From Music Teacher to Leader: Celebrating Wendy Barajas’ 27 Years with NHA
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
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When you talk to Wendy Barajas about her career at National Heritage Academies (NHA®),one thing is clear, NHA isn’t just a workplace to her, it’s family.
Fresh out of college with a degree in music education, Wendy began her journey at NHA in 1999. Her first role at Greensboro Academy was a unique combination: part-time music teacher and part-time registrar. “Back then, the back of my car was my classroom,” she recalled with a laugh. “I would travel between locations, teaching students’ music in the morning and registering families in the afternoon.”
After a year and a half, Wendy transferred to Forsyth Academy, where she spent the next two decades building her career. From middle school music teacher to assistant principal, dean, and eventually principal, Wendy’s career reflects the heart of NHA’s mission, growing passionate leaders. For 10 years, she served as principal of Forsyth Academy before stepping into her current role as Director of School Quality in North Carolina.
“Honestly, I never planned to be a principal,” Wendy admitted. “I was happy in the classroom. But mentors saw leadership skills in me that I didn’t see in myself. They poured into me, and that made all the difference.”
For Wendy, staying with NHA for nearly 27 years has always been about the mission. One of her most powerful memories comes from participating in Capturing Kids’ Hearts with her Forsyth Academy team. “It reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I was surrounded by like-minded people who believed in serving children especially in communities with great need. That sense of shared purpose kept me grounded and inspired.”
Wendy also points to NHA’s commitment to developing talent as a reason she’s stayed. “The fact that NHA invests in growing its teachers and leaders is incredible. That’s not something you see everywhere, and it’s what kept me moving forward in my career.”
When asked what advice she has for new teachers, Wendy is quick to share:
Outside of work, Wendy finds joy in the mountains of North Carolina, where she goes to recharge. She’s also a talented musician who sings and plays piano. At home, she and her husband dote on their beloved fur baby, Chloe. Travel is another passion. Her most recent adventure took her to Mexico, where she experienced a vibrant mariachi celebration.
And for a touch of nostalgia? Wendy still treasures an NHA Christmas ornament from the early 2000s. “Every year when I put it on the tree, I’m reminded of the sense of belonging NHA has given me. I’ve poured my life into NHA, and NHA has poured back into me.”
As National Heritage Academies marks 30 years, we celebrate Wendy Barajas an educator, leader, and mentor who has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping lives and advancing our mission. Her journey is a reminder that when passion meets purpose, the impact lasts for generations.
Congratulations on 27 years Wendy!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.
Fresh out of college with a degree in music education, Wendy began her journey at NHA in 1999. Her first role at Greensboro Academy was a unique combination: part-time music teacher and part-time registrar. “Back then, the back of my car was my classroom,” she recalled with a laugh. “I would travel between locations, teaching students’ music in the morning and registering families in the afternoon.”
After a year and a half, Wendy transferred to Forsyth Academy, where she spent the next two decades building her career. From middle school music teacher to assistant principal, dean, and eventually principal, Wendy’s career reflects the heart of NHA’s mission, growing passionate leaders. For 10 years, she served as principal of Forsyth Academy before stepping into her current role as Director of School Quality in North Carolina.
“Honestly, I never planned to be a principal,” Wendy admitted. “I was happy in the classroom. But mentors saw leadership skills in me that I didn’t see in myself. They poured into me, and that made all the difference.”
A Mission That Matters
For Wendy, staying with NHA for nearly 27 years has always been about the mission. One of her most powerful memories comes from participating in Capturing Kids’ Hearts with her Forsyth Academy team. “It reminded me that I wasn’t alone. I was surrounded by like-minded people who believed in serving children especially in communities with great need. That sense of shared purpose kept me grounded and inspired.”Wendy also points to NHA’s commitment to developing talent as a reason she’s stayed. “The fact that NHA invests in growing its teachers and leaders is incredible. That’s not something you see everywhere, and it’s what kept me moving forward in my career.”
Words of Wisdom
When asked what advice she has for new teachers, Wendy is quick to share:- Take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish, it’s essential if you’re going to give your best to students.
- Don’t work in isolation. Collaboration and connection will help you thrive.
- It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know.’ That’s how you learn and grow.
- And if you ever feel like you’ve learned everything, it’s time to find a new career. Education is about continuous growth for students and for educators.
Beyond the Classroom
Outside of work, Wendy finds joy in the mountains of North Carolina, where she goes to recharge. She’s also a talented musician who sings and plays piano. At home, she and her husband dote on their beloved fur baby, Chloe. Travel is another passion. Her most recent adventure took her to Mexico, where she experienced a vibrant mariachi celebration.And for a touch of nostalgia? Wendy still treasures an NHA Christmas ornament from the early 2000s. “Every year when I put it on the tree, I’m reminded of the sense of belonging NHA has given me. I’ve poured my life into NHA, and NHA has poured back into me.”
As National Heritage Academies marks 30 years, we celebrate Wendy Barajas an educator, leader, and mentor who has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping lives and advancing our mission. Her journey is a reminder that when passion meets purpose, the impact lasts for generations.
Congratulations on 27 years Wendy!
About National Heritage Academies
National Heritage Academies (NHA®) is a network of more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools across nine states, serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school. For more information, visit nhaschools.com. To find a charter school near you, use the NHA school finder.