Academics

Educator Profiles

Maria Vecere

7th Grade Mathematics Teacher
MS Academics
Santa Fe, New Mexico

I have a BA in Elementary Education, which is kindergarten through 8^th grade. Several years ago, because of my experience and the math courses I completed, I also received an endorsement in Mid School Mathematics. My very first job teaching was at St Francis School in Santa Fe. Then, in the mid-1980s, I taught at SFIS for 6 years. After that, I taught in the Santa Fe Public Schools for 20 years, and then I retired and came back to Santa Fe Indian School

I have to talk about why I am an educator from a math perspective. Math didn’t come easily for me, so I try to give my students the tools so that they can understand the math. So they can make sense of the math. I know what it’s like when it doesn’t come easily. I just want kids to feel successful.

I came back to SFIS to be the 7^th grade mathematics teacher because I had such a great experience here before. I wanted to come back and give back to Native American Community. I feel like it is a very special place, and I feel we are here to give students the best – the best experience possible to help them become successful members of their own communities. They are our future.

Respect is my favorite core value. When you treat someone with respect, you get it back. Our kids come from homes with this value and we can work on that throughout their years at SFIS. Although I think Respect is the most important, I also think about the Giving Back. By coming to school and getting a good education, they will use that to give back to their communities in a wonderful way.

Right off the bat, I have to say my little grandkids are my passion. They are so cute. Mine live so far away: In Ireland and Phoenix. I also have a son and daughter-in-law in Australia. So, my other passion is traveling to see the children and getting to know them. Visiting them last summer gave me a chance to see the world; we went to Australia, Singapore, Italy, and Ireland. I was worried I would get homesick, but I didn’t because there is so much to see and experience!