Lake County Gazette

Sanjuanita Carbajal, a kindergarten teacher at Josephine Hodgkins Leadership

Academy, brings heart, strength, and a deeply personal mission to her

classroom. 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 young learners, 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 – 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, 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.