Albuquerque Public Schools
APS Celebrates Educators with First-of-its-Kind Event
Superintendent underscores the vital role teachers play in shaping students' lives and the future of the community.
Calling them the “heart of the district,” APS Superintendent Gabriella Blakey welcomed back 6,000 teachers, counselors, nurses and other educators at a first-of-its-kind event at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Monday morning.
“This is a first for Albuquerque Public Schools – Thousands of educators from every corner of the district all together in one place. That is something worth celebrating,” Dr. Blakey said. “...We took a chance on something different because you deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated.”
The event, which included workshops, was put on in collaboration with the Albuquerque Teachers Federation. Mayor Tim Keller and ATF President Ellen Bernstein were also on hand to welcome educators back for another school year.
Most APS students return to class on Thursday (Aug. 7), with Pre-K and kindergarten students heading back to school next Monday (Aug. 11). Teachers returned to work on Friday for professional development.
During her heartfelt speech, Blakey thanked educators for all they do, stressed the importance of the five-year goals that everyone needs to be working toward, and talked about significant work underway to redesign the middle and high school experience to better serve students.
She also touched on APS Rising, the theme for the 2025-2026 school year and the name of the Convention Center event.
“We call this event APS Rising because that’s exactly what we are doing – rising, together,” she said.
But she acknowledged that rising doesn’t just happen.
“It takes work. It takes heart,” Blakey said. “There’s no shortcut. No silver bullet. No magic curriculum or trendy app that can replace what happens when a skilled, caring adult connects with students and helps them grow.”
“You make that happen every day,” she told educators, emphasizing that the work they do shapes the future of our city, state and country.”
“Yes, students learn to read and write in public schools,” Blakey said. “But they also learn to lead. To listen. To fall and get back up. To stand up for themselves and others. To find their place. To learn from those similar to them and those who are different.”
She noted that her grandparents didn’t have formal schooling and said public education changed the trajectory of her family.
“That’s why I became a teacher,” she said. “That’s why I’m here. They worked too hard for us to go backwards, and I work every day to ensure the path they started is one that moves forward for others.”
The superintendent recalled Ms. Betty Montoya, a history teacher at Van Buren Middle School who, she said, made a lasting impact.
“Ms. Montoya cared. She checked in. She listened. And during those uncertain middle school years, that meant everything,” Blakey said, later adding that Ms. Montoya had high expectations and challenged her.
“She pushed me to think harder, write better, and never settle for ‘good enough,’” Blakey recalled. “As frustrating as that was sometimes, I grew because of it. She believed I could do more, so I did.”
She said Ms. Montoya showed her what great teaching is.
“It’s not just about content – it’s about connection, challenge, and the quiet confidence a teacher gives you when they believe in your best,” she added.
Blakey said her goal is to build a system that nurtures not just academic skills, but the skills, habits and mindsets students need to thrive in college, careers and life.
“We want every APS graduate to walk across that stage not only with a diploma, but with confidence – as a critical thinker, and effective communicator, a problem solver, and an engaged citizen who understands their power to make a difference.”