Originally from Eugene, Oregon, NMSA Instructional Support Specialist Eric Crites moved to Santa Fe from Portland four years ago. “My first year living in Santa Fe, I was driving
downtown one day and realized there was an art school here. I thought, ‘Hmm, that may just be the place for me!’” Eric, who started at NMSA as an English teacher, says he “instantly fell in love with this school because of the amazing students I met.” His academic background, like NMSA, was out of the ordinary. “My first academic experience was at a preschool in Guatemala called El Castillo Encantado (“The Enchanted Castle”), where the administration building was, in fact, an enchanted castle and my classroom was in a converted school bus with flower boxes attached to each window.” In his role of Instructional Support Specialist, Eric works with teachers, students, and their families to support academic achievement. “This year, I’ve had a chance to work on a variety of projects to support the academic success of our school. Though my projects don’t sound that exciting or flashy (“accreditation” or 
“Common Core implementation”), I am proud to contribute to work that helps our students achieve academic excellence.”
From academics to administrative roles, his motivation remains consistent: “I love that NMSA is a community of students, families, and a staff who are all dedicated to a mission: providing students with access to an outstanding academic and artistic education. I have always told my classes that every single person at this school is exceptional–that’s why they are here. Working at a school where everyone is supported in developing these diverse and exceptional abilities is truly rewarding.”
What does Eric like most about NMSA?
“Every day at school, I get to laugh because our students have superb senses of humor. And I appreciate that students are willing to laugh at my jokes, even when they aren’t that funny. By contrast, every time I go to a performance or exhibit, I get choked up–I can’t believe the stunning levels of creativity our students are capable of. These amazing students make me proud; they’re really the reason I love my job so much.”