Kindergarten Teacher | Josephine Hodgkins Leadership Academy | WPS Family Since 2015

Sanjuanita Carbajal brings heart, strength, and a deeply personal mission to her kindergarten classroom at Josephine Hodgkins Leadership Academy. After beginning her career in daycare in Texas, she was inspired to return to school at age 45 and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Her journey into education was rooted in the lessons she learned from her grandmother and aunts—women who taught her love, resilience, and the importance of using her voice. Sanjuanita started in Westminster Public Schools as a CLD interventionist, but always knew her place was in a classroom. Now, she brings her life experience and unwavering dedication to the young learners she serves, teaching not only literacy but also perseverance and self-belief.

“I love what I do,” she says. “It never feels like a job.” She believes that the first five years of a child’s life are critical and is committed to giving her students the strength and guidance she didn’t always have growing up. Her message to them is simple and powerful: “Never give up. Always persevere.”

Her principal, Amber Swieckowski writes, “Ms. Carbajal is a truly gifted educator whose impact extends far beyond her kindergarten classroom. Beloved by her own students and admired by older students throughout the school, she creates a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Through her dedication to quality literacy instruction, Ms. Carbajal has helped her students make remarkable strides in reading over the past several years. A frequent mentor for student teachers, Ms. Carbajal educates and inspires the next generation of educators by demonstrating both the art and science of teaching. Ms. Carbajal embodies what it means to be an educator - compassionate, determined, and an advocate for her students in every way.”

Fun Facts About Sanjuanita

• Favorite food: Mexican food
• Favorite TV show: Friends
• Favorite movies: The Help and Coco
• Favorite sports teams: Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos
• Favorite sport to watch: Football
• Favorite sport to play: Volleyball
• Currently listening to: Country, bachata, pop, and more – especially Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, and Smiley Green
• Favorite author: Peter Reynolds
• Dream superpower: To be “Superwoman” and take away pain from children across the world
• Hobbies: Walking her dog, watching feel-good movies, crafting, and spending time with friends
• Favorite quote: “Knowledge is power.”
• Biggest inspiration: Her grandmother, Maria Carbajal, and her aunts, who taught her how to love and persevere.