(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Mar. 6, 2026) — In the world of music, a conductor’s job is to create harmony out of many different voices. For El Paso ISD Fine Arts teacher Jesus Candela, that "symphony" spans four different elementary campuses and two different states.
Candela, who recently won Teacher of the Year at Cooley Elementary, is now in his ninth year of teaching, and his sixth with El Paso ISD. He is a familiar face to hundreds of young students at Douglass, Hart, Tinajero, and Cooley Elementary Schools. While his daily "podium" is usually in a classroom, he recently stepped onto a professional stage as a guest conductor for the New Horizons Symphony in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Candela’s journey to the conductor’s podium began in a classroom much like the ones he leads today. His decision to become a Fine Arts teacher was fueled by the mentorship he received as a student.
"I became a Fine Arts teacher because of the profound impact my own band director had on my life," Candela said. "She didn’t just teach me music; she taught me discipline, confidence, resilience, and the power of belonging. I want to create the same life-changing experience for my students by using music not just to build musicians, but to build strong, confident, and capable individuals."
His recent selection as a guest conductor grew from a professional partnership with Jorge Martinez-Rios, conductor of the New Horizons Symphony. Their shared philosophy on music education and the importance of remaining a "lifelong learner" led to the invitation to lead a concert cycle focused on American composers.
"Educators benefit from remaining active musicians, bringing new experiences and insights back into the classroom," Candela explained. "Working with a community-based ensemble reinforced the importance of communication, adaptability, and empathy—all of which continue to influence my approach to teaching."
The collaboration with the New Horizons Symphony was so successful that Candela has been invited back to conduct their upcoming May concert, featuring symphony members as soloists.
Back home, Candela sees the full spectrum of talent within El Paso ISD. His high expectations for his students are matched only by his belief in their resilience.
"The students at El Paso ISD are hardworking and full of potential," Candela noted. "Many of them balance responsibilities beyond the classroom, yet they continue to show up with determination and heart. When given the opportunity and the tools to succeed, they rise to the occasion and exceed expectations."
Whether his students are mastering a challenging melody or growing into leaders among their peers, Candela views music as the vehicle for their broader success.
For the students at Douglass, Hart, Tinajero, and Cooley, seeing "Mr. Candela" succeed on a regional stage provides a powerful real-world example of where music can take them. In El Paso ISD, the arts are more than an elective, they are a bridge to a world of opportunity.
"I have seen firsthand that our students are capable of incredible things," Candela said. "With guidance and support, there is no limit to what they can achieve."