Arizona Education Secretary Arsenio Romero was recognized by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) for his efforts to improve education for students.
According to a press release from the New Mexico Public Education Department, Romero was presented with the "ISTE Making It Happen" during a conference in Philadelphia on June 26, 2023. The award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to improve education for students and drive transformative changes in education.
“Thank you for this deep honor,” Romero said at the conference, according to the press release. “During my 27 years in this field, I have strived to ‘make it happen,’ because I know the power that a quality education has in our lives. New Mexico’s students are the reason I get up each morning to collaborate, ask questions, take risks and help pave the way for a brighter future, one in which technology will continue to play a leading role.”
Other recipients of this year's award included Sharif El-Mekki, CEO & founder of The Center for Black Educator Development in Philadelphia, Gregg Behr, founder, co-chair, and executive director of Remake Learning and The Grable Foundation in Pittsburgh, according to the press release.
“It’s always great when ISTE has the opportunity to recognize changemakers in the field of education,” said Richard Culatta, ISTE CEO, according to the press release. “This year’s recipients stretch across the globe from Tunisia to Canada and beyond, showcasing the innovative work taking place across national borders. It is an honor to award these individuals and school districts. Dr. Romero understands the importance technology plays in education, especially as we continue to ensure students have access to quality internet wherever they live.”
A native New Mexican, Dr. Romero started his career in education as an elementary school teacher and principal for Las Cruces Public Schools, according to the press release. Since then, he spent roughly 25 years in the field of education serving as Public Education Department Secretary, superintendent of Los Lunas Schools and superintendent and CEO of Deming Public Schools. As education secretary, he oversaw the district's curriculum as assistant superintendent for instruction and transformation for the Roswell Independent School District. He has been a lead performance coach/executive coach for PED since 2013, has taught at New Mexico State University since 2014 and joined the NMSU Board of Regents in 2020.