WGU SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Help Shape the Future of
Men in Education in Texas
Be part of the effort to strengthen the pipeline of
men in education
Texas Men in Education Virtual Kickoff
You’re invited to join the virtual kickoff of the WGU Texas Men in Education Impactors Network, on May 19, 2026, from 4-5 p.m. CST. This new initiative is focused on building stronger pathways into education and supporting those already in the field.
The shortage of men in the teaching profession continues to impact classrooms across Texas, especially in early education.
This conversation, facilitated by Manny Gonzalez, Director of State Government and Community Relations for WGU’s South Region, will bring together leaders across education, policy, and practice.
Together, we’ll explore:
- The current state of men in the Texas educator workforce
- How this gap impacts students and communities
- Practical ways to recruit, support, and retain more men in education
Register Today.
Featured Speakers
Dr. Patrick L. Valdez
Interim Dean, School of Education, University of North Texas at Dallas
Dr. Patrick L. Valdez brings nearly three decades of experience in higher education, with leadership roles spanning institutions and national organizations, including St. Edward’s University, UTSA, HACU, APLU, and CUNY. He currently serves as Interim Dean of the School of Education at the University of North Texas at Dallas.
His work sits at the intersection of academic affairs, student success, and equity, with a strong focus on the experiences of first-generation students and families. As both a practitioner and scholar, Dr. Valdez has contributed to research on Latino student success, executive leadership, and the role of Hispanic Serving Institutions in supporting one of the fastest-growing student populations in the country. His work continues to shape how institutions think about access, opportunity, and outcomes in higher education.
Steven Santoyo
Director of Advocacy, Moak Casey LL
Steven Santoyo works at the intersection of education policy and practice, helping school systems and organizations navigate the Texas legislative and regulatory landscape. As Director of Advocacy at Moak Casey, he supports engagement with the Texas Legislature, State Board of Education, and State Board for Educator Certification.
Steven previously served as a Policy Analyst for the Texas Senate Committee on Education K 16 under Chairman Brandon Creighton, where he helped advance legislation focused on early literacy, educator preparation, and strengthening teacher pipelines. His work is grounded in lived experience. A product of Dallas ISD, he returned to the classroom as a teacher, working with middle and high school students across English and journalism, and advising student leadership programs. That perspective continues to shape his commitment to building stronger, more effective education systems across Texas.
Mark Rogers
National Board Certified Educator, Austin Achieve
Mark Rogers is a National Board-Certified mathematics educator at Austin Achieve, where he leads a unique long-term looping model that follows the same group of students from kindergarten through graduation. He is known for bringing creativity and real-world application into the classroom, including using music and media to make math more engaging and accessible.
A two-time state finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, Mark brings a wide range of experience to his work, including previous roles in finance and quality assurance before transitioning into education. He holds a Master of Education from Western Governors University and is a proud WGU alum.
Accredited, Respected,
Recognized™
One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2024 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
94% of employers said WGU graduates meet or exceed expectations*
95% of employers rated the "soft skills" of WGU grads as equal to or better than graduates from other institutions*
Why WGU?
Be Career Ready
Designed with input from industry leaders, our accredited programs give you the skills and credentials today’s employers need. That’s why 81% of employers said they’d hire another WGU grad.1
1: 2024 Harris Poll
Get and Keep the Job You Want to Have
84% of WGU graduates are employed in their degree fields—and 86% are employed full-time.2
2: 2024 Harris Poll
Save Money
Average annual tuition and fees for undergraduates at WGU is $8,300 compared to $17,709 at comparable institutions. For graduate students at WGU, average annual tuition and fees is $8,856 compared to $20,513 at comparable institutions.3
3: Source: Analysis of IPEDS data, report year 2023
Work as You Need While Going to School
At WGU, you can complete courses, take tests, and graduate on your schedule. In fact, many of our students work full-time while earning their life-changing bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
