Albuquerque Public Schools
Outstanding September Employees
This month's honorees include an educational assistant, a clerk, a counselor, and a custodian.
Albuquerque Public Schools has many dedicated professionals who devote their time and talent to helping the district meet the needs of students.
For the seventh year, the district recognizes at least a few of these outstanding employees through the Employee Recognition Program.
All staff members employed for at least six months can be nominated, though we ask that you not nominate yourself.
September's Honorees
- Deborah Burnett
- Maria Carter
- Debra Chandler
- Nathan Griffen
The honorees are being featured on APS electronic billboards around town and will be honored at a reception. They also will receive a lasting memento.
Learn More About September's Nominees
Deborah Burnett – Educational Assistant, Painted Sky Elementary School
Deborah Burnett has been an educational assistant at Painted Sky for 21 years, working directly with students to improve their reading skills and even volunteering her personal time to ensure events and activities at her school run smoothly.
“She goes above and beyond on a daily basis to support students, staff, and families,” the school principal says. “She truly cares for students and their academic success. Often she will take small groups of kindergarten students to read to office staff or other staff members on campus.”
In addition, she serves as the school’s Attendance Team Chair, co-chair of the school’s talent show, and co-chair of Read-A-Bration.
“The staff at Painted Sky can always rely on Deborah,” her principal says.
Maria Carter – Clerk, Whittier Elementary School
She’s described by one colleague as “one of the hardest working employees at Whittier.”
When the school’s secretary left at the beginning of the school year, Maria Carter, a school clerk, stepped up to help. She absorbed extra responsibilities at the busiest time of the year, and she did it all with a smile on her face.
“She is kind and helpful to all of our staff,” her colleague says. “She is welcoming to all of our families. I am very grateful that she is the first person that most people encounter when they come to the school.”
Debra Chandler – College and Career Counselor, La Cueva High School
As a college and career counselor at La Cueva High School, Debra Chandler goes out of her way to ensure students feel supported in their transition from high school to adulthood.
She helps students apply for college, and she is affectionately known as the goddess of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid because she helps students and their families navigate the dreaded process required to qualify for financial assistance. If a student’s circumstances change or if the student encounters an issue with their FAFSA along the way, Debra walks them through fixing the issue. She also holds several family nights to help students and parents navigate the next steps after high school
As if that’s not enough, Debra organizes a legendary career day, making sure there are tons of activities and interactions for students to explore careers and find summer employment opportunities.
One of her colleagues observed that she makes La Cueva a better place for students and coworkers, noting that she is passionate about helping students, families, and the entire school community.
“Debra Chandler is one of the most trusted adults on La Cueva’s campus,” the colleague says. “She goes above and beyond with all of our students.”
Nathan “Nate” Griffen – Night Custodian, Lowell Elementary School
Nate Griffen has worked at Lowell Elementary for the last twenty years, during which time he has cemented a reputation as someone who is prompt, reliable, and always in a great mood.
“He takes on tasks with professionalism and makes sure the campus is cleaned well each night,” one of his colleagues says.
“Nate is kind to our students. He treats them with respect by treating them with care, and he does not dismiss them as some adults that don’t work with students directly might.”
When Nate is at work, his coworkers know the school will be clean and ready for the following school day.
“He cares about the work he does and works with our teachers to meet their specific room needs,” the colleague says. “He’s courteous, thoughtful, and is a great person.”
How to nominate an employee
You can nominate an employee by filling out the Employee Recognition online application. Nominations must be completed by someone other than the nominee. Self-nominations are not eligible for consideration.
Award recipients will be selected monthly by a Peer Praise Task Force.