A simple hand grab set Jesus Cuellar on his path to the Highland Complex. Now in his eighth year serving students with special needs, he shares why he chose–and love–that path. 

Cuellar’s journey began when visited the Highland Complex to see a friend. He was then an educational assistant at another Albuquerque Public Schools (APS)  school. During that visit, he met one of the students and immediately felt a connection.

“He came over and grabbed my hand, and I was like, I think I can do it,” Cuellar said.

At the time, he had no experience working with students with autism and felt intimidated by the idea. But once he began working with the students, he realized he had found where he belonged.

Highland Complex provides specialized care and instruction for students whose needs traditional schools may not be equipped to meet. Cuellar currently teaches a class of three students. He works closely with them to build communication skills, independence, and confidence.

As he shares his journey, Cuellar highlights his students–their personalities, their growth, and small milestones that make each day meaningful.

“These kiddos, they are why I get up in the morning,” Cuellar said. “Because they’re all different and every day is different for them.”

This is why colleagues often describe Cuellar as incredibly patient, though he modestly shrugs off the compliment. He said his calm approach comes from taking time to understand students and meeting them where they are.

“I think it’s more about knowing the students and going to their level,” he said with a smile.

Essence of Building Strong Relationships

Over eight years, Cuellar has built strong bonds with students who may not speak but deeply connect with those around them. 

“Now the kiddos are really responding,” he said. “They communicate even though they don’t talk, they don’t speak, but they communicate really well with all of us.”

Those relationships matter most during difficult moments, when students feel overwhelmed or frustrated. After years together, Cuellar said the trust they’ve built helps students calm down and feel safe.

He values building relationships with families as much as supporting students in the classroom. 

“I like to communicate with my parents so I can support them as much as I can,” he added. “Because building relationships with the students and the families is the most important thing.”

Real World Experience

Cuellar helps his students experience life beyond the classroom. His class practices everyday skills: ordering food at restaurants, waiting in line, and interacting with others in the community. They volunteer, ride the city bus, and complete hands-on work tasks.

“It is amazing when you see them and they tell you what they need,” he said.

For Cuellar, helping students build confidence and independence is a central part of his work. He ensures they see themselves as individuals with their own identities. 

“The most important thing is that they know their names,” he said. “Because you are that name. The name belongs to you.”

The Desire to Teach

Cuellar grew up on a ranch in Mexico and once dropped out of high school, but he knew he wanted a different future.

“I thought, this is not what I want for my life. I wanted to be a teacher,” he said. 

After moving to the United States, he returned to school one class at a time, earned his diploma and completed his college degree while working.

Now, Cuellar is about to reach another milestone. He will finish his master’s degree this summer—something he once thought might be out of reach. His students kept him motivated along the way. 

“They know that I have high expectations of them,” he said. “So if I do that for my kids, I have to do it for myself.”

Cuellar shines through his remarkable journey while keeping the focus on the students he serves. He said working with them is never boring and always meaningful.

“They are always challenging me,” he added. “Which is great. Working with kids, it is the best.”