Lorilei Chavez, or Fox clan Rain Puddles, is a granddaughter, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, auntie and, most importantly, a teacher. Chavez is a proud Bernalillo High School (BHS) Spartan alum, received a Bachelor of Arts in Native American studies with a minor in history from the University of New Mexico and received a teaching certification through the Alternative Teacher Licensure Program at Central New Mexico Community College.  

Chavez has spent more than 10 years working in the Bernalillo Public Schools (BPS) District. She began by working as a substitute teacher for a few years, then moved into a BHS Native American liaison position to support students and develop Indigenous school culture through a youth council, all while working toward her degree. After receiving her degree in 2018, Chavez then taught at Santo Domingo School, where she was also tasked with implementing the Indigenous Education Initiative grant. Through this grant, Chavez worked alongside teachers to review the schoolwide curriculum through a culturally relevant lens and bring a Native American agricultural identity to her school through an indigenized garden curriculum, greenhouse and outdoor classrooms.  

She currently teaches a ninth through 12th grade Native American studies and yearbook course at BHS. Chavez was recently named BPS Middle School Teacher of the Year, District Teacher of the Year and 2025 New Mexico Teacher of the Year. Chavez’s focus is elevating Indigenous education and histories as well as promoting teacher wellness in schools across America.