Albuquerque Public Schools
Judges Bring Civics Lessons to APS Classrooms
Middle school students learned what it takes to wear the robe during Constitution Day visits.
Stepping off the bench and directly into school libraries, gymnasiums and cafeterias, local judges across Bernalillo County took a hands-on approach to teaching civics this month in celebration of Constitution Day.
In a collaborative initiative between Albuquerque Public Schools, the Second Judicial District Court and the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, pairs of judges visited six local middle schools. Over a two-week period, the jurists met face-to-face with students to break down complex constitutional principles, distribute pocket Constitutions and spark interest in public service. The pocket constitutions were donated by APS Board of Education Secretary Heather Benavidez.
During a Sept. 17 visit to Washington Middle School, Chief Metro Court Judge Joshua J. Sánchez and District Court Judge Beatrice Brickhouse offered an insider's view of the legal system while fielding candid questions from teenagers. Beyond discussing rights and fairness, the judges focused on demystifying their everyday roles and mapping out the educational journey required to wear the robe.
The judges detailed the academic path: graduating high school, completing four years of college, finishing three years of law school and passing the state bar exam. Chief Judge Sánchez encouraged students to begin exploring potential careers by seeking out internships, taking tours of local courthouses and realizing the power of simply asking for opportunities.
“There are lots of opportunities. Just ask,” he said. “That's one of the things I've learned is just ask and see if somebody's going to tell you, yes or no.
The visits emphasized that legal careers are fully achievable for local youth, especially given that many sitting judges are proud products of public education themselves.
“Our goal is to help students feel connected to our democracy from an early age,” said Chief Judge Sánchez. “We want to emphasize that the Constitution is more than just a historical document – it protects our freedoms, guides the laws that keep us safe, and reminds us that everyone has a voice.”
Both judges shared their personal routes to the bench. Judge Sánchez recalled working as a high school special education teacher before pursuing law, while Judge Brickhouse highlighted serving as an officer in the United States Army before entering law school. When asked about the most rewarding aspects of her career, Judge Brickhouse shared her perspective on working in civil court.
“What I enjoy is the problem-solving aspect of it, trying to help people reach some type of resolution,” Judge Brickhouse told the students. “I love that process, actually.”
Chief Judge Sanchez said one of the most rewarding parts of his job is the work he does with specialty courts because it helps veterans, those battling addiction and others get back on track.
By sharing their stories and answering real-world questions, the judges helped make the country's foundational laws and judicial career paths feel personal, accessible and meaningful to the next generation.