Dr. PJ is an award-winning educator with extensive experience in journalism and communication education. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and has taught at various educational levels, revitalizing programs and developing curricula. He's received numerous awards for teaching and advising and actively participates in multiple journalism education associations. He presents at conferences, mentors aspiring journalists, and volunteers his time. His expertise includes scholastic journalism, gatekeeping, media literacy, civic engagement, student leadership, and student voice. He's committed to advancing journalism education and supporting student success.
Communication Educator
Grantham Academy
August 2011 - July 2013
Dr. PJ started his career at Grantham Academy in Aldine ISD. He created and edited Inside Pantherland, the campus newsletter, establishing quarterly communication with faculty, students, and the community.
As a VEAC (Vertical Educational Advisory Committee) committee member, he represented his campus at the district level.
Adviser of Student Media
Judson High School
August 2013 - February 2022
As the Adviser of Student Media, Dr. PJ revitalized the journalism department and publications at Judson High School in Converse, TX. In those eight years, the program went on to win state and national awards for individual students and entire publications, establishing a standard for scholastic journalism in South Central Texas.
As the creator of The Fuel, an award-winning media organization that included print newspapers, an online supplement, and social media platforms, the program became the community news source for the Judson High School. Dr. PJ also managed The Rocket, an award-winning 200-page campus publication covering over 2,700 students and nearly 60 campus organizations.
He created, planned, and managed external communication for the campus through various media platforms, serving as the gatekeeper of six social media platforms and the campus website. The program achieved nearly 12,000 followers, increasing viewership yearly.
Dr. PJ managed and grew over 40 journalists yearly, producing multiple publications and developing a local media organization. He developed deadline systems to ensure the timely and accurate publication of various media and managed the program’s finances, eliminating a decade-long $51,000 debt in six years.
His students won two Texas Print Newspaper Editors of the Year and were voted Best Digital Student News Organization in 2020 by the Texas Association of Journalism Educators. Additionally, the program received multiple Student Newspaper Online awards for coverage, site excellence, writing, and engagement.​
The Pathfinder Award is given to educators who help students achieve excellence in journalism and continually works to improve scholastic journalism as it is now and in the future.
2019 Distinguished Educator of the Year
Each year, Judson ISD recognized teachers who embody the spirit and commitment that produce educational excellence.
The award recognized educators who exemplified the ability to develop strong yearbook programs that cover all the students and stories of the year.
Pathfinder Award
Texas Association of Journalism Educators
September 2018
Inspiration Award
Jostens
July 2020
Mentor
Journalism Education Association
August 2019 - August 2025
Committee Chair,
Scholastic Journalism Week
Journalism Education Association
May 2020 - Present
Master Journalism Educators can help other journalism educators, advise students working on a specific project, design or adapt journalism programs to meet particular needs, and serve as spokespersons representing journalism teachers/advisers on the local, state, and national levels. There are 158 Master Journalism Educators across the country and 11 of them are in Texas. Dr. PJ is one of them.
By providing an ongoing support system to improve the retention rate of new journalism teachers, the hope is that new advisers in this program will stay with their publications and build them into strong, effective programs that promote JEA’s goals of freedom of expression, responsible journalism, and support for diversity.
Scholastic journalism has been a part of high school curricula for decades. The goal of scholastic journalism programs across the nation is to enable young people to learn and practice their rights and to obtain the ability to express and exchange ideas, essential to a democracy, by writing, editing, and producing student publications.
Board Commendations (2X)
Journalism Education Association
2021, 2022
JEA Curriculum Chat
JEA Curriculum Specialist Jim Streisel hosts a podcast that brings veteran advisers together to converse about their favorite lessons, their journalist's journey, and adviser advice.
JEA Board of Directors and Committee Chairs
JEA/NSPA Spring 2025 Convention
Seattle, Washingston
Multimedia Specialist
Judson ISD
March 2022 - July 2024
TSPRA’s annual Star Awards recognize members' outstanding education communications and projects. Independent, impartial judges evaluate each work and project based on set criteria and they award Gold, Silver and Bronze Star Awards, as well as Best of Category, Crystal and Platinum Certificates of Merit, Crystal Commendations and the Platinum Award for an all-encompassing, year-long communications project.
