Albuquerque Public Schools
Heart of the School: How One EA Builds Community and Inspires Growth
On National Educational Assistants’ Day, APS celebrates the dedicated support staff who keep our schools thriving, starting with a beloved face at Chaparral.
At Chaparral Elementary School, warm connections and vibrant relationships are at the center of every classroom. Few individuals embody this spirit more than Educational Assistant Myra Barela. For over a decade, Barela has dedicated her days to ensuring Chaparral students feel safe, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
Barela’s journey with Albuquerque Public Schools began with the McKinney-Vento program before she transitioned to Dennis Chavez Elementary. Eventually, she found her home at Chaparral, a school deeply rooted in her own neighborhood.
“I’ve worked at Chaparral for over 10 years. It’s part of my community. These kids are my babies,” Barela shared. “This is my community, and I love it, and I protect it.”
For Barela, being an educational assistant is far more than a job title—it is an opportunity to make a lifelong impact on the children in her neighborhood. Whether she is assisting second- and fourth-graders in the classroom or greeting former students trick-or-treating at her front door, her dedication extends well beyond the school day.
“I love getting to make those connections and build those relationships,” she said. “I have kids in my neighborhood. They go to my house for trick-or-treating, and it’s always a delight. And even if they haven't been at Chaparral for a few years, they remember me. I always remember to give them a little extra treat. Once they're my baby, they're always my baby.”
Daily life as an educational assistant requires adaptability, patience and a deep understanding of each student’s unique journey. From modeling positive behaviors to finding tailored accommodations for individual needs, Barela steps up to support her students in every way possible.
“It can be a little chaotic at times. But finding that connection and helping the kids reach their goals and their full potential. That's what I love,” she explained.
That hands-on dedication pays off as she watches her students evolve over the years into confident learners.
“I really like to see them grow and become independent, smart, beautiful children,” Barela added.
Above all, Barela believes that learning begins with trust, safety and genuine care. Her warm approach creates a nurturing environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and striving for success.
“If you're not showing the kids that you love and respect them, they're not going to feel safe with you,” Barela reflected.
Her presence hasn't gone unnoticed by her colleagues, who rely on her energy, compassion and steadfast dedication to the Chaparral community.
“Myra is truly the heart of our school. She is compassionate, kind and has a gift for connecting with every student she meets,” fellow Educational Assistant Kevin Perez said. “She makes children feel welcomed, loved and valued, always bringing laughter and joy into their day. Her warm spirit and dedication create a safe and positive environment where kids can thrive. Myra is not only a wonderful colleague but also a true inspiration to all of us at Chaparral Elementary.”
On National Educational Assistants’ Day, APS extends a heartfelt thank you to Myra Barela and to all of the hard-working, compassionate educational assistants across our district. Thank you for your unwavering patience, support, and dedication to helping our students grow!