Dallas, Texas, United States

Francisco Rodriguez

CIT Instructor | Teaching Technology through Digital Craft, Design Thinking, and Problem Solving

As an educator in Computer Information Technology, I help students turn technical knowledge into practical, employable skills. My mission is to prepare learners for a field that rewards curiosity, adaptability, and clear thinking.

Dallas College Texas Tech University Western Governors University

About

I connect technology to real-world problem solving and digital creativity, showing how automation and coding can make work smarter and more efficient. I guide students as they explore pathways in programming, web development, and cybersecurity while staying current through continuous learning and experimentation.

Before teaching, I built a career in print and digital media at The Dallas Morning News, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Victoria Advocate, and The McAllen Monitor. I also designed NFL, MLB, and Dragon Ball Z collectible cards, proof that technology and creativity can meet anywhere.

Current role

CIT Faculty, Dallas College | May 2020 - Present

I teach online and in-person classes in the Computer Information Technology department and contribute to curriculum development with a focus on Web Development and Programming Languages.

Focus areas

Experience

Dallas College

CIT Faculty | May 2020 - Present

Teach online and in-person classes in Computer Information Technology and contribute to curriculum development in web development and programming languages.

Internet Development Technologies Coordinator | Aug 2016 - May 2020

Designed and taught courses in web development and digital design, including HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, WordPress, and portfolio development. Built new learning resources integrated into Blackboard.

Internet Development Technologies Faculty | Aug 2013 - Aug 2016

Taught face-to-face and online classes in web development, digital design, mobile technology, and computer programming.

Media and design

  • Web/Rich Media Producer, Al Dia The Dallas Morning News | May 2010 - Oct 2013 Produced and edited digital content, video, and rich media.
  • Communications Manager + Director of IT Therapy 2000 | Oct 2008 - May 2010 Managed internal communications and led IT acquisitions and training.
  • Presentation Editor The Dallas Morning News | Aug 2003 - Oct 2008 Led design and presentation for print and digital storytelling.
  • Freelance Digital Artist Aquent | Jun 1999 - Sep 2003 Created advertising designs for major brands.
  • Graphic Designer Donruss/Playoff | Oct 1999 - Dec 2000 Designed NFL, MLB, and Dragon Ball Z collectible card series.
  • Graphics Editor Star-Telegram | Apr 1996 - Mar 1999 Designed metro sections and daily graphics.

Education

Western Governors University

B.S. Information Technology | 2014 - 2017

Texas Tech University

B.A. Journalism (News-Editorial) | 1987 - 1992

Dallas College

A.A.S. Internet Development Technologies | 2007 - 2010

Selected credentials

Recent learning

  • Google AI Essentials (Coursera, Apr 2025)
  • Introduction to Software Engineering (IBM, Apr 2025)
  • Software Engineering Essentials (Coursera, Apr 2025)
  • AI and Career Empowerment (Univ. of Maryland, Jul 2025)
  • Designing Learner-Centered and Equitable Courses (ACUE, Jul 2023)

Professional certifications

  • CIW Advanced HTML5 & CSS3 Specialist (Jan 2017)
  • CIW Web Design Specialist (Jul 2014)
  • CompTIA Project+ (Oct 2015)
  • Linux Professional Institute LPIC-1 (Sep 2014)
  • Adobe Certified Associate, Visual Communication Using Photoshop CS6 (Oct 2013)

Languages: English (native or bilingual), Spanish (native or bilingual)

Contact