JMS Scholarship

Native New Mexican, Janet Montoya Schoeppner (1961-2009), was a proud UNM graduate and longtime educator.

Janet’s passion for education and her belief in equal opportunity for all students led her to teach in the community in which she was born and raised, committing twenty-five years of her life to teaching in elementary bilingual programs in Albuquerque Public Schools. She considered herself an ‘English as a Second Language teacher’, and her work was grounded in her commitment to dual language education. After earning her Masters degree, Janet began teaching at the College of Education, where she mentored beginning teachers and college seniors for six years. She exhibited leadership in all aspects of her life, serving as the executive vice president of the Albuquerque Teacher’s Federation for two consecutive terms from 1997-2009. She gained national recognition for her work in professional development, and she helped structure the union to better provide teachers the support needed to advance their careers.

Janet was a colleague, friend, mentor, and an effective supporter of dual language programs. In 2009, after fighting cancer for almost twenty years with courage, grace, and dignity, Janet left our physical world. It is because of Janet’s passion and contributions to dual language education that the Janet Montoya Schoeppner Scholarship Fund was created. We hope you will join us in celebrating her life and supporting the next generation of dual language educators in New Mexico.

Dual Language Education of New Mexico awards scholarships to New Mexico educational assistants currently working toward completion of their teaching license and bilingual certification and high school seniors enrolling in a New Mexico university with an education major.

Criteria for the application and selection of candidates is as follows:

Dual Language Education of New Mexico is accepting applications from high school seniors for the JMS Scholarship in partnership with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce. Please click on the link below and complete your application for the 2023 Hispano Chamber Scholarship. This award is for $1,000 per semester for up to 4 years (all awardees must meet the minimum requirements as outlined above). Candidates must be attending a public college or university in the state of New Mexico intending to pursue a degree in education.

Applications for Educational Assistants must submit the following by October 15th:

• Completed scholarship application form
• Two letters of recommendation
• A written essay in Spanish, English, or a Native American language outlining your reasons for entering the field of bilingual education
• Current university transcripts and program of studies.