Nogales City Council honors special education teacher

Roberto Cruz recognized for his work at Desert Shadows Middle School

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:21pm

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a teacher's desk with an apple, a stack of books, and a chalkboard in the background, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the importance of inclusive education.The Nogales City Council's recognition of a dedicated special education teacher underscores the vital role of educators in supporting diverse learners.Nogales Today

The Nogales City Council presented its Empowerment Award to Roberto Cruz, a special education teacher at Desert Shadows Middle School, during its April 1 meeting. The award was given in recognition of Cruz's dedication to supporting students with special needs.

Why it matters

The council's decision to honor Cruz highlights the importance of recognizing educators who go above and beyond to serve students with diverse learning needs. This award brings attention to the vital role that special education teachers play in fostering inclusive and supportive school environments.

The details

At the April 1 city council meeting, the Nogales Commission on Disability Issues and Councilman Saulo Bonilla presented the Empowerment Award to Roberto Cruz. The award recognized Cruz's exceptional work as the special education teacher at Desert Shadows Middle School, where he has demonstrated a deep commitment to empowering students with diverse learning abilities.

  • The Nogales City Council meeting took place on April 1, 2026.
  • April was designated as Mental Health and Neurodiversity Awareness Month earlier in the council meeting.

The players

Roberto Cruz

A special education teacher at Desert Shadows Middle School in Nogales, Arizona.

Nogales City Council

The governing body of the city of Nogales, Arizona.

Nogales Commission on Disability Issues

A commission that advises the Nogales City Council on issues related to people with disabilities.

Saulo Bonilla

A member of the Nogales City Council who presented the Empowerment Award to Roberto Cruz.

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What they’re saying

“Roberto Cruz's dedication to his students is truly inspiring. He embodies the values of inclusivity and empowerment that we strive for in Nogales.”

— Saulo Bonilla, Nogales City Councilman

The takeaway

The Nogales City Council's recognition of Roberto Cruz's exceptional work as a special education teacher highlights the importance of supporting educators who create inclusive and nurturing learning environments for students with diverse needs.