Alyson and Brian Sparks: Educators and Innovators

Alyson '04, M'06 and Brian '04, M'05, M'11 Sparks have worked in the education field since receiving their undergraduate degrees from Trinity in 2004. They married shortly after earning their degrees and have served as teachers and administrators in a variety of San Antonio schools. A common theme for this couple regarding their students could be summarized as “explore your own possibilities with the guidance of teachers and other professionals.”

“Teach to the whole child, and empower kids to see themselves as change agents,” says Brian, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) from Trinity in 2005 and a master’s degree in school administration in 2011. “Our mission is to celebrate the inner brilliance of every child.”

Brian was quoting the mission of The Gathering Place, a single-site charter elementary school in San Antonio, where he has served as the superintendent since January 2024. According to the school’s website, The Gathering Place emphasizes project-based learning. As an example, the students may work in teams to convert an abandoned lot into a community garden. They will utilize fractions to design the garden, plan the budget, learn to grow crops, and use persuasive writing to receive approval from City Council.

Alyson Sparks (née Laser) received her MAT in 2006. She spent a year in school psychology before returning to the teaching field. Alyson is director of grants and partnerships at Compass Rose Public Schools, a growing charter network serving grades PK-12 across seven different campuses in San Antonio, Bastrop, and Manor. Each campus offers a rigorous core curriculum and a unique field of study developed via a community co-design process with local stakeholders that is meant to elevate and celebrate the strengths of the specific community.

Prior to working at Compass Rose, Alyson was director of innovation at Promesa Academy Charter School. Her work focused on building engaging community partnerships, including Gardopia, Wonder Theatre, and Gemini Ink, who all brought their skills and talents to the Promesa community.

After teaching for 10 years in the North East Independent School District (NEISD), Alyson learned that Trinity and the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) were opening the Advanced Learning Academy. The school served as a professional development campus for Trinity MAT interns. Alyson taught for two years and then moved to the role of instructional coach for five years.

“Every aspect of the school was thoughtfully designed with the student experience in mind,” Alyson says. “I learned so much through the process of researching other schools and putting new practices into action, including multi-age learning, restorative practices, and standard-based grading.”

Prior to his current role, Brian was the principal of Lamar Elementary in the SAISD. He then worked as a network director for the School Innovation Collaborative, a nonprofit organization focused on developing conditions to maximize results for students. Brian’s first teaching job was as a special education teacher.

As a Trinity student, Brian was a member of the Tigers’ men’s golf team. His squad qualified for the 2003 NCAA Division III Championships—the first bid since 1975—and Brian earned All-America honors that season. Brian was also elected to the All-Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Team in 2001 and 2003. He spent most of his time at Trinity playing golf, working at The Quarry Golf Course, and waiting tables. His major was humanities, which was the major for education students at the time.

Alyson also majored in humanities and had two minors at Trinity in religion and sociology. She was a proud member of the Gamma Chi Delta sorority. During her senior year, Alyson was a co-recipient of the Outstanding Student in Education award. Alyson cited education professor Pat Norman, Ph.D., as being influential during her college years.

“She taught me how to thoughtfully plan for a classroom where student voices were heard and valued,” Alyson says. “I appreciated her passion for education and how closely she worked alongside her students.”

Alyson '04, M'06 and Brian '04, M'05, M'11 Sparks married shortly after earning their undergraduate degrees from Trinity and have two children, Carson and Leah.

Passion is the perfect word to describe the Sparkses’ interest in education. Each has definite reasons for going into the profession of education.

“Seeing a child learn something new for the first time is the best feeling,” Brian says. “The sense of pride they feel from that moment is invaluable. For potential teachers and administrators, focus on what you can control [in your class]. In your school and in the field, continue to examine what role you want to play to help improve the conditions in schools for all kids. Working in schools is tireless, challenging work, and we need people who are positive and feel a sense of urgency to empower kids to help shape our world in the future.”

Alyson went into the field of teaching because of her love for children and their endless curiosity about the world. She also understands how hard the work can be.

“The most practical advice I got was from a peer during my first year of teaching,” Alyson recalls. “She told me to surround myself with positive people. Teaching is hard work, and there is always something to complain or worry about. If you surround yourself with positive people, then you will stay focused on solutions and laugh through the challenges you will face together.”

The Sparkses have two children: a son, Carson (age 17), and a daughter, Leah (age 16). Carson works at the downtown library and enjoys the theater and playwriting, reading, and playing computer games with friends. In addition to being a soccer player, Leah works at Cool Crest Miniature Golf and has a number of hobbies, such as scrapbooking and volunteering with SNIPSA.