Former high school biology teacher Retta Ward of New Mexico also served her state as a capable politician. Photo credit: Washington Times.

Many fine classroom teachers also earn success in political positions. Former high school teacher Retta Ward of New Mexico was one of these. After she left the classroom, she served as the State Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health.

Retta was born on May 4, 1953, in New Mexico. As a young girl, Retta grew up in the southeastern New Mexico town of Hagerman. As a high school student, Retta served her school as the editor of the yearbook, and she also claimed Homecoming Queen honors. When she graduated, she was named as the school’s valedictorian.

Retta earned her Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from the University of New Mexico, and her Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Arizona.

After earning her degrees, Retta inaugurated her career as a teacher when she accepted a position as a high school biology teacher in Cave Creek, Arizona. Later she served in middle schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In all, her career in education spanned ten years.

Retta was appointed to the position of State Secretary of New Mexico Department of Health in 2013 by Governor Susana Martinez. Retta served in the position until her passing in 2016. Previously, she served as Secretary of the state’s Aging and Long-Term Services Department. Before that, she managed the arthritis program for the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Sadly, Retta suffered a medical emergency while driving alone near Santa Fe, New Mexico. When her car was found, emergency personnel discovered that she had succumbed to a condition that was not an automobile accident. This was on March 3, 2016. Later it was determined that Retta had suffered an aortic dissection. She was 62 years old.

To read more about this Chalkboard Champion, click on this link to an article published in the Albuquerque Journal.