In this role, Dr. PJ managed the day-to-day operation of the district and school websites, ensuring their functionality, navigation, and overall performance. This included monitoring and maintaining the district websites to ensure timely and current information, as well as posting and uploading all legally required website content. He also led efforts to revise the district’s website and assisted in launching the district athletic website and mobile app.
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Dr. PJ launched Insight, the district's first podcast, wrote news and feature articles, and occasionally wrote the superintendent’s weekly messages and press releases. He also created a district branding guide used by all 32 district schools and developed, scheduled, and implemented regular content creation training across the district.
The Texas School Public Relations Association recognized Dr. PJ with a Best of in News/Feature Writing Star Award, a Gold Star Award, and two Silver Star Awards at the 2024 Convention. (He served as the official photographer for the 2024 convention.) Additionally, he was recognized with a Crystal Merit Award, three Gold Star Awards, and five Silver Star Awards for exceptional writing and photography at the 2023 Convention.
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The Public Relations Society Association of San Antonio also recognized the communication department with a Del Oro Award of Excellence for work with the Judson ISD 2022 Bond. He was an integral part of a team that passed a $345 million dollar bond through innovative communication and creative marketing.
Best Published News or Feature Story
Texas School Public Relations Association
February 2024
Faculty, Journalism
San Antonio College
August 2024 - Present
The SAAHJ Teen Team program will develop the next generation of dynamic and diverse journalists who represent their communities. Every mentee, regardless of race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or cultural background, will have the support and guidance they need to thrive in their future journalism careers.
Dr. PJ has been pivotal in revitalizing the journalism program at San Antonio College. So far, this has included creating a long-term strategic plan that redeveloped the journalism pathway, bolstered student publications, and increased outreach and recruitment efforts. Dr. PJ has also developed agreements with multiple universities to establish transfer pathways for journalism students, including creating a Multimedia Journalists certification.
Additionally, Dr. PJ is part of the team that established a mentoring program relationship between San Antonio College and the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists.
Teen Team Committee
San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists
July 2024 - Present
Assistant Professor, Communication
The University of Texas at San Antonio
August 2023 - Present
Pride FSA is a financially self-sustaining organization that acts as the primary source of engagement, events, and initiatives at UTSA for our LGBTQ+ faculty and staff population and allies – a true organization for everyone!
NAHJ Academic Officer At-Large
The Academic Officer At-Large officer for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists is the board's liaison for academic members who teach at institutions of higher education. They shall keep abreast of the concerns and activities of those members, and advise on programming and other courses of action.
PBS News Student Reporting Labs believes that thoughtful local reporting and the interdisciplinary work of videos production are powerful ways for young people to learn, civically engage, and find their power. We work to amplify student voices so that their perspectives are represented and respected.
Dr. PJ joined the University of Texas at San Antonio in August 2023. So far, he has developed two new courses: COM 3173 – Digital Audiences, which offers an overview of digital media consumers and introduces standard audience analysis methods such as secondary data analysis, survey research, focus groups, and interviewing; and COM 4413 – Fundamentals of Journalism, designed to provide students with a strong foundation in journalism and prepare them for careers in media and communication.
In addition to teaching, Dr. PJ chaired an exploratory committee tasked with establishing the institution’s first Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and led a hiring committee to recruit a new Assistant Professor of Practice in Communication with a focus on Applied Social Media Influence. He also contributed as a member of the exploratory committee to refresh the BA in Communication and served on the community engagement committee to enhance the visibility of the communication degree.
Beyond departmental responsibilities, Dr. PJ became the Vice Chair of the Pride Faculty and Staff Association, having initially served on the Steering Committee, where he managed the organization’s social media presence. He is also a Graduate Faculty Special Member.
Vice Chair
Pride Faculty & Staff Association
The University of Texas at San Antonio
August 2024 - Present
Global Educator Advisory Board
PBS Student Reporting Labs
January 2025 - Present
The Educator’s Room Trailblazing Educator
The Educator’s Room, LLC announced recipients of The Educator’s Room Trailblazing Educators recognition, honoring outstanding educators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the education and development of their students and communities. The prestigious recognition celebrates educators who go above and beyond to create impactful learning environments, foster student growth, and transform communities in ways that shape education’s future.
