FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLOVIS, NM — Clovis Municipal Schools has named Amanda O’Doherty as the new principal of Clovis High School Freshman Academy.
O’Doherty brings 20 years of experience in secondary education, instructional coaching, and school improvement to the role, along with a strong background in supporting ninth-grade students during the transition to high school. She currently serves as Clovis Municipal Schools’ MLSS/SAT Instructional Coach, where she supports district and campus leadership teams in implementing student support systems, coaching educators on evidence-based instructional practices, analyzing student data, and leading professional learning focused on student achievement and school improvement.
“Amanda brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to leadership and a strong understanding of what students need to be successful during the transition to high school,” said Mandy Carpenter, Deputy Superintendent of Employee Services. “Her experience as both an instructional leader and a freshman teacher makes her exceptionally well-positioned to lead Clovis High School Freshman Academy and continue building a strong foundation for student success.”
O’Doherty has extensive experience working with students and educators across New Mexico. Prior to joining Clovis Municipal Schools, she served as Teacher Mentorship Coordinator for Region 9 Education Cooperative, where she coordinated mentorship programs for hundreds of beginning educators, supported implementation of Multi-Layered Systems of Support in multiple school districts, and provided professional development for teachers, instructional leaders, and administrators statewide.
She also brings direct Freshman Academy experience to the role. O’Doherty previously taught ninth-grade English at Lovington Freshman Academy, where she supported students during the critical transition into high school and worked with academy staff to improve student achievement, attendance, and engagement. She later taught ninth-grade English at Rio Rancho High School and served as an English department head and dual-credit teacher at Lovington High School.
O’Doherty holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education/English language arts and a master’s degree in Christian school administration from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She also holds a New Mexico Level 3-B Pre K–12 Administrative License and a Level 3-A Instructional Leader license with an endorsement in language arts.
As principal of Clovis High School Freshman Academy, O’Doherty will lead a campus designed to help ninth-grade students build a successful start to their high school experience through strong academic support, positive relationships, and a school culture focused on growth and achievement.
Clovis High School Freshman Academy is dedicated to supporting incoming freshmen as they navigate the academic, social, and personal transition into high school while building the skills and confidence needed for long-term success.