In college at the University of Texas, I studied “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?”, a frank discussion of racial psychology in social settings, particularly schools, which led to a deep intellectual journey into the intersection of race, class and education.

The combination of strength and nimbleness attracted me to Deans for Impact. This is a small organization having an outsize impact on educator preparation. I’m also so excited to work with our diverse group of deans.

I believe being transparent and accountable – in rigorous and responsible ways — is the key to pushing educator preparation to the level of rigor, quality, and prestige of medical, law and business schools. Data is key to understanding the areas in which our educator-preparation programs are strong and where they can improve.

Mr. Pass taught calculus at Westlake High School, and he was very good at it. But he also taught us how to juggle, the power of advertising, why old Modest Mouse was better than new Modest Mouse, and way more. There was a sign up that said, “Come for the calculus, stay for the tangents.” I got a 5 on the AP and can juggle seven clubs between two people.

Poor Quis Buns at East Side King are the best food truck item in Austin. Legend has it that Davie Crockett himself munched on them as he stood his ground at the Alamo. It is reported his last words were, “Yumalicious!”