The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) has recognized Eduardo Soto, strategic relationships consultant for Curriculum Associates and a retired educator, with its 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. Nominated by the ALAS Board of Directors, Soto was chosen as the recipient of this esteemed award for his continued impact on the ALAS organization and its mission.

“I am humbled by receiving the ALAS Lifetime Achievement Award. To be recognized for my dedication to helping fellow educators and students, especially Latino youth, means so much to me,” said Soto. “Since I was a young child, education has always been my passion. It is a great honor to be recognized for my commitment to the ALAS organization in helping to inspire and elevate educators so they, in turn, can better serve students.”

Soto launched the local affiliate ALAS de Nuevo Mexico after the national ALAS organization was founded in 2003. He was then nominated and served on the ALAS executive board for six years, in which time he supported ALAS and its growth in numerous ways, including supporting the growing network of ALAS state affiliates. Most recently, his support resulted in the formation of ALAS de Tennessee.

“Eddie is humble, yet he makes a huge difference to the ALAS mission. His work with our ALAS state affiliates has strengthened our organization and built a solid networking foundation that reaches across the country,” said Nancy Lewin, executive director of ALAS. “Eddie inspires others to join in our work to educate and advocate for all underrepresented students. Through thick and thin, he has been a consistent champion for ALAS.”

In addition to his involvement with ALAS, Soto has held many educator positions throughout his 35-year career with Albuquerque Public Schools in New Mexico, including as an ESL, bilingual social studies, and special education teacher, an assistant principal, and principal. As principal of Rio Grande High School, he was instrumental in issuing some of the first bilingual/bi-literacy seals in the state of New Mexico. In 2007, he was named the associate superintendent for secondary education with the district and held the position until his retirement in 2014. He then joined the Curriculum Associates team in 2015, where he works strategically with districts throughout the region.