Texas Special Education teacher Carmen Canales succumbed to Covid-19 on July 21, 2020. Photo credit: Legacy.com

Sadly, we must report that Covid-19 has claimed the life of yet another beloved educator. Carmen Canales, an elementary teacher in San Antonio, Texas, succumbed to the disease on July 21, 2020. She was 48 years old.

The beloved teacher worked in Special Education Inclusion and Resource Intervention at Ira C. Ogden Academy in the San Antonio Independent School District since 2017.

“The loss of Carmen is one that will be felt forever at our school. She was an integral part of our Ogden Lion family,” remarked Nicanora Martinez, Principal of Ogden Academy. “Each day, she gave her best to our students. Her legacy will live on as we remember her as a Lioness who was willing to go above and beyond for the academic, social, and emotional needs of her students,” Martinez continued.

Co-worker Elissa Gonzalez expressed similar sentiments. “I worked with Ms. Canales and observed how dedicated and strong she was,” remembered Elissa. “She was relentless and always put forth her best. I admired her balance of toughness with kindness,” she said. Her friend Yvonne Munoz agreed. “Carmen was such a passionate person and educator who wasn’t afraid to say anything that was on her mind. I admired that about her. I’m glad to have known her. She’ll truly be missed,” she said.

As a young girl, Carmen attended McAllen High School in the town of McAllen,Texas. She graduated in 1991. In 1996, she was certificated as a licensed vocational nurse at Coastal Bend College. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University at Kingsville in 2002.

To read more about this beloved educator, click on this link to her obituary: Carmen Canales.