The Las Cruces Public Schools educator joined members of the 2026 National Teachers of the Year cohort for the experience, which brought educators together for a series of hands-on activities centered on space exploration, science and engineering.
Source: N.M. Public Education Department (via Facebook)
Photos: Courtesy
New Mexico’s 2026 Teacher of the Year Nancy Orta recently traded the classroom for simulated space missions, rocket launches and engineering challenges during a trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Las Cruces Public Schools educator joined members of the 2026 National Teachers of the Year cohort for the experience, which brought educators together for a series of hands-on activities centered on space exploration, science and engineering.
Participants took part in simulated space missions and rocket launches along with engineering challenges and water survival training.
For Orta, the experience also provided a reminder that being an educator doesn’t mean leaving the role of student behind.
“It was an incredible experience that reminded me that learning never stops,” Orta said.
Orta was named New Mexico’s 2026 Teacher of the Year, giving the Las Cruces educator the opportunity to participate alongside fellow Teachers of the Year from across the country.
The New Mexico Oil and Gas Association provided support for the educators’ participation in the Space Camp experience.
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