Misty Gonzales wants every student who walks into her classroom to leave with the technical and professional skills to hit the ground running when they enter the workforce. Her eye for detail and passion for presentation perfectly complement the Design and Technology Academy (DATA) at Roosevelt High School.
Gonzales is a skilled web and graphic designer with valuable industry experience. She applies everything she learned in the workforce to her Digital Arts and Web Design classes.
“My goal is to have them be prepared with software knowledge. That’s number one,” said Gonzales. “The software that I teach in my Digital Arts and Web Design classes all meet industry standards. In order to get a job, those programs are a must. You need to know Photoshop and Illustrator.”
The instructors at DATA emphasize career and readiness in their core and elective classes. Students leave Gonzales’ courses with a working knowledge of industry-standard software programs. Those skills give North East ISD students an immediate advantage in the job market.
Students leave DATA with so much more than marketable career skills. They’re also graduating with the communication and presentation skills needed to land a job and thrive in a professional environment. This is something Gonzales takes great pride in.
“The second thing is those communication skills and soft skills, especially during the interview process. We have mock interviews where they have to come in dressed as best as they can for an interview. We talk about email etiquette, time management and communication skills.”
Gonzales is committed to teaching the whole student and that expands well beyond the traditional classroom curriculum. Students taking her Digital Arts and Web Design courses work collaboratively on projects that include designing websites, posters and original art without limitations.
Are you ready to jumpstart your future at DATA? CLICK HERE to learn more about the application process. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 12.
*Take a look at some of the incredible designs that were created by students in Gonzalez's class below.
