For the past five years, Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) has been shaping the future of education through its innovative Grow Your Own teacher talent pipeline—a program designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of educators right from within the SBISD community.

Earlier this month, SBISD hosted a special ceremony to celebrate the program’s participants and officially extended letters of intent to 23 graduating seniors. These letters symbolize SBISD’s commitment to hiring each student as a future teacher once they earn their college degree and teaching certification.

Launched in 2020, the Grow Your Own initiative provides high school students with hands-on experience in the field of education. By embedding the program within the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway, aspiring teachers take specialized courses, learn classroom strategies, and complete internships alongside experienced educators in SBISD schools.

“So much of a teacher’s success is about connecting with the larger community, and the Grow Your Own program helps SBISD foster that,” said Karen Heeth, SBISD Associate Superintendent of Administration and Talent. “I’m thrilled to see how this program continues to support a strong and sustainable pipeline of future educators right here in SBISD. It also breaks down barriers to entering the profession and gives students a clear, supported path into teaching.”

We’ve seen incredible academic growth this year, and that’s because of the great teachers we have in our classrooms,” said Dr. Jennifer Blaine, SBISD Superintendent of Schools. “This program is helping us make sure we continue to bring in passionate, well-prepared educators—especially those who already know and love our community. Celebrating our future teachers, who started their journey right here in SBISD, is a proud moment for all of us.”

View event photos here.

Congratulations to our 2025 Grow Your Own Future Teachers!

Spring Woods High School
 

Campus Teacher: Allison Smith

Aspiring Educators:

• Damaris Garcia

• Emely Mejia

• Arnold Damian Sibaja

Northbrook High School
 

Campus Teacher: Antoinette Kinchen

Aspiring Educators:

• Joselyn Arteaga

• Fernanda Castro

• Dayana Celiz

• Ashley Garcia

• Jenny Reyes

• Perla Rodriguez

• Ashley Valencia

• Kelly Valencia

Memorial High School
 

Campus Teacher: Veronica Brittain

Aspiring Educators:

• Kate Crapitto

• Susannah Darnall

• Katherine Ferruzzo

• Megan McWilliams

 

Stratford High School

Campus Teacher: Veronica Brittain

Aspiring Educators:

• Sophie Chavez

• Kiera Cochran

• Monica Garcia

• Eliana Geva

• Miranda Gutierrez

• Maddison Kyser

• Joselyn Fuentes Munoz

• Angelica Salva

Are you interested in starting your teaching journey with SBISD? Click here to learn more.

 

 

 

Spring Forest Middle School (SFMS) is celebrating a historic achievement after all of its Performing Arts departments—Band, Orchestra, and Choir—earned Superior ratings across the board at this year’s UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest.

This accomplishment, known as a "Sweepstakes" or a "Sweep," is a rare feat. The UIL competition, which evaluates both concert performance and sight-reading abilities, challenges students to excel beyond their academic studies, pushing them to think creatively, work together, and express themselves with confidence.

The success of SFMS not only highlights the talent of the Bobcats but also emphasizes the role of arts education in developing well-rounded students. In alignment with Spring Branch ISD’s (SBISD) focus on the Core Characteristics of a T-2-4 Ready Graduate, this accomplishment demonstrates how students can excel academically, creatively, and personally. The skills developed through the arts—such as collaboration, critical thinking, and discipline—are invaluable in preparing students for success.

SBISD has been recognized as a District of Distinction for the Arts for four consecutive years. The achievement at Spring Forest is a powerful reflection of the high standards and outcomes consistently demonstrated across the district.

Spring Forest’s Performing Arts Team attributes their success to a deep culture of collaboration and mutual support.

Choir Director Emily Cheesman shared that SFMS's Performing Arts teachers "rally each other on," creating an environment where both staff and students thrive. Cheesman, who has been part of the "Magnificent M-Hall" for ten years, noted that her choirs—including the Non-Varsity Treble Choir (Bella Voce), Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir (Cambiata), and Varsity Treble Choir (Caelestis)—have consistently earned Sweepstakes honors.

Cheesman credits their success to a "recipe of consistency," a willingness of students to take direction, and a shared passion for music: "We sing because music is alive in our souls. We sing because music moves us and makes us human."

Band Director Christine Kennel, who leads the Honors Band, expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing how the performing arts programs reflect the diversity and excellence of the Spring Forest community through performances and community involvement. Kennel shared her pride in being part of a team that continually lifts each other up and strives for greatness year after year.

Assistant Band Director Luis Ramirez, who leads the Symphonic Band, also praised the students’ dedication, perseverance, and resilience: "Showing up and giving your best every single day isn’t easy, but these students pushed through and rose to the challenge."

Orchestra Director Kareem Goode echoed this praise, underscoring the hard work and commitment students demonstrated to achieve such outstanding results.

Adding to this year’s celebration, Cheesman also played a leadership role by planning and organizing the Choir Contest for all SBISD middle schools. This opportunity expanded access to the UIL experience for many students across the district, further demonstrating the commitment of SFMS Fine Arts educators to lifting up every student.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our students and directors at Spring Forest,” said Houston Hayes, Director of Performing and Visual Arts.

“This achievement is a direct result of the commitment to excellence in arts education throughout SBISD, and we owe this success to the passion and tireless effort of our teachers. Their dedication to fostering talent in every student is what makes these accomplishments possible, and we look forward to continued growth and success in all of our Fine Arts programs.”

For further details on UIL competition results visit: https://www.texasmusicforms.com/csrrptUILpublic.asp

SBISD’s Performing and Visual Arts programs are integral in nurturing both the creative and academic growth of our students, preparing them to excel as leaders and innovators in any field they pursue. 

#SBISDProud

 

 

Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) is proud to announce that Ms. Ruthlen D. Robinson, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) educator, has received the STEM Teacher Award, presented by Our Community Salutes, USA.

This honor recognizes educators who exemplify outstanding service, compassion, and dedication to their students—qualities Robinson embodies daily.

STEM—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—plays a critical role in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Through her work in CTE, Robinson nurtures the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

“From an early age, I was introduced to the world of STEM by my parents, both dedicated educators who instilled in me a deep love for learning,” Robinson said. “Their passion for education not only shaped my curiosity but also inspired me to become an advocate for the transformative power of knowledge. Growing up in an environment that valued exploration, discovery and problem-solving, I learned firsthand how education can open doors and change lives. Today, I carry that passion forward, striving to encourage and empower others to embrace STEM and pursue their own educational journeys.”

Robinson’s commitment to STEM education directly supports SBISD’s T-2-4 vision—ensuring all students are prepared for a successful future. By fostering critical workforce and higher education skills, CTE programs like Ms. Robinson’s are essential in helping students achieve their full potential.

“As a proud graduate of Southern University and A&M College, I remain deeply committed to giving back to the institution that laid the foundation for my success,” said Robinson. “I continue to support and mentor future engineers at my alma mater, driven by a passion to uplift the next generation of innovators and leaders. By sharing my experiences, offering guidance and fostering confidence, I hope to empower students to not only excel academically, but to boldly pursue their goals in engineering and beyond.”

This award marks the beginning of a season of recognition as SBISD celebrates the achievements of its educators and students. Earlier this spring, the district announced its Principals of the Year, who were recently honored by Region 4. SBISD also looks forward to announcing its Teacher of the Year winners soon, with six finalists already revealed.

Robinson will be formally recognized at the Our Community Salutes, USA Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Houston Community College West Loop Center.

Congratulations to Ms. Robinson on this well-deserved honor! 

SBISD looks forward to celebrating many more remarkable educators this season. For more details about the ceremony or to register, visit ocsusa.org/houston.