Park’s Claudia Perales-Garcia energizes the classroom

Park teacher Claudia Perales-Garcia is kinetic. 

“My favorite thing about her class is her energy. I love her energy. She makes it fun,” Park eighth-grade student Jazmin said. 

“Claudia's ability to connect with students, staff and families is a huge value to the Park Community,” Park principal Charlotte Everts said.

Perales-Garcia's positive energy radiates in her classroom daily. 

“I hope my students learn to find their inner strength even on hard days and do everything with a purpose,” she said.

She works teaching the school’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program, which is a college-readiness elective class offered at Lincoln Public Schools. Perales-Garcia is also a first-generation college student, receiving an education degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She knows the journey well and preparing scholars for their future is a task she takes seriously. 

“I believe in providing every scholar with the skills and opportunities to be successful regardless of race or socioeconomic status,” Perales- Garcia said. “I am passionate about guiding students to pursue post-secondary education, but also giving them the tools to be successful in any career.”

The educator got her start at LPS as a student teacher. Now, she has been working for the school district for five years. 

“It is the little wins that have me showing up to work. It is knowing that a student is waiting for me to smile and say good morning. Every day a student is counting on me,” she added. 

Her commitment to showing up for her students doesn’t go unnoticed. She also helps teach English Language Learners (ELL). 

“Claudia's car is usually the first one in the parking lot in the morning and one of the last ones to leave in the evening,” Everts added. “She works with students before school, after school and during lunch in order to help them succeed academically.” 

“She is such a great teacher. Anyone can count on her about anything,” Jazmin added. 

Perales-Garcia’s students mention her authenticity and dedication to creating a sense of belonging at Park as some of the traits they most appreciate about her. 

“I feel like her being herself and expressing her personality really brings out the best in everyone,” Park eighth-grade student Nicholas said. 

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