We are proud to share this guest post by Brandon Ballard, a.k.a. “Mr. B,” about how he approaches technology education at SST Alamo.
Hello, I’m Brandon J. Ballard, and I am a technology teacher at the School of Science and Technology—Alamo.
I became part of the SST community when my family and I attended the kindergarten open enrollment event coordinated by Families Empowered in 2017. We were impressed by SST’s curriculum and testimonies that we chose Alamo campus for our child school.
Upon my child’s starting kindergarten, my relationship with teachers and administrative staff members became strong, which opened an employment opportunity presented by former principal, Elizabeth James. In my first two years at SST—Alamo, I worked as a teacher’s aide, contributing to support teachers and staff members around the campus.
Serdar Bulut, Principal, SST—Alamo
My current principal, Serdar Bulut, presented me with an opportunity to promote a technology course, Project Lead The Way (PLTW). Through PLTW, students are learning innovative technology by being creative and practicing critical thinking, which are vital skill-sets to obtain for both academic successes and in their future careers.
LEGO robots at SST Alamo
My former career in the United States Marine Corps has greatly affected my teaching style, which highlights unique qualities in education. The SST Alamo families know when “Mr. B switches his gear to Marine.”
PLTW student work at SST Alamo
Having been given an opportunity to teach technology education at SST Alamo has become my blessing. I want to thank my students’ families for allowing me to be part of their educational journey and help cultivate young minds. My overall mission and vision is to give back to the community through the means of education.
Brandon J. Ballard, a.k.a. Mr. B
Charter Moms Chats
Watch Brandon J. Ballard, PLTW Teacher at SST Alamo, speak with Inga Cotton on Charter Moms Chats on December 15, 2021 at 4:00 PM Central live on Facebook and YouTube.
Brandon J. Ballard, a.k.a. “Mr. B,” is a technology education teacher at the School of Science and Technology—Alamo. His foundation stems from a military background, having served 11 years in the United States Marine Corps. After separating from the military, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Design, Media and Technology Studies at the University of the Incarnate Word. This is his third year teaching at SST—Alamo.
Read More About the School of Science and Technology (SST)
- “Going Back to Where It All Started: Taylor Goldston, SST Graduate and Teacher,” Taylor Goldston, San Antonio Charter Moms, November 21, 2021
- “Guide to Enrolling in School of Science and Technology (SST) San Antonio for 2020–21,” San Antonio Charter Moms, November 2, 2021
- “Here’s how you can register your child in STEM academic learning,” KENS 5, October 27, 2021
- “Charter school student becomes leader through charity project,” Marvin Hurst, KENS 5, September 27, 2021
- “Summer Learning Ideas for Kids,” Anindita Gupta, San Antonio Charter Moms, June 24, 2021
- “My Family Went From Migrant Workers to Middle Class in a Generation by Making Education a Priority,” Abel F. De Leon, Education Post, November 4, 2020
- “Student Stories: Mia Rodriguez, Senior at the School of Science and Technology San Antonio,” San Antonio Charter Moms, September 9, 2020
- “Exploring Magnetism”, Kelly Alston, San Antonio Charter Moms, July 24, 2020
- “Kids Teaching a Lesson to Adults,” Mary Luehring, San Antonio Charter Moms, July 16, 2020
- “Making Faces and Building Social and Emotional Skills,” Jennifer St. Pierre and Elizabeth Scott, San Antonio Charter Moms, July 15, 2020
- “School of Science and Technology: Preparing Students of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow,” Abel F. De Leon, San Antonio Report, June 22. 2018
