John Polanco

I am beginning my 23rd year in public education, where I have served as a Biology, Health Education teacher and Athletics coach (Basketball and Football) for both AISD and EISD. I am originally from Texas City, TX, graduating from Texas City High School (Go Stingarees!), then attending Sam Houston State University. I moved to Austin, TX in the year 2000, attending Texas State University to attain my Texas Teacher Certification, then beginning my teaching and coaching career at Reagan High School. I would transfer to Johnston High School, and then Crockett High School, prior to arriving at Westlake High School in 2014. I am beginning my 12th year here at Westlake High School, where I continue to enjoy creating student appreciation for the biological world, as well as assisting our athletic programs toward team and student-athlete success. In the Fall of 2020, I would complete a long-term goal of mine, attaining a Masters in Education (M.Ed) in Sports Management from the University of Texas at Austin, as I've always had an interest in furthering my contribution toward a school’s academic and athletic program’s success. My wife, Michelle, is a former Westlake Chaparral, and our son, Charlie will be entering his junior year here at Westlake, as a member of the Basketball program.. We also have two wonderful furry children rescues at home, an Australian Shepherd mix named George and a wild, Shih Tzu/Terrier mix named Ruffles who are both spoiled daily. I'm looking forward to a great year Chaps!

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology; Sam Houston State University (96')

State of Texas Teacher Certification; Texas State University (01')

Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Sport Management; University of Texas at Austin (20')