HOUSE MEMORIAL 80

56th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2023

INTRODUCED BY

Cathrynn N. Brown

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING TYLER FINCH, LOVING HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHER, FOR BEING NAMED A MILKEN EDUCATOR AWARD HONOREE.

 

     WHEREAS, in a schoolwide assembly on April 19, 2022, Loving high school science teacher Tyler Finch received the surprise of a lifetime: a twenty-five-thousand-dollar ($25,000) Milken educator award presented by the Milken family foundation; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler was recognized for his outstanding innovation and creativity in motivating his students while preparing them for life after high school, college and beyond; and

      WHEREAS, in announcing the award, the foundation noted that Tyler's expertise and creative use of technology to reach his students effectively, examine data to develop instructional practices and leverage his talent across the district are some of the exceptional attributes that make him a Milken educator award recipient; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler earned a bachelor's degree in science in 2013 and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction in 2018 from eastern New Mexico university; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler started college planning to be a doctor but, in his senior year, decided to pursue a career in education, and students at Loving high school are grateful that he did; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler chairs the district science department in Loving, and he has a unique ability to reach and motivate students, regardless of their background, and constantly adjusts his practices to meet their diverse needs; and

     WHEREAS, to interest younger students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, advanced placement chemistry students host science nights for Loving's elementary school students; and

     WHEREAS, more than eighty percent of Tyler's physical science students pass New Mexico end-of-course assessments, and, for chemical science, it is one hundred percent; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler consistently examines student data to inform his instructional practices and helps colleagues become data devotees, too, and he developed an analytical tool that helps the district ensure that assessments are fair and meaningful; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler sits on the school leadership team, has led districtwide professional development on student engagement and data analysis and recruits and mentors new teachers; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler believes educators need to "stay ready so you don't have to get ready", a philosophy that came in handy during the pandemic when Tyler provided daily video instruction, learned Spanish so his monolingual students could participate in online discussions and helped colleagues maximize their virtual instruction; and

     WHEREAS, Tyler is well known in Loving, in part because he coaches football and track and created "falcon strong", a workout program for students that spans both field and classroom; and

     WHEREAS, football players memorize his "falcon strong" creed at the start of the season: "I represent my family, school and community with honesty, integrity and courage."; and

     WHEREAS, school leadership has since adapted the creed for the entire school;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that recognition be extended to Tyler Finch, Loving high school science teacher, for being named a Milken educator award honoree; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to Tyler Finch.