San Luis teacher honored for leadership in special education

Daniela Salgado, a special education teacher at San Luis High School, was named the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children and the Arizona Council of Administrators of Special Education. The honor, announced January 7, recognizes Salgado's mentorship, advocacy and work to build systems that lift student and educator voices in Yuma County schools.

Salgado was nominated by a former student who is now her colleague, Eva Durazo, a detail that underlines the award's roots in local mentorship and career pathways. Salgado will be recognized at the AZCEC and AZCASE annual statewide conference on January 31 in Phoenix.

"This award reflects my deep belief that leadership is rooted in service and in the conviction that every individual has a purpose and the power to influence others in meaningful ways," Salgado said. "I am deeply committed to creating systems where every student and educator knows their voice matters, driven by the incredible students, families, and educators who inspire me every day."

The recognition highlights work that matters beyond individual praise. In a rural border community like San Luis, where families often rely on tight networks of schools, clinics and community organizations, effective special education leadership can improve access to services, reduce barriers to mental health supports and strengthen school-home partnerships. Educators who mentor former students into the workforce help address local staffing shortages and keep institutional knowledge in the community.

The award also casts light on broader policy conversations. Consistent leadership in special education intersects with public health outcomes because coordinated school-based services often are the first point of contact for children with developmental, behavioral or mental health needs. Strengthening those systems requires sustained investment in training, caseload management, and culturally responsive practices that reflect Yuma County's bilingual and binational realities.

For families, Salgado's recognition is a reminder that local educators can be advocates and system builders. For school administrators and county leaders, it underscores the value of supporting teacher-leaders who mentor colleagues and collaborate with families. For students like Durazo, the path from student to colleague models how inclusive classrooms can foster careers in education and social services.

Our two cents? Celebrate the accomplishment, tell your school leaders what supports matter to your family, and ask how the district will back teacher-led systems that keep kids connected to services. Real change starts with teachers like Salgado, and it grows when the whole community shows up to support inclusive schools.