By CINDY RICHARD
Chamisa Teacher 2012-2022

I had the pleasure of co-teaching Chamisa’s sixth grade with Tammy Hinckley for six years, and I’m proud to endorse her as your District 2 candidate for the Los Alamos Public Schools Board.

Tammy’s teaching career exemplified dedication, integrity, and heart:

• Unflagging commitment to every student. Tammy made the most of every minute with her classes, working closely with small groups and individuals after delivering a lesson. She bonded with her students, listening actively and remembering the details they shared with her. She offered after-hours homework help and devoted evenings and weekends to planning and grading. Year after year, I watched her set the bar high and then work tirelessly to help her students succeed.
• Deep devotion to Chamisa’s core values. Tammy went far beyond expectations in our team culture. She spearheaded fundraising and planning for the annual 6th grade ROPES trip, our kinderbuddies program, and 6th grade graduation activities. Whenever volunteer work needed doing, Tammy was first to arrive and last to leave – on her feet, hands-on, and smiling the whole time.
• Strong community connections. Tammy seemed to know everyone in town. She understood the broader context of her students’ lives and cared deeply about their families’ well-being. Her insight into our community made her not just an outstanding teacher, but also a trusted mentor and friend.
• Long-term investment in her students. Each year, Tammy had her sixth graders write letters to their future selves as high school seniors. She carefully stored those letters and delivered them six years later. That tradition captures who she is – someone who keeps her promises and stays invested for the long haul.

As she begins retirement, Tammy will bring that same energy and purpose to her next chapter. If elected, she plans to prioritize student mental health, academic success, and affordable teacher housing initiatives.

Tammy has spent her life serving LAPS – as a student, teacher, and budget manager – and she’s not ready to take the back seat just yet. She’s eager to continue giving back to the district and community she loves.

I’ve seen firsthand how deeply Tammy cares for her students, her colleagues, and her community. Her integrity and compassion make her a trusted friend and an exceptional leader. Though I no longer live in Los Alamos County, my admiration for Tammy Hinckley’s service to LAPS remains strong – and I hope District 2 voters will give her their support.