Alaniz firmly believes that teaching is the process of communicating the rhetorical, relational, and practical applications of every lesson. In short, teaching is a process of sharing information and assisting students along their respective journeys.

Whether working in the fast-paced education environment, as a freelance creative or volunteering for a non-profit group, Alaniz takes a three-pronged approach to everything he does: personal learning must always be present, teaching should always ensue and communication is essential.

Education

Doctoral Program – Educational Leadership University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Fall 2020 -present

Graduate Certificate – Media Relations and Strategic Communication
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Dec. 2015

MA Communication Studies
The University of Texas-Pan American, May 2015

BA Mass Communication,  Advertising & Public Relations emphasis
The University of Texas-Pan American, Summer 2013, Magna Cum Laude.

AAS in Business Administration, specialization in Marketing
South Texas College, Summer 2011

Teacher Certification Areas

Speech (7-12)
Journalism (7-12)
Business and Finance (6-12)
Technology Education (6-12)


Technology and Distance Learning Credentials

Google Level 1 and Level 2 Teacher

Apple Teacher

Quality Matter (QM) – Independent Applying the QM Rubric (APPQMR)


K-12 Teaching Experience

La Joya Independent School District – La Joya Early College High School
Speech 1311 Dual-Enrollment, 2018 – Present
Speech 1315 Dual-Enrollment, 2018 – Present
Speech 1318 Dual-Enrollment, 2018 – Present

Awards: 2021 Teacher of the Year

La Joya Independent School District – Juarez-Lincoln High School
Speech Dual-Enrollment, 2017 – 2018
UIL Coordinator, 2016 – 2018
High School Journalism,  2015 – 2018

Department of Communication at South Texas College

Lecturer, Summer I 2017 – Present, Teaching SPCH 1311, SPCH 1315, SPCH 1318, SPCH 1321, COMM 2327

Department of Communication at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Adjunct Lecturer I, Spring 2016 – Present, Teaching Comm 1311 – Intro to Communication

Comm 1307, Intro to Mass Communication

Comm 3303, Writing for Mass Media

Comm 3349, Multimedia Storytelling

Department of Continuing Education at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Lecturer, Digital Media Certification Course, Fall 2015, Spring 2016
Lecturer, Introduction to Digital Media Course, Fall 2016

The Department of Communication at The University of Texas-Pan American
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Fall 2014 – Spring 2015

COMM 1302, Introduction to Communication:

  • Crafted weekly lectures and lab activities tailored to students’ interests and majors.
  • Collaborated with the instructor of record, basic course director, and other GTA’s on the course material, grading policies, and content delivery.
  • Held office hours to help students understand assignments, lectures, and grading rubrics in order to ensure positive learning outcomes.

COMM 1301, Cinema Appreciation:

  • Collaborated with the instructor of record to assist students in the successful completion of course requirements and learning outcomes.

Higher-Ed Non-Teaching Experience

The Department of Communication at The University of Texas-Pan American
Assistant Director – Hauser Communication Research Lab at The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Communication,  January 2014 – June 2015

  • Served as assistant director in charge of lab operations, utilization, lab promotion, and lab ambassador.
  • Logged over 200-hours of one-to-one speech and interview training with students.
  • Presented at various events throughout campus on behalf of the Hauser Lab.

The Graduate Office at The University of Texas-Pan American
Graduate Assistant – Recruitment, UTPA Office of Graduate Studies, May-August 2014

Duties and responsibilities include: Meeting with potential graduate students, providing advisement and individualized support for graduate school applicants, planning and maintaining advertising campaigns across traditional and new media, serving as the lead art director, coordinating information sessions with graduate directors and graduate faculty.

  • End-of-year UTPA Graduate School Information Session Coordinator (July 2014.)
  • Creative lead for Office of Graduate Studies Social Media Internship participants.

The Graduate Office at The University of Texas-Pan American
Graduate Assistant – Retention, UTPA Office of Graduate Studies — October 2013-May 2014

Served on planning committees and lead promotion for UTPA Graduate School Workshops, Teaching Academy Workshops and TA Bootcamp, STEM Lecture Series, Mentorship in Your Community workshops, graduate thesis assistance, and various inter-departmental events. Met with graduate students and provided assistance with a focus on attrition rates.

