Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) gathered this week to celebrate the THRIVE Registered Apprentices (RAs), dedicated individuals answering the call to teach and grow with SBISD. The event, held in the SBISD Board Room, honored their commitment and the community partnerships making the program possible.
“Great teachers are what makes the difference,” said Karen Heath, Associate Superintendent of Administration and Talent. “Our team is working hard to find and recruit outstanding teachers. And through THRIVE, we’re helping our own employees and community members become the teachers our students need.”
A program rooted in calling
Each THRIVE participant has a unique story. Some are longtime SBISD staff members, like a custodian working toward becoming a Special Education teacher. Others are young professionals returning to their home district, eager to give back. All share a common goal: to serve students and classrooms in SBISD.
The program began as a simple idea to help district employees earn their teaching certification. With support from partners including EdWell Programs, the Spring Branch Education Foundation, the Butt Family Foundation, Houston City College (HCC), Western Governors University (WGU), and Texas A&M University-Victoria, THRIVE is expanding. The program now welcomes external candidates and even opens doors for soon-to-be SBISD graduates.
“Opening doors to new opportunities requires funding,” said Allison Tennyson, Executive Director of Talent. “Our partners are helping us do just that.”
Real impact in classrooms
For principals, the impact is immediate. “Several of my team members came through the THRIVE Program," said Meadow Wood Elementary Principal Lynne Barry. "They know our kids, they know our school, and they step into the classroom seamlessly. It’s made all the difference.”
Looking ahead
New Program Director Reginald Peters is excited for what’s next. “The sky is the limit,” Peters said. “We have strong leadership support, and the interest continues to grow. People don’t just want a job here—they want a career.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Blaine echoed that enthusiasm: “This work is critical. Finding outstanding teachers is essential, and in SBISD we’re fortunate that many already know our kids and community.”
The celebration also recognized scholarship recipients and launched the year with workshops and kickoff sessions. With passion, partnership, and purpose fueling the program, THRIVE continues to build teachers who will shape the future of Every Child.
Here's what some of our THRIVE RAs have to say about THRIVE:
“The THRIVE program has been a life-changing journey for me. It gave me the guidance, encouragement, and tools to grow from a paraprofessional into a confident teacher. Thanks to THRIVE, I am living my dream of serving students with purpose and passion.”
Joanna DeLaFuente, Meadow Wood Elementary
“The THRIVE program has been a positive community for me. I have felt the support since day one. Even when I second-guessed myself, they came back and said, yes you CAN do it. THRIVE makes me feel like I can accomplish my dream as an educator and help me contribute to the future of our society.”
Cristina Apresa, SBISD Police Department
“THRIVE took me from wanting to be in a classroom to actually being in a classroom. Now I am a teacher with my name on the door.”
Ross Blake, Northbrook High School
Congratulations and next steps
Congratulations to this outstanding new cohort of THRIVE fellows. Their commitment is proof that teaching is not just a job, it’s a calling. Below is a listing of program scholarship winners announced at the event:
Houda Almasri
Cristina Apresa
Ross Blake
Vanessa “Katara” Blake
Lucero Cendejas
Sylvia Cuellar (Ramirez)
Joanna DeLaFuent
Brian Dillard
Jonathan Few
Marquiza Grant
Mayra Onefre
Jennifer Salazar
Sabrina Siems
Claudia Sutphen-Vega
Loren Thomas
To learn more about the THRIVE Program, its impact, and how to get involved, visit the SBISD THRIVE website.
#SBISDTHRIVE
Watch THRIVE informational video.
Read more THRIVE stories:
Joanna DeLaFuente
Loren Thomas
Reginald Peters
Mahsa Ahmadpoor
Marquiza Grant