Sacramento Mountains Foundation Launches Year 3 of TeachOtero Grants

Otero County, NM – April 3, 2026 – The Sacramento Mountains Foundation has officially opened applications for the 2026 TeachOtero Grant program, now entering its third year of directly supporting local educators.

Teachers across Otero County can apply for $1,000 grants to fund innovative, student-centered classroom projects. The grants help provide hands-on materials, technology enhancements, enrichment activities, and other resources that directly benefit students.

In its first two years, the TeachOtero program has awarded more than $100,000 to Otero County teachers, funding creative ideas that enhance learning and student success.

“We know firsthand how much our teachers give of themselves each day — sometimes out of their own pockets — to create meaningful experiences for their students,” said John Wheeler, Executive Director of the Sacramento Mountains Foundation. “TeachOtero exists because our educators deserve that support. As we enter our third year, we’re proud to continue investing directly in the classrooms and ideas that are shaping the future of Otero County.”

Last year, the Foundation received more than 100 applications, highlighting the dedication and innovation of teachers throughout the region.

One past recipient, Sierra Elementary School teacher Jamie Atkinson, shared her experience:

“I have been fortunate to have received TeachOtero grants the past two years… This past year I received almost $800 worth of supplies for bucket drumming for my Elementary Music classroom. The drums have been used not only for daily classroom lessons, but several performances during the year including our Veterans Day Assembly, Christmas Program, and our upcoming Fine Arts Night. I truly appreciate everything the Sacramento Mountains Foundation is providing for our teachers, students, and community. Thank you!”

While the grant is open to all Otero County teachers (public, private, and charter schools), the Foundation is making a special effort this year to increase awareness among educators in southern Otero County, including Chaparral and schools in the Gadsden Independent School District.

“We want every teacher in Otero County to know this opportunity is for them,” added Wheeler. “There are incredible educators and ideas in every corner of our community, and we are committed to ensuring this program reaches and supports them all.”

Application Details:

• Opens: April 1, 2026

• Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Grant Amount: $1,000 per selected teacher

• Eligibility: All Otero County teachers in public, private, or charter schools

• Apply online at: https://teachotero.org/

Educators and community members are encouraged to share this opportunity widely so that teachers in every part of Otero County have the chance to apply.

For more information about the TeachOtero Grant program or the Sacramento Mountains Foundation, visit:

• https://teachotero.org/

• https://www.sacmtns.org/

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