Mr. Espinoza               Ms. Mataalii            Mr. Fritz

Mr. Espinoza came to Koogler Middle School as our new principal in 2008. He is a graduate of Aztec High School, class of 1982 and went on to earn his Bachelors Degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 1987. He brings with him 21 years of teaching and coaching experience from several four corners area schools.

In 2004 Mr. Espinoza completed the New Mexico Highlands University Educational Leadership Program and earning his Masters of Arts Degree in Administration.

Married in 1983, he has 3 children and enjoys hunting, fishing, and working with horses. A Notre Dame and Denver Broncos fan he also enjoys all Aztec School athletics programs and activities.

Philosophy: Education is the single most important profession in the world because it has the most effect on the individual, family, community, country and world.  All students can learn, all learn differently, and all learn at different speeds. Bottom line, I believe all students have the ability to finish the race if given the opportunity to enter the race.

Motto: Reading comprehension is the fundamental cornerstone to building academic success across all curriculums. I believe that almost every facet of our students’ lives center on their ability to comprehend what they are reading or being told.
 

Mr. Fritz, has moved from the Dean of Students to the Assistant Principal, originally from the Gallup, New Mexico area, came to Aztec with family in 1977. He attended Aztec High School and is a member of the graduating class of 1980. Mr. Fritz attended Fort Lewis College in Durango where he earned an Associate Degree in Agriculture, and also a Bachelors Degree in Finance. Desiring a career in education he then attended The University of New Mexico where he completed course work to earn K-12 certification in Special Education and K-8 General Education. Mr. Fritz went on to complete his Master’s Degree program in Educational Leadership from New Mexico State University. This is his 14th year at Koogler Middle School where he has been a Special Education teacher and, for the last 6 years, our Dean of Students. He and his wife reside in the country just outside Aztec where they live daily ranch life and really enjoy spending time with their animals. 

Philosophy:  Society in general, parents and educators specifically, have an obligatory responsibility to provide opportunities of learning to all children. Children have the supported responsibility to participate in theri foundational educational experience, within their individual capacity, as a basis for a lifelong learner able to contribute to society.

Ms. Mataalii is our new Dean of Student’s and Athletic Director at Koogler Middle School, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University.  She began her teaching career at Park Avenue Elementary in Aztec during the 1988-89 school year. Ms. Mataalii taught physical education at Park Avenue for 22 years.  She was also an Assistant Coach with the Aztec Tiger track and field team and the girls soccer program. 

Ms. Mataalii earned her Master’s of Business Administration and completed her Educational Leadership Program from New Mexico Highlands University.

Ms. Mataalii enjoyed watching her own children grow up, participate in athletics and graduate from Aztec High School.  Currently she has two dogs and a geriatric cat still staying at home.  Ms. Mataalii enjoys fishing, camping and watching the grass grow.