Brian Sotak provides stability and structure for Ft. Sam Houston students

Brian Sotak is a history teacher and a coach who educates students at Cole Middle and High School, both in the classroom and outside of it. Not only does he challenge students to use technology to bring history to life, but he also encourages the development of student potential in all facets of the society to include community, school, and home. He provides students with stability and structure.

Coach Sotak constantly instills the value of academics. In mentoring students, he teaches the importance of diligence and thoroughness in one's approach to learning and to life. His ability to recognize student potential is one of the reasons his students are consistently successful academically. A military dependent himself, he knows the importance of "belonging" among both teens and preteens, and he oversees the "New Kids Camp." Through monthly "Welcome" sessions, he quickly learns the names, faces, and stories of those new to the school.

His influence doesn't simply stop at the classroom door. He is well known in the community for his support of student activities outside of school. He shows the students he cares by his attendance and he steps up to the plate in making sure that the students have someone there to acknowledge their accomplishments. He stays involved in the students' lives without being intrusive. He also stays informed in what is going on, whether it is a parent deploying or returning from overseas, future moves or other important life events. Coach Sotak is there when they need him most.