Peggy Spurgeon, who joined the staff of Santa Fe High in 2018, teaches world history and mock trial. She is also adviser to the photography club and co-adviser to the hiking club.

Ms. Spurgeon previously taught in Española for two years. Prior to that she worked for an international education company as the curriculum director and was fortunate to travel around the world working with teachers in international schools. She taught in a private international college prep school for most of her teaching career, but also worked in large inner-city schools. Before teaching, she worked in law enforcement at a large 911 center in Minnesota.

Originally from Minneapolis, Minn., she earned a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Minnesota. Then, at Hamline University in St. Paul, she earned a master’s degree in teaching and a teacher’s license in social studies.

Ms. Spurgeon loved history as a child and also loves reading books, which influenced her to become a history teacher. Now she loves working at Santa Fe High. “I enjoy interacting with young people, hearing their ideas,” she said. “I love being here! The staff and leadership are outstanding.”

In her free time, Ms. Spurgeon likes to hunt for fossils and minerals and to take photos. She and her husband have two grown children.