  • Assisted with the creation of the 2014 UTPA Graduate School Thesis Manual, focussing on thesis formatting techniques and practices.
  • Served as a student advisor for the 2014 Teaching Academy Bootcamp focusing on guest speakers specializing in classroom communication and instruction.
  • Oversaw a 120% increase in Teaching Academy Bootcamp attendance.

The Graduate Office at The University of Texas-Pan American
Undergraduate Assistant – Marketing and Design, UTPA Office of Graduate Studies, October 2012 – September 2013

Duties and responsibilities centered around the creation of promotional material for both recruitment, retention, and administrative divisions, as well as meeting with current and potential graduate students.

  • Spearheaded advertising campaign “Cualidades Comunes,” or Common Qualities across Northern and Central Mexico utilizing traditional and social media.
  • Led promotion for UTPA Graduate School information sessions, Teaching Academy Workshop events, Graduate Student Workshops, STEM Lecture Series.
  • Served as creative director for the “Bienvenidos” campaign, a cooperative between the Office of Information Technology, Office of Graduate Studies, and various other departments and colleges. The campaign comprised various billboards, videos, and a website designed for Spanish-speaking prospective students, families, and community members.
  • Assisted potential graduate students with graduate program requirements.

Professional Experience

Iconic Deity Design House, 2008 – 2018
Freelance advertising consultant and production manager specializing in communication management and online competitive practices for small-to-midsize businesses and non-profit groups.

McAllen Metro Jobs, 2008 – 2016
Co-founder and lead developer of the online job site focusing on the McAllen metro area.

Speaking Engagements & Leadership Work

  • 2021 La Joya Early College Instructional Development Campus Coordinator
  • 2020 La Joya Early College Instructional Development Campus Coordinator
  • 2019 La Joya Early College Learning Peer-to-Peer program developer
  • 2019 La Joya Early College Instructional Development Campus Coordinator
  • 2019 La Joya Early College Student Leadership Summit Teacher Coordinator
  • 2018 La Joya Early College Instructional Development Campus Coordinator
  • 2018 La Joya Early College Student Leadership Summit Teacher Coordinator
  • 2018 EdTech Conference – Implementing Apple Classroom 2 in the highly engaged classroom
  • 2016-2018 – Juarez-Lincoln High School UIL Coordinator
  • 2016-2018 – Juarez-Lincoln High School UIL Coach
  • 2017 EdTech Conference – Using Adobe Spark apps to Ignite Classroom Learning
  • 2016 – Texas Title I Priority Schools (TTIPS) Grant Co-Author
  • 2015 SPARK Conference  – Tips for Presenting Research
  • 2015 SPARK Workshop – In-house Mass Communication expert
  • 2014 Hauser Lab Speech Competition – Non-competitive Presenter – Being the Voice
  • 2013 – UTPA Advertising Club Advisor
  • 2012 – UTPA Advertising Club Marketing Director

Awards & Recognition

  • 2021 – La Joya ECHS Teacher of the Year
  • 2018 – La Joya ECHS February Teacher of the Month
  • 2018 – La Joya ISD UIL Advancing Coach Award
  • 2018 – La Joya ISD UIL Advancing Co-ordinator Award
  • 2017 – La Joya ISD UIL Advancing Co-ordinator Award
  • 2016-2017 – La Joya ISD Perfect Attendance Award
  • 2015-2016 – La Joya ISD Perfect Attendance Award
  • 2013 – UTPA Graduate College – Outstanding GA Award
  • 2012 – UTPA Graduate College – Outstanding UGA Award

Skills

  • Public speaking Coaching
  • Interpersonal Communication Coaching
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Research
  • Competitive & Strategic Planning
  • Training/development
  • Social Media Campaign Development & Management
  • Media Research
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media Coaching
  • Production and Event Planning
  • Web and Print Design

Tools

  • Windows & Mac
  • Microsoft Office suite
  • Adobe creative suite
  • Final Cut Pro
  • IBM SPSS
  • Blackboard Learn (QM Certified)
  • Apple Classroom
  • Google Classroom
  • Flipgrid
  • Quizizz