Carol Sheriff
Science Department and former 8/9 Division head

Time at the Academy: 26 years
Reason for leaving: “I am retiring after 36 years of teaching.”
Most memorable experience: “Being in the position years ago to establish the 8/9 division as true unit within the school when it was in its early days.  Spending time with students on experiential education trips… Assisting students, and then watching them develop as reporters and editors for the Advocate…. The many, many students with whom I have worked both in and outside of the classroom - many have become life time friendships, with amazing memories.  For example, a former student once gave my own children riding lessons and there are many heart warming memories of my student teaching my children how to ride.  Its hard to zero in on a few when there are so many!”
Favorite part of the Academy: “The relationship between faculty and students – it makes the school very unique and it is what makes teaching here so much fun.  Also, the extra curriculars are fantastic and allow one a glimpse of insight into students and their lives outside of the classroom.”
Plans for the future: “[I want] to volunteer with several organizations in town.  For example, the Animal Humane Society and the Roadrunner Foodbank. Actually, due to being on leave, I already have the privilege of doing this.   In addition, I hope to be able to spend time traveling in the United States and abroad.  Finally, I will spend more time in Colorado, where my family has a second home, skiing in the winter and boating, jet skiing and quad riding during the summer.”

Fay Slattery
Language Department

Time at the Academy: Two years
Reason for Leaving: “My husband was appointed to a new job position in [Washington] D.C. He’ll be heading the international telemedicine program.”
What did you do before teaching here? “I moved from Hawaii to Albuquerque because of my husband’s job. I taught at Punahou School and a lot of other Prep schools. At one point I took an eight year break working for a non-profit.”
Favorite part of the Academy: “I appreciate the socioeconomic diversity. As a teacher, I really notice that. I have really liked my colleagues in the language department. I work with some master teachers: [Cristina] Quiroga, [Luis] Gallegos… They have all been inspirations for me professionally. The community in the language department is so diverse.”
Plans for the future: “This summer I have the move to D.C. I just accepted a part time position at a prep school in Virginia teaching AP Spanish Literature.”

Michelle Jones
Science Department

Time at the Academy: Three years
Reason for leaving: “I want to spend more time with my kids.”
What did you do before teaching here? “I taught preschool at Escuela del Sol. It was different, but people have the same needs at all ages.”
Most memorable experience “I’ve had some really charming students that are very motivated. Their personalities come through a lot with the curriculum.”
Favorite part of the Academy: “In general there are a lot of mature and down-to-earth kids. It’s a great environment for people to be themselves. There is a lot of diversity and students are very accepting of one another. I also love the faculty. I work with many multidimensional and fascinating people. They are also supportive of one another.

Phyllis Kempter
Science Department

Time at the Academy: One year
Reason for leaving: “I was hired for only a one year slot while a friend of mine was on family leave.”
What did you do before teaching here? “I had been retired from APS for one year. I taught at Sandia High School and Kennedy Middle School. [Retired life] was great, and I had the opportunity to travel a lot.”
How does the Academy differ from other schools at which you have taught? “The biggest drawback is that have I always taught in my own lab. Your labs are so outdated. There is no technology here. The schedule is also very different. I think I’ve finally mastered the ten-day cycle.”
Favorite part of the Academy: “It’s so laid back here… like a little utopia. You can lay your stuff somewhere and know it will be there when you get back.”

Melissa Kemmerle
Math Department

Time at the Academy: Three years
Reason for leaving: “I am going to get my PhD in Math Education at Stanford. The opportunity presented itself and I just took it.”
What did you do before teaching here? “I was home with my little kids for ten years but I also did some part-time math tutoring.”
Reason for teaching at the Academy: “One of the seventh grade Math teachers were able to adopt a baby and wanted to take a leave of absence. She called me and I was hired full time by [Paul] Demers. I was at home with a two-year-old baby, but I just thought, why not?”
Favorite part of the Academy: “I... enjoy having family parties at lunchtime and playing the Turkish Game… and also measuring the length of the campus with my walking strides.  Also, interacting with... students.”
Plans for the future: “I really love working here, so I’d like to come back. I also want to live abroad. I’d like to go overseas in Europe. I’d like to eventually teach again.”

The Advocate learned just before press time that Luis Gallegos of Language Department will also be departing.