Albuquerque Teacher & Swim Coach 'Deeply Cares About Students'

Albuquerque, NM — Great teachers matter. In, New Mexico, we’re fortunate to have teachers like Theresa Illgen.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated.

This submission comes from Erika Novich who nominated Theresa Illgen of Albuquerque.

How do you know the teacher?

I've worked with Theresa for five years.

What does this person teach?

History & Sociology

Why do you believe the teacher should be recognized or honored?

Theresa deeply cares about students. She constantly designs curriculum to meet student needs. As a swim coach, she made it possible for special needs students to swim on the varsity swim team. She held a student led rally to stop guns being brought to school. She spends above and beyond duty day to support her students' academic and social needs.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher?

I have taught for 40 years and know in my heart that Theresa is a special teacher that listens to her students and is very student-based — not only for her own students, but all students. She made it possible for special needs students to swim on varsity. She also came after her duty day to host a child care program for Spanish-speaking parents that were attending workshops for their high-school students.

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