sharing ideas, thinking through problems and exploring artefacts and sources of evidence!
MYP Classroom
Promoting student success in a changing world with classrooms that encourage student centred teaching and learning through global contexts linked to the world.
Biomedical-Sciences
Biomedical Sciences classrooms have access to equipment and software employed by industry, so that they can see the real-world implications of what they learn.
