Former Howard College Baseball Player Living His Dream at Cedar Hill High School

(CEDAR HILL, TEXAS) Growing up in San Antonio, Joe Cuellar dreamed of becoming a teacher and a coach.

When he graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in his hometown, Cuellar decided to pursue a career in business. That career spanned nearly four decades as he worked for stores such as Wal-mart, Big Lots, Office Depot, Kmart, Dollar General and more.

The 58-year-old Cedar Hill citizen decided to get into teaching and coaching, and he made his Cedar Hill ISD teaching debut last month.

“I enjoy being able to pass on my knowledge to the scholars,” Cuellar said.

Cuellar teaches Business Management and Dollars & Sense at Cedar Hill High School. He's also the Junior Varsity Baseball Coach.

Although he's relatively new to teaching in the classroom, mentoring others isn't anything new to Cuellar.

“I've always taught,” Cuellar said. “In management, every day I had to teach, train and coach. Having the opportunity to teach and coach means a lot more to me now. I feel young again – like I've never aged.”

Cuellar moved to Cedar Hill about 23 years ago from Carlsbad, New Mexico. Retail management brought him to the community. He's a former CHISD parent whose daughter, Bianca – a former Cedar Hill Soccer Player – graduated from the district in 2011 and also taught in the district. He's also a grandfather to a 2-year-old granddaughter.

Cuellar is also a small business owner. He purchases and restores houses. He used to have a custom jewelry business.

A former college baseball player at Howard College in Big Spring and UIW, Cuellar is looking forward to learning a great deal from Cedar Hill head baseball coach Travis Collins.