Mariela Barrera has been in education for 14 years.  Prior to joining IDEA, she taught 5th grade science in Rio Grande City.  She would never have imagined that this small school would ignite the beginning of my passion.  This campus had a population of 45% recent immigrant students. She began the year teaching 2nd grade but was moved 5 weeks into the school year to what would become her favorite content to teach. She taught 5th grade science at La Union Elementary for 2 years and championed her students to unseen results even with the language barriers at hand.  After 3 years,  Principal Barrera moved to the upper valley. The first year there, she taught 4th grade self-contained for La Joya ISD.  The following year she was asked to follow her students to 5th grade.  She taught content in both dual language and English for the next 5 years and encouraged her students to the district’s highest results placing them 1st in the district all 5 years.  
          This marks her 6th year with IDEA Public Schools.  She began my journey at IDEA McAllen Academy as a 5th Grade Science teacher and course leader.  After 3 years in the classroom, she transitioned into the ELA and Science Assistant Principal of Instruction role for 1st -5th grade.  In 2019, she was given the opportunity to learn from other Principals through the Principal in Residence program here in Austin.  She was placed at Montopolis Academy during the 2020-2021 school year.  This school year, she has been pleased to serve at IDEA Bluff Springs Academy as the Principal in Residence, supporting our students, teachers, and leaders with achieving goals. Her mission is to continue working alongside our team to deliver on our promise to prepare our children for college and beyond.