Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Elisa Barry has been a familiar face in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) since 2005 and doesn’t see herself leaving anytime soon.

As the art teacher at Memorial High School and one of this year’s Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists, Elisa teaches Advanced Arts 2, 3, 4, AP Art, and 2D Design. She says her favorite part of her job is forging relationships with students and watching them explore their own creativity and talent. 

“As an art teacher, I’m fortunate to see many of the same students progress from their freshman to senior years,” said Elisa. I love watching them develop and mature as they get ready to leave high school and pursue their hopes and dreams.”  

Before coming to the Memorial High School Art Department, Elisa taught US and Texas history to middle schoolers at Spring Branch Middle School. However, Elisa discovered it was the art room where she truly shines. With a passion for painting and drawing, she thoroughly enjoys teaching her students myriad artistic mediums ranging from watercolors and oils to charcoal and colored pencils. 

“Art class should be a safe and judgment-free space where students can truly be themselves, and that is what I’ve sought to create,” said Elisa. “While we still have deadlines and work to do, I think engaging in artistic activity is one way we can all exhale and breathe, even for an hour or two each day.”  

While Elisa is fulfilled watching her students explore different types of art and participate in various competitions, her favorite endeavor has been the “From the HeART” community service project. 

Launched in 2019, “From the HeART” was created as a way for students to give back to the community utlizing their artistic talents. Students are tasked with creating a 5 X 7 piece of artwork focused on any subject and using any medium they wish, which is then sold to benefit a particular cause. Five of the best art pieces are selected and sold at a silent auction. 

In the first year, proceeds totaled $5,500, which were donated to the Spring Branch Education Foundation to purchase school supplies for students in need. 

The “From the HeART” project was so successful that it was built into the art curriculum. Since spearheading the initiative in 2019, Elisa has worked to keep it going. In 2023, students raised $2,800 for the Mental Health Society at Memorial High School, which provides counseling and other mental health support for students who need it. This year, they aim to raise at least $2,000 or more for the same organization. 

“By combining their love for art with a desire to help others, students not only have the opportunity to express themselves creatively but also to make a tangible difference in the lives of others,” said Elisa. “I’m really proud of the students for embracing this project.” 

It is her students and the opportunity to help them express themselves creatively that inspires her to show up for work each day. She not only teaches art but also sees herself as a counselor, listener, and sometimes agent for her students, encouraging them to enter various art competitions.  

Regarding her nomination for Teacher of the Year, she says she is humbled beyond belief and considers herself “in the company of greatness,” surrounded by others who inspire her to be a better teacher and human every day.

“I love this school, my students, and the work I get to do,” she said. 

With her steadfast commitment to her students, passion for artwork, and dedication to community services, Elisa will continue to make a profound impact both inside and outside of the classroom.

• Read more about our Elementary and Secondary Teacher of the Year Finalists here.
• To learn more about how you can join Team SBISD, click here.