About me
Catherine L. Brijalba is an experienced and dedicated educator with 14 years of teaching experience. She currently serves as a 6th-grade teacher, Head Coach of the 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball Team, Assistant Track Coach, and National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Student Advisor at Houston Middle School in Hobbs, New Mexico.
Raised in a family of educators, Catherine was profoundly influenced by her mother, who has dedicated 34 years to the teaching profession. This deep-rooted passion for education led her to pursue a career in teaching and academic leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and multiple graduate degrees from the University of the Southwest, including a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, a Master of Arts in Education Administration, and a Master of Arts in Educational Diagnostician. Additionally, she is working toward earning her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Catherine is alternative-certified as a teacher and holds endorsements in English Language Arts (ELA), History, Psychology, Business, and TESOL. She is currently working toward obtaining her Bilingual Endorsement to further support diverse learners in her community.
Her dedication to excellence in education has been recognized through numerous achievements, including being a recipient of the Veteto Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award (2017). She has also contributed to the field of education by serving on various committees with the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED) and has been a Teach Plus Fellow, advocating for impactful educational policies.
Beyond the classroom, Catherine has a passion for traveling and exploring new cultures. She enjoys shopping and spending quality time with her family. Through her commitment to education, leadership, and student success, she continues to make a lasting impact on her students and the broader educational community.
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