Meet The Team — Gabriel Little, MA, IEP Specialist

Based at our Old Coors campus, this week’s spotlighted team member supports students and teachers and students alike by coordinating and delivering Individual Education Plan (IEP) services. A K–12 licensed teacher in general education and special education, this member of our team won a national championship in his youth in the sport of judo! Meet Mr. Little, in his own words…

MAS: Let’s start at the very beginning… Where did you grow up, and what did you want to be as a kid?

MR. LITTLE: I grew up in Albuquerque, and my dream was to become the first Olympic gold medalist in judo for the United States.

MAS: So what was your first job?

MR. LITTLE: My first job was working summers as a lifeguard. The best part of that experience was learning how to perform deep-water rescues.

MAS: Moving on… What can you tell us about your education?

MR. LITTLE: I attended The University of New Mexico (UNM) where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in General Education in 2019. I returned to UNM and earned a master’s in special education with a concentration in intellectual and severe disabilities and an emphasis in applied behavior analysis in 2023.

MAS: When did you join MAS, and what roles have you held here?

MR. LITTLE: I joined the team in January during the 2023–2024 school year. I initially served as a Reading Interventionist at the Old Coors campus, and I now serve as an IEP Specialist, also at the Old Coors campus. I work with students and teachers across all grade levels.

MAS: Which subjects do you support?

MR. LITTLE: I work with all subjects. My role is to support students in whatever classes they are in, whether that is math, reading, science, or anything else.

MAS: Where did you work before MAS, and what did you do there?

MR. LITTLE: I worked at Cesar Chavez High School in Albuquerque as the Head Social Studies Teacher, where I focused on topics like Economics, Government, and Philosophy. I also served as New Mexico’s Multi-Layered Systems of Support Point of Contact for the school.

MAS: How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

MR. LITTLE: I believe every student can learn, grow, and succeed when given the right support and opportunities. I create inclusive environments where students feel valued and capable.

MAS: What approaches guide your daily practice with students and teachers?

MR. LITTLE: I use differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning, culturally and linguistically responsive teaching, social and emotional learning, and Multi-Layered Systems of Support. My philosophy goes beyond equity. It is grounded in liberty and social justice, so students can overcome barriers, build confidence and resilience, and find success in school and in their communities.

MAS: What is the most important thing you want people to know about MAS?

MR. LITTLE: We’re committed to continuous growth, building on where we have been, strengthening where we are, and reaching higher for where we are going.

MAS: What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you?

MR. LITTLE: I grew up playing judo, became a national champion, and held that title until I left the sport to attend college. Through judo, I had the honor of visiting Keiko Fukuda at her home in San Francisco and sharing tea with her. She was a pioneer in education who made unprecedented achievements in social justice, and the experience left a lasting impact on me.

MAS: Last question…What’s your favorite restaurant and go-to dish?

MR. LITTLE: One of my favorite restaurants in town is Naruto (2110 Central Ave SE; Albuquerque, NM 87106), and my favorite dish there is the Naruto Ramen (house-made chicken broth and miso with green onions, bamboo shoots, 2 pieces of Naruto fish cake, 3 pieces of chashu pork, 3 pieces of nori, and a seasoned egg).