Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Patricia Ozan, Bus Driver
11 years of service 

What will you miss about SBISD once you have retired?

I will miss the children and the staff I work with. The children who come on the bus smiling and say, “Hello miss.” The parents who say, “Thank you – thank you very much.” And the employees who are very good to me.

Sharee Cantrell, Early Childhood Director
20 years of service 

Is there someone whose Collaborative Spirit inspired you to do your best work?

While the students inspire me every day to do my best work, my time in SBISD has been blessed by overwhelming support for our youngest learners from our superintendent and board of trustees. It is common in other districts for leaders to voice support for prekindergarten, but in SBISD our leaders have done more than talk about the importance of early learning…they have taken uncommon positive actions at every opportunity. They have collaborated with state lawmakers and leaders, other organizations and districts, provided funding and support, and encouraged and inspired our staff to ensure our students have access to the finest prekindergarten program possible.
 

Emilio Gonzalez, Terrace Elementary Counselor
20 years of service 

Describe a time when you thought, “THIS is why I am a counselor!”

In 20 years, I have worked at three schools in Spring Branch ISD: Hollibrook Elementary, Northbrook High School (NHS), and Terrace Elementary. If you work here long enough, connections are inevitable. There are two particular experiences I’ve had that said to me, “THIS is why I am a counselor.” 

There was one particular graduating class at NHS that had me as a counselor from kindergarten to 5th-grade, and then from 9th to 12th grade. I got to know those kids and families quite well. 

In education we don’t always get to see the fruits of our labors over that many years. But in my first year at Terrace, I received a request to call a parent. I said, “I’m Mr. Gonzalez, I’m your son’s counselor.” The voice on the other end of the line responded, “I know Mr. G. You were my counselor, too, and I’m so happy you’re there.” Being a counselor is ALL about relationships.

Caroline Shanahan, Memorial Drive Elementary Teacher
35 years of service 

What will you miss about SBISD once you have retired?

I will miss the amazing growth I witnessed in each child through each of my many years. I will miss having the support of my team, other teachers and principals. I will miss being part of Spring Branch ISD!

Scott Walker, Spring Oaks Middle School Teacher
26 years of service 

Describe a time when you thought, “THIS is why I am a teacher!”

While over the last 26 years there have been so many times that I thought, “This is why I teach,” the most recent was an experience I encountered with some of our English Language Learner newcomer students. With the help of the newcomer teacher we encouraged a group of young men to join the track team. It was inspiring to watch these students not only thrive, but truly find a community that provided them a sense of belonging. THIS is why I teach!
 

View a full list of 2021 retirees here.