Prior to his work in higher education he served as a science teacher, administrator for the Texas Education Agency in the departments of Statewide Staff Development Program with the Office of Curriculum, Assessment, and Professional Development; Middle School Education and Migrant Education. In addition, he served as an assistant principal at an inner-city urban high school, and middle school principal in Texas. He presents regularly at national and state conferences – including AERA (American Educational Research Association) and SERA (Southwest Educational Research Association).