Calvert “CJ” Valdez is a 2025-2026 Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow and 8th grade math teacher at Seagoville Middle School in Seagoville, Texas. He coaches esports to provide a fun and safe space for students to be themselves and show their love for gaming. CJ has also taught 6th grade math, and served as the 6th grade math chair and social-emotional learning champion for his campus. Originally from California, CJ moved to Texas to join the City Teaching Alliance program to teach students in underserved communities in the Dallas area. He serves as an involved alumni, interviewing potential teaching candidates for the alternative certification program. CJ earned a BA in economics and psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and MS in education studies from Johns Hopkins University.
