Incumbent New Mexico Teacher of the Year Lorynn Guerrero used her platform to say that she wants to focus on graduation pathways.

“There’s obstacles that come up with students and as a teacher, I am aware of it now,” Guerrero, an English teacher at New America School in Las Cruces, told Albuquerque’s KRQE.

The ABC affiliate reported that the 16-year teaching veteran was nominated Teacher of the Year because she spearheaded a program to prevent teen parents from dropping out.

Guerrero, who’ll serve as a spokesperson for students and teachers across New Mexico, said she’ll advocate for more programs to guide students all the way to the graduation stage, KRQE reported.

A New Mexico Public Education Department issued press release said that Guerrero’s teaching career dates back to 2006 when she taught both middle and high school students in Hatch.

Before joining the state-chartered New America School-Las Cruces, Guerrero taught at Organ Mountain High in Las Cruces Public Schools, according to the release.

KRQE reported that the New Mexico Teacher of the Year award was established in 1963.

The honoree represents the Land of Enchantment in the National Teacher of the Year competition.