Entrepreneur and Co-Founder
Sophosi.com
The college made me aware of the challenges and complexities in the teaching industry as far as credentialing and having the right pieces to fit a teacher to the right ISD and school. Mixing and matching certifications and experiences can be extremely difficult. That’s what led me to create Sophosi – a software tool to match teachers and coaches with schools.
Brett Valdez
The college made me aware of the challenges and complexities in the teaching industry as far as credentialing and having the right pieces to fit the right ISD and school. The college allowed me to see how many different subjects, sports, sciences, and arts someone can teach. Mixing and matching those certifications and experiences can be extremely difficult. That’s what led me to create Sophosi—a software tool to match teachers and coaches with schools.
I hate to sound cliche, but nearly every class had value. Basic core classes were all challenging and rewarding. One of the most memorable staff members during my time at Texas would be [Assistant Dean] Richard Hogeda. The UT football staff were all really great to me while I was at UT, but Richard stands out as someone who always checked on me. He supported me then and in the years since.
School Organization and Classroom Management was particularly impactful. However, I know that I learn best when I am learning from others, so the most valuable part for me was interning and student teaching in classrooms at Cowan Elementary.
Two things stand out: building something you have true passion for; and the freedom to figure out how to make it work, putting together the early team with the same vision and goals.
It really is interesting to sit back and think about the different paths one takes as they go down their life journey. I have taken many and I have learned from them all!
