Andrea (Morano) Becker. Courtesy photo

LAHS ALUMNA UPDATE

Los Alamos High School Class of 1992 alumna Andrea (Morano) Becker, now a Special Education teacher at Dr. Jones Salk Elementary School in Mesa, Ariz., recently received a $2,500 award from KTAR News 92.3 FM’s “Tribute to a Teacher” program.

After leaving LAHS, Becker went on to become a Paralegal and received a Bachelor’s degree in Law and became a Certified Paralegal. However instead of going on to law school, 10 years ago, Becker chose to get her Master’s degree in Special Education Magna Cum Laude. She is a self-contained teacher for children in grades 3-6 who have autism or emotional disabilities. She has served as team lead and on many committees over the years. She started a Garden Club, a Parent University/Support Group and has been involved in the school district’s work on the reform of the entire self contained autism program at the elementary school level. 

Last year, wanting to make a bigger difference Becker graduated Magnum Cum Laude with her second Master’s Degree, this time in Educational Administration.  Andrea is proud to continue the legacy of her Aunt Nina Lujan, who  was also a special education teacher Aspen Elementary School.

 On top of receiving over 40,000 in grants for her students and programs, this year she received the “Teacher of the year Arizona ” award from KTAR after being nominated by her peers. This time she won $2,500 for herself!