Spring Branch ISD Featured News

This summer, Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers are going beyond the classroom to prepare for the school year ahead.

As part of a hands-on professional learning opportunity, a group of middle and high school educators recently participated in a one-day externship at H-E-B Bunker Hill—an experience designed to bridge the gap between education and industry.

The visit gave teachers an inside look at one of Texas’ most iconic employers, where they explored H-E-B’s daily operations, career pathways, and evolving workforce needs. But more than that, they connected with the people behind the company—employees who shared their personal stories, lessons learned, and the winding journeys that led them to where they are today.

“Hearing H-E-B team members speak about their career paths—some of them surprising, some of them deeply personal—was truly inspiring,” said Lori Vereen, SBISD CTE facilitator. “It reminded all of us that the world our students are entering is dynamic and full of possibilities. These stories will help our teachers bring that message back to the classroom.”

Teachers engaged directly with both in-store leaders and corporate staff across a range of departments, from supply chain and operations to marketing and management. The conversations weren’t just about job descriptions—they were about growth, grit, adaptability and purpose.

One common theme echoed throughout the day: career paths aren’t always straight. Several speakers described how their current roles at H-E-B grew from unexpected turns, prior jobs in other industries, or even setbacks that became stepping stones. For educators, these stories offered a powerful reminder that students don’t need to have everything figured out at 18—they just need the tools, confidence and mindset to take the next step.

By participating in externships like this, CTE teachers gain critical industry context that helps them keep curriculum relevant and meaningful. It also supports SBISD’s T-2-4 vision—ensuring every student graduates with a plan for a technical certification or military training, or a two- or four-year degree.

“This experience gave our teachers a front-row seat to what success can look like after high school,” Vereen added. “It helps us better prepare students not just for a job, but for a future filled with opportunity.”

SBISD is grateful to H-E-B Bunker Hill for welcoming our teachers and investing in their growth. By strengthening the connection between classrooms and careers, they’re helping our educators better serve Every child. Every way. Every minute. Every day.

To explore more opportunities available through SBISD’s CTE programs, visit: https://online.springbranchisd.com/cte/index.html

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Spring Branch Independent School District offers career and technical education programs in Agriculture Science, Business Education, Family and Consumer Science, Health Occupations, Marketing Education and Trade & Industry Education. Admission to these programs is based on ability, aptitude, need, age, and grade level. It is the policy of Spring Branch Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its vocational programs, services or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. It is the policy of Spring Branch Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap, or age in its employment practices as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Spring Branch Independent School District will take steps to assure that lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in all educational and vocational programs. For information about your rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at Karen.Heeth@springbranchisd.com, 713-464-1511, and/or the Section 504 Coordinator at Edwina.Clissa@springbranchisd.com, 713-464-1511. Annual Public Notification of Nondiscrimination (English/Spanish)