Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Teacher of the Year competition, honoring two outstanding educators whose passion and dedication are shaping young minds for a bright future.

Stephanie Walton and Joshua Ault have been named SBISD’s 2025 Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year, respectively.

Stephanie Walton, the 2025 Elementary Teacher of the Year, brings energy and a love of learning to Wilchester Elementary, where she serves as the art specialist for students in prekindergarten through fifth grade. With 24 years of teaching experience—all within SBISD—Walton has created a vibrant, evolving classroom that feels like a second home for her students.

“We are so honored to get to work with these two amazing educators each and every day,” said Dr. Jennifer Blaine, SBISD Superintendent of Schools. “The work they do honors Every Child and our Core Characteristics. They just exude it and we would not be more proud!”

A proud SBISD graduate, Walton attended Ridgecrest Elementary, Spring Woods Middle School, and graduated from Northbrook High School in 1994. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in interior design with a minor in architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in art education, both from the University of Houston.

Her journey into education began early, working as a substitute and student teacher within SBISD during college. Walton’s deep connection to the district and her students shines through everything she does. "The kids are truly my daily motivation to get up each morning and be the best art teacher I can be—even on hard days. I am exactly where I am supposed to be," Walton said.

In her classroom, Walton embraces creativity, innovation, and student-centered learning, updating her curriculum each year to reflect new techniques, materials, and student interests. She believes teaching art means nurturing creativity and growing alongside her students.

"Passion pours from her," said Liz Goodman, principal of Wilchester Elementary. "I just love being able to say yes to all of her amazing ideas and the great ways she creates education for kids."

Joshua Ault, the 2025 Secondary Teacher of the Year, shares his passion for journalism with students at Spring Woods High School, where he teaches journalism to students in grades 9–12. With two years in SBISD and two decade of combined teaching and industry experience, Ault empowers students to find their voices and tell meaningful stories through journalism.

A graduate of Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Ault earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism. His passion for storytelling first sparked during his time on his middle and high school yearbook and newspaper staffs.

Before entering education, Ault spent more than 10 years working in radio and television. This real-world experience brings authenticity to his teaching, helping students understand that journalism is fundamentally about capturing and sharing the human experience. "I love to see my students' work and their ability to tell the stories of students on our campus. The most important thing I teach them is that journalism is about capturing and sharing the human experience," Ault said.

“What he does for our students and the real-world learning he provides for our students is truly remarkable,” said Stephanie Meshell, principal of Spring Woods High School. “He provides our students a role model to aspire to be.”

His commitment to excellence is cultivating a new generation of thoughtful, engaged communicators who understand the power of storytelling to build community and foster understanding.

Stephanie Walton and Joshua Ault exemplify SBISD’s Core Values — Every Child, Collective Greatness, Collaborative Spirit, Limitless Curiosity, and Moral Compass — and bring to life the district’s promise to inspire minds and shape lives every day.

Both Walton and Ault will represent SBISD in the Teachers of the Year competition, with the opportunity to advance to the state and national levels.

This year's awards were sponsored by First Community Credit Union and Group One Automotive/Sterling McCall Group. Representatives from both partners were present during the surprise recognitions at Walton and Ault's campuses. View recognition event photo gallery.

“To be able to help, it’s very rewarding,” said Aubrey Lindquist of Sterling McCall. “Stepping outside of day-to-day activities to be part of this is very rewarding.”

“This impacts the entire community. We’ve seen what educators have done. What they do to prepare kids and our future—it’s amazing,” said Danny Sanchez, Vice President of Marketing at First Community Credit Union.

For more information about all of SBISD’s 2025 Campus Teachers of the Year, click here.