Spring Branch ISD Featured News

SBISD celebrates home-grown THRIVE Program

November 12, 2024 7:45 AM

Sharon Sealy, Thornwood Elementary School

SBISD has a reputation for innovation and a “do whatever it takes for Every Child” philosophy. One of its home-grown and innovative programs, THRIVE, was launched by the district last school year to address both the nationwide and local teacher shortage.

The unique partnership between Spring Branch ISD (SBISD), Houston Community College (HCC), and the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV) is providing accessible pathways for district employees to become certified teachers within the district.

Cohort #1 Continues Progress Toward Certification

Currently, 31 SBISD employees are actively engaged in the THRIVE program’s initial cohort, with varying completion timelines based on their previous college credits. Some participants were classroom assistants, while others worked in different district roles, including one former bus driver.

“We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm surrounding the THRIVE program,” said Karen Heeth, associate superintendent of talent and administration in SBISD. “The strong interest reflects a genuine excitement for teaching in SBISD schools, and we are dedicated to providing the necessary resources and support for these future educators to succeed.”

In this program, participants complete their first 60 hours of college credit with HCC, then transition to UHV to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in education. Through the THRIVE program, additional certifications are available via online fast-track or hybrid methods in fields such as Early Childhood, Special Education, and Secondary Education.

Paired with a Mentor Teacher

Cohort members also work under the guidance of a mentor teacher in SBISD, receiving an increase in pay from their previous job level. Mentor teachers are recommended by their principals and must have at least three years of teaching experience. These teachers are dedicated to nurturing new educators in the profession.

“I am really enjoying the experience,” said Sharon Sealy, a current teaching fellow at Thornwood Elementary in the final year of her education degree journey. “I'm at the last level, so everyone is learning together. My school, Thornwood Elementary, has been so supportive. They encourage me and want me to be successful. I'm learning content areas and how to navigate the TEKS [Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills], since my background has been in pre-K.”

“As a teaching fellow, I’m working with an experienced teacher, observing and learning classroom and time management skills,” she added.

Becoming a Teacher the Spring Branch Way

For their college-level coursework, THRIVE participants are paired with advisors at both HCC and UHV. At the district level, Jennifer Cobb, director of administration and talent, and Allison Tennyson, executive director of talent, support these future educators as they progress toward full certification and employment as teachers in SBISD.

To remain in the program, THRIVE cohort members must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, remain full-time employees, and commit to teaching in SBISD for at least one year after graduation.

“They are grouped in a cohort setting to support each other,” said Cobb. “A handful of classes will be taught by SBISD employees, which helps build relationships and learn The SBISD Way.”

“We also require them to attend four cohort meetings per year that we lead, providing training sessions and covering topics specific to SBISD,” said Tennyson.

A Win-Win Program

Both THRIVE participants and principals have high praise for how SBISD has developed this home-grown program to support the professional growth of current employees.

“I believe it's essential for SBISD to offer these opportunities to encourage paraprofessionals to become certified teachers,” said Sealy. “We are already invested in the children, and the THRIVE program ensures that we continue to provide good educators.

“We know how hard it is to find quality teachers, and this program allows us to stay in the district we love.”

Loren Thomas, another employee in the first THRIVE cohort, echoes those sentiments. “When I heard about this program and that it would be with SBISD and UHV, I thought it would be a great way to go through my certification with the district I love so much,” she said. “I am a product of SBISD and I have four children in SBISD schools. This is where my heart is.”

School leaders have found THRIVE to be an excellent vehicle for shepherding paraprofessional staff into the teaching profession. “Sometimes it can be difficult to find teachers because of many different factors,” said Becky Hagan, principal of Nottingham Elementary. “We needed a program that would allow those staff members with the passion and heart for teaching to get their certification. This opportunity is a win-win for everyone. It is a great way to recruit and retain staff members for our district.”

Thornwood Elementary principal Sandra Houston is very positive about the cohort member embedded at the campus. “The participant that I have on my campus became a part of our Thornwood family immediately,” said Houston. “She participates in all of our school activities, and has built great relationships with our students, families, and staff.

“I like that we are able to have a THRIVE fellow on our campus, and hopefully, eventually, have her on campus as a certified classroom teacher.”

Next Cohort on the Horizon

A new THRIVE cohort will begin in spring 2025. Current employees interested in a rewarding career in education are invited to learn more about the THRIVE SBISD program and apply today. For questions or further information, please contact us at THRIVE@springbranchisd.com.