Magnet Program Coordinator - Don Gonzalez

Mr. Don Gonzalez, M.Ed., M.T.S.

I graduated from the Law Magnet in 1984 as part of the first, full-time graduating class. After graduation, I attended Southern Methodist University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and history in 1988. I then attended the University of Texas School of Law, where I focused on banking law and complex litigation. At the conclusion of my second year of law school, my studies were cut short by military service.

After concluding my stint with the US Army, I returned to Dallas and worked as a stock broker. I remained in the financial services sector until 1999. I was recruited by Dr. Opal Allread, then Magnet Coordinator of the school, to reestablish the debate team. That summer, I returned to school to receive my teaching certificate and eventually earned a Master’s in Education from the University of North Texas, where I also earned a graduate certificate in gifted education and non-profit management.

I spent 15 years building the debate program to national recognition. In 2014, I turned the program over to new coaches and took over coaching the mock trial team. Since that time, the team has qualified for the state competition each year and won the state championship in 2023 and the national championship in 2022 and 2023. In 2015, I became the Magnet Program Coordinator.

My wife Stacey and I live in Carrollton. I have three children who are all married, and four grandchildren. In my leisure, I enjoy spending time with the grandkids and journaling with my fountain pens.