Dr. Kurt Steinhaus

AFT NM News:

ALBUQUERQUE – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico (AFT NM) President Whitney Holland issued the following statement to mark the retirement of Dr. Kurt Steinhaus, New Mexico Public Education Department Secretary:

“Today’s news of the retirement of Dr. Kurt Steinhaus will leave an enormous gap in the work and vision of the New Mexico Public Education Department.

“I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Steinhaus as a local union leader in Los Alamos. Our professional relationship extended beyond service to the students and families of Los Alamos Public Schools as we both transitioned to statewide leadership roles. While our responsibilities to New Mexico’s public education system grew to a statewide platform, we both continued to rely on each other for professional advice and collaboration.

“Dr. Steinhaus’ service has helped to re-center the focus of the NM PED to a service-oriented department, and our students, schools, and profession are better because of him. Always thoughtful and results-focused, Dr. Steinhaus’ legacy will show he has helped to set New Mexico’s public education on the right course for both student achievement and professional respect.

“Whomever is selected to serve as next Secretary of Education should follow in Dr. Steinhaus’ path by keeping the department service-focused, rely on stakeholders and professional educators in the field for guidance and advice, and continue to keep our shared work student- and family-focused.

“On behalf of AFT New Mexico and New Mexico’s educators, we honor Dr. Kurt Steinhaus’ lifetime of service and wish him happiness during his well-deserved retirement.”