04/27/2026
Tausha Chavez is the SLV BOCES Certified Educator of the Year because she exemplifies the profound impact an in-person specialist can have on a rural education community. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, Tausha does far more than teach communication skills; she builds student confidence and independence. In a field that often relies heavily on remote services, her physical presence helps her to build the deep, meaningful connections made possible through consistent, face-to-face engagement.
Tausha’s success is rooted in her meticulous approach. She provides extraordinary detail in her clinical assessments, plans collaboratively, and ensures every stakeholder is fully informed and empowered to support student growth. For Tausha, the goal is not only for students to meet their IEP goals, but to truly find their voice, building the foundations necessary for long-term success.
Tausha is an outstanding ambassador for the SLV BOCES. Her passion is evident in every interaction. She navigates complex communication challenges with a blend of technical expertise and genuine empathy, making her an invaluable resource to our district partners. We thank her for her tireless advocacy, her collaborative spirit, and her unwavering pride in serving the students of the San Luis Valley!
Anthony "Tone" Silva is our SLV BOCES Classified Educator of the Year. He possesses a rare combination of technical mastery and selfless service. In an environment where administrative precision is directly tied to student success, Tone has transformed the BOCES records management system from a simple filing process into a strategic tool that can be used to leverage resources needed to serve our most at-risk children. He does more than organize documents; his focus on rigorous compliance with CDE requirements ensures the SLV BOCES has accurate data necessary to drive key decisions.
In only a few years, Anthony has emerged as a cornerstone of institutional knowledge and peer support. He is our go-to resource for colleagues facing complex records challenges, providing solutions that allow others to remain focused on their vital work. Tone's impact is particularly evident in his dedication to onboarding new staff and expanding resource access across the region.
Anthony’s contributions have yielded a tangible, positive financial impact on the BOCES, proving excellent support staff are essential to the fiscal health of an organization. He collaborates with a level of professionalism that elevates the reputation of the entire BOCES. For his unwavering reliability, his role in maintaining high-quality documentation, and his commitment to supporting the educators and students of the San Luis Valley, Anthony is an outstanding representative for this honor.
Tausha and Tone were nominated by department leaders, then interviewed by former SLV Educators of the Year; selected from a pool of other deserving nominees.They will be honored at the May 5th SLV Educator of the Year banquet.
Congratulations to both!
