From the Band Hall to the Digital Classroom: Blending Arts, Tech, and UX to Empower Educators

If you had told me years ago that my work as a Fine Arts Department Head would lead me into instructional coaching, UX design, and creating TEKS-aligned video lessons using Apple tools, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. But the journey from the band hall to the digital classroom has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career—and it’s taught me that empowering others starts with listening, adapting, and being unafraid to try something new.

From 2015 to 2021, I led the Fine Arts Department at Robert Vela High School in Edinburg, TX. During that time, I wasn’t just supporting lesson plans and performance, I became the go-to tech coach when COVID-19 changed everything. Teachers needed help fast: setting up online classrooms, learning Google Classroom and Canvas, and creating content that could keep students engaged through a screen.

That’s where I found my calling. I helped teachers set up their home offices, microphones, document cameras, OBS for the adventurous ones, and taught them how to create and edit instructional videos using iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Logic Pro. I coached them on everything from splicing footage to syncing high-quality audio, but more importantly, I supported their confidence. We worked together to align content with TEKS, ensure accessibility, and embrace the creative side of teaching in a whole new way.

After stepping into UX design and curriculum development, I started viewing classrooms the way a designer sees users: with empathy, curiosity, and a focus on experience. Whether supporting first-year teachers or leading PD sessions, I started asking, “How can we make this easier, more meaningful, and more engaging for both the teacher and the student?”

Now, I’m an Apple Teacher pursuing the Apple Learning Coach program. It’s an opportunity to grow as an instructional coach and to continue building professional learning experiences that are personalized, practical, and powerful. I believe Apple tools can transform not just what we teach, but how we support the people doing the teaching.

My education philosophy is rooted in equity, creativity, and differentiation. Every teacher has a different story, just like every student, and my goal is to help them all thrive using the best tools and strategies available. Technology, when used with intention, can bridge gaps, spark joy, and create a classroom where every learner feels seen.

From the fine arts stage to the virtual space, I’ve seen how transformative a little coaching, a lot of heart, and the right tools can be.

I hope my story helps or inspires someone out there to keep going, strive for the highest, and never stop learning.

4 replies

March 26, 2025 Language English

Thank you Tony for sharing your inspiring story! What a wonderful journey. I’m also in the Apple Learning Coach program and it is great to hear from folks all over the world as we share our philosophy and ideas.

April 14, 2025 Language Español – Spanish

Gracias, Tony. Tu historia me anima a seguir adelante también con Apple Learning Coach. Saludoz

July 11, 2025 Language English

Thanks so much for sharing your story, Tony! ❤️ your approach, philosophy, and hearing how your creativity and passion for coaching has gone beyond the performing arts stage into an even larger space. Best of luck with the Apple Learning Coach program! I look forward to hearing more about your experiences.

July 17, 2025 Language English

Hey Tony!

I'm a fellow musician that has grown so much through learning about and adopting instructional technology in my classrooms. I started as an Apple Teacher and moved on into the Apple Learning Coach Program, and final to becoming an ISTE Certified Educator. Along the way I have learned so much about the technology tools, pedagogy, working well with colleagues, and best practices not only for teaching with technology--but for teaching in general. I also began to recognize the importance of and need for advocacy for equity, creativity, and differentiation as you stated. It made a huge difference in the way I approach teaching and learning.

Congratulations on taking a risk, and stepping into a new position where you support colleagues and students through your meaningful work. Sometimes those unexpected turns take us to the places we need to be. Thanks for sharing your story! It truly resonated with me. I would love to connect and continue this conversation if you would like to reach out.

Keep transforming lives through your work!

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