Spring Branch ISD Featured News

As Spring Branch ISD celebrates GenTX Week (short for Generation TX), November 16-20, we are spotlighting the college and career paths of some school counselors across the district who have planned college-awareness activities for students and families. 

Two former English teachers are now post-secondary counselors at Northbrook High School in SBISD, working with care and compassion to help Every Child have a plan for after graduation. 

Diedra Hader has been at NHS for five years. She grew up in a family whose vocations ranged from plumber, to electrician, to railroad worker, to the military. This background, along with her own educational path, makes her uniquely positioned to advise her students on many different career options.

Take a look at her education and career journey:

• After high school, Hader attended Texas Tech and earned a degree in English with teacher credentials.
• She worked in the College Housing department of Texas Tech for six years, and earned a master’s degree in higher education administration along the way.
• Next, she taught English in Arlington ISD for 14 years.
• During this time, she obtained a principal certification from University of Texas – Arlington.
• With family in Houston, Hader made the move here and earned her counselor certification through Region IV.

Kelly Kretschmar moved into the post-secondary counselor role this school year, after teaching English II at NHS. 

“It was always important to me that my students saw the big picture beyond my classroom,” said Kretschmar. “My current job [counselor] is my absolute, 100 percent dream job.”

A review of her education and career path:

• Attended Texas Christian University and majored in radio, TV and film theory.
• Kretschmar went to graduate school at University of North Texas and earned a master’s degree in radio, TV and film theory.
• She worked for the Princeton Review (SAT Prep) and obtained her teacher certification through coursework at Texas Women’s University.
• She taught in Dallas ISD and a private school in Houston, before her time at NHS.
• While teaching at NHS, she obtained her counselor certification through Region IV.

Hader and Kretschmar strive to include family participation in their work to help students find “next steps.” 

“We need parent involvement so we are all on the same page to help students realize their hopes and dreams,” said Kretschmar. “Without family buy-in, the plans can fall apart.”

Some activities planned for GenTX Week at Northbrook High:

• For each grade level, there are career and college lessons posted in itsLearning for teachers to use during advisory lessons.
• Teachers will share their college and career paths with students via a slide deck.
• Students will participate in a Texas college scavenger hunt
• Seniors will participate in a Choose Your Own Adventure activity, which will involve students learning in-person as well as distance learners at home. Those who show a completed college application qualify for a treat during lunch.
• Students and teachers will sport college attire.

Read more “How I got here” stories and GenTX Week plans here.

Parent U Zoom events during GenTX Week, to support SBISD’s T-2-4 Goal:

• Nov. 17: Scholarships 101, 6-7 p.m., English and Spanish
• Nov. 18: Military Roundtable, 6-7 p.m., English and Spanish
• Nov. 19: Certification, Apprenticeship and Technical Programs, 6-7 p.m., English and Spanish

Register here