ABOUT Mr. Alex

picture of mr. alex
Alexander Fernández-Pons

Father, Writer, Legal Geek, Husband, Wife, Director, Educator, Judge, Renaissance Man? (he/him/his)

Sometimes, the path is straight, sometimes it’s not.

Professional bio here.

In 1991, I embarked on my legal career, fresh out of law school at the age of 23, with a determination to make a meaningful impact. Now, after 33 years in practice, including 16 years as an Administrative Law Judge, I have risen to the role of Deputy Chief Administrative Law Judge. But the real turning point in my life came not from my career, but from a more personal source—the birth of my son, who is now 8 years old.

His arrival reignited my passion for education, compelling me to dive deeper into the world of teaching and learning. A government furlough a few years ago brought me back into the classroom as a substitute teacher, a role that reawakened my love for the educational process. This experience, combined with my son’s growth, made me acutely aware of the importance of diverse and enriching educational materials. I sought out unique resources that could both entertain and educate him, broadening his understanding of the world.

This exploration quickly evolved into a collaborative project with friends and colleagues, leading to the creation of this blog. The blog became a space where we could share our discoveries and insights, hoping to offer other parents and educators valuable resources that foster a love of learning and a deeper connection to the world.

My educational journey continues to evolve. I recently completed a Master of Education with a concentration in Literacy and am currently pursuing a Teaching English Learners in PreK-12 Education Certificate at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development. This program is designed to equip educators with the skills needed to effectively teach English learners in diverse classroom environments. Looking ahead, I am set to begin a Master’s in Teaching Special Education at UVA in Fall 2025.

As I navigate this path, I am reminded that growth is a continuous journey. Each step forward brings new opportunities to learn, adapt, and make a lasting impact on both my professional and personal life.