SWREC Spotlight Newsletter- January Edition

SWREC Monthly Newsletter

Spotlight from our Executive Director

Being Resolute in the New Year: A Semester of Purposeful Practice

I admit returning to work after a restful and joyful holiday season required a moment of readjustment. I felt the shift, but instead of rushing past it, I allowed myself time to reflect and reset. With that pause came clarity. I chose to approach 2026 with optimism, discipline, and a focus on meaningful connections by moving forward with intention, resolute in my commitment to the work ahead.

As we step into a new year, the season invites each of us to be resolute about something important in our lives. For educators and administrators, being resolute means approaching the semester with clarity, intention, and a renewed commitment to what matters most in classrooms and schools. It is a time to pause, set goals, and reflect on three essential questions: What will we start doing, what will we stop doing, and what will we continue doing to better serve students?

Starting may mean embracing a new instructional strategy, strengthening collaboration with colleagues, or intentionally building stronger relationships with students. Stopping may require letting go of practices that no longer yield meaningful impact or routines that consume time without improving learning, or approaches that do not align with current student needs. Continuing honors what is already working well: effective teaching practices, strong systems of support, and the culture of care and high expectations that define successful schools.

As goals take shape, measuring growth and proficiency becomes essential. Growth is seen in progress over time, academic gains, increased engagement, improved confidence, and developing skills. Proficiency reflects mastery and readiness, grounded in clear standards and consistent evidence. Together, growth and proficiency tell the full story of learning, reminding us again that every student’s journey matters.

The ultimate goal for this semester is not perfection, but progress -purposeful, measurable, and student-centered. By remaining resolute in our intentions and reflective in our practice, we create classrooms and schools where learning thrives and every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Happy New Year and welcome back!

Sincerely,

Valerie Brea

Executive Director, SWREC

Instructional Specialist Spotlight

Analyzing Growth & Planning Success

This past month, our team has been hard at work conducting math walkthroughs across 5 of our 8 districts. These visits allow us to see firsthand where our math instruction currently stands, providing the data needed to plan targeted trainings for the upcoming school year. We look forward to visiting our remaining 3 districts very soon!

In addition to our data-driven walkthroughs, we have been coaching new teachers and are seeing amazing growth in their classroom practices. Their dedication to refining their craft is truly inspiring.

December Highlights

Mathematics Mastery Intensive sessions on Whole Number Concepts and Algebraic Thinking with School Kit.
Inclusive Supports Continued work on Executive Functions and Inclusive Behavior Supports for every classroom.
Leadership & SPED Specialized sessions for SPED Directors and focus on Excellent Documentation strategies.

Our specialists are also incredibly excited about our upcoming January trainings! We are looking forward to the Executive Binder Training with Mitch Weathers and a comprehensive SPED Legal Review for administrators and teachers to kick off the new year with even more support for our students.

Thank you for your immense dedication to professional growth last month!

Upcoming January Trainings

Growing Language Through Science: Book Study

Date: 1/7/26 | 4:00-5:30

Presenter: NM STEM Innovation Network

Location: Virtual

Status: Registration Closed
SWREC Leadership Academy

Date: 1/12/26 | 12:00-3:30

Presenter: SWREC Instructional Staff

Location: SWREC Training Room

Lunch Provided, Includes monthly executive coaching

Register Now
SWREC MAC Financials Checklist Walkthrough (Lunchinar)

Date: 1/14/26 | 12:00-12:30

Presenter: SWREC Medicaid Staff

Location: Virtual

A quick "lunchinar" to review the steps on how to properly submit your admin claiming financials.

Click to access the Zoom
CPI - Initial

Date: 1/13/26 | 8:00-4:00

Presenter: SWREC Instructional Staff

Location: SWREC Training Room

Lunch on Your Own

Status: Registration Sold Out
Organized Binder Training

Date: 1/20/26 | 8:30-3:30

Presenter: Mitch Weathers

Location: SWREC Training Room

Lunch Provided

Register Now
SPED Legal Review

Date: 1/21/26 | 8:30-3:30

Presenter: Lorie Gerkey

Location: SWREC Training Room

Lunch Provided

Register Now
SPED Directors' Academy

Date: 1/22/26 | 12:00-3:30

Presenter: Lorie Gerkey

Location: SWREC Training Room

Lunch Provided

Register Now
Fractions to Ratios (4 - Alg II)

Date: 1/26/26 | 8:30-3:30

Presenter: School Kit

Location: SWREC Training Room

Lunch Provided

Register Now
Early Algebraic Concepts (K-3)

Date: 1/27/26 | 8:30-3:30

Presenter: School Kit

Location: SWREC Training Room

Lunch Provided

Register Now

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Instructional Team

Left to Right:
Valerie Brea (Executive Director), Dr. Toby Soderberg (Project Administrator),
Deborah Villalba (Structured Literacy Coach/Instructional Coach), Amber Richmond (Instructional Specialist/IT Administrator),
Dr. Toni Hull (Instructional Specialist), and Gina LaBadie (Instructional Specialist)

At Southwest REC, we believe that the hallmark of a truly great educator is the lifelong commitment to honing their craft. Our specialists are not just providers of knowledge; they are architects of opportunity, dedicated to empowering both teachers and students. By bridging the gap between innovative research and classroom practice, they foster an environment where every learner can thrive.

How We Support Your Vision

1. Current & Upcoming Trainings: We curate a robust schedule of workshops that tackle the most pressing needs in education today. From foundational literacy to advanced mathematical strategies, our offerings are designed to provide educators with the tools they need to succeed in ever-evolving classroom landscapes. Subscribe to our calendar.

2. School Site-Specific Support: We understand that every school has unique goals and challenges. That’s why we offer customized professional development sessions designed directly with you. Whether it’s focused on curriculum alignment, classroom management, or data analysis, we bring high-impact strategies right to your campus.

3. Comprehensive Teacher Mentoring: Success is a journey, and our mentoring programs are designed to walk that path alongside you. Through one-on-one coaching cycles, real-time modeling, and peer-observation frameworks, we provide the sustained support necessary for teachers to gain confidence and achieve measurable results.

SWREC Spotlight Newsletter- January Edition

Spotlight from our Executive Director

Being Resolute in the New Year: A Semester of Purposeful Practice

Instructional Specialist Spotlight

Analyzing Growth & Planning Success

December Highlights

Upcoming January Trainings

Growing Language Through Science: Book Study

SWREC Leadership Academy

SWREC MAC Financials Checklist Walkthrough (Lunchinar)

CPI - Initial

Organized Binder Training

SPED Legal Review

SPED Directors' Academy

Fractions to Ratios (4 - Alg II)

Early Algebraic Concepts (K-3)

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Instructional Team

How We Support Your Vision

Spotlight on our Districts