What is the name of the school where you work?

BARELA: Maxwell Elementary

What was your favorite subject growing up?

BARELA: Writing

What clubs and extracurricular activities did you participate in as a student?

BARELA: Gymnastics and soccer. Lettered all 4 years ago Montbello High School.

What influenced you to go into teaching?

BARELA: Coaching gymnastics John Amesse Elementary with my high school coach. I love the aha moment when something you have worked so hard to achieve comes to fruition.

What is your favorite part of your daily teaching life?

BARELA: The kids and families at arrival. I love greeting them with a smile and catching up, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It’s even better when former students come by during this time!!

How many years have you been teaching?

BARELA: 32

In what ways are you active in your school’s community (coaching/clubs/volunteer/work)?

BARELA: Yearbook, book fairs, Read across America.

BARELA: I teach in the community I grew up in. I went to John Amesse and then Montbello when it was a Jr/Sr High School. I have “Grandstudents “ (kids of former students) that I teach now. I am trii yo ly a Warrior for Life ! (MW4L)

If you could pass along one piece of advice to your students, what would it be?

BARELA: Never let anyone tell you you can’t do/be anything you want to achieve because of where you grew up. Reach for your dreams