Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

We’re excited to introduce Cherylann Moritz, a new 10th-grade English teacher at Northbrook High School.

Passionate about fostering collaboration and enjoying the "aha" moments with students, Ms. Moritz finds joy in sharing her love for English, inspired by a pivotal teacher from the past. Embracing Houston's greenery and the supportive SBISD community, she's excited for a rewarding first year and the chance to grow as an educator. If you're inspired to join our dedicated team, visit the Team SBISD website and explore opportunities under the APPLY section!

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Question: What do you teach and where?

Answer: I teach 10th-grade English at Northbrook High School.  

Question: What do you like about teaching English? 

Answer: I was really good at English in high school. It was a subject I enjoyed, so it was fun to share it with my students. 

Question: What is your teaching philosophy? 

Answer: My teaching philosophy is all about collaboration. I want my students to be able to share their viewpoints and engage in constructive conversation. I believe you can really learn something when you exchange ideas. 

Question:  Where are you from originally? 

Answer: I was born and raised in Wyoming, so I’m a long way from home! I haven’t quite adapted to the heat and humidity in Houston; hopefully, I will. One thing I like about Texas is that I don’t have to worry about having a jacket. 

Question: Was teaching always something you wanted to do? Was there a pivotal moment when you decided you belonged in the classroom? 

Answer: I vividly remember a parent-teacher conference when my English teacher, Mrs. Musbac, looked me in the eye and told me she could see the passion I had—not just for school but for knowledge. She said I held the values of a lifelong learner. At that moment, I didn’t know that I wanted to be an English teacher, but it was one of those hyper-specific moments that you know holds value. 

Originally, I wanted to go into medicine, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic made me rethink my plans. I wasn’t 100% confident in my decision, and a part of me just knew I should be teaching instead. 

Question:  What do you love most about teaching? 

Answer: I absolutely love the “aha” moments – when a concept finally clicks with a student. It's these moments that make teaching the most rewarding profession for me! 

Question: What drew you to SBISD?

Answer: Despite my distance from my Wyoming roots, I felt drawn to Houston. I’ve always been motivated to go the distance to gain unforgettable experiences and grow in my chosen career. The economic landscape of Texas and SBISD support for educators were also significant factors in my decision. 

Two close friends completed their student teaching in the district in the spring of 2024. Both had great things to say about their experience and the support they felt throughout their short five months here. After my student teaching, that was the classroom experience I was eager to have.

Question: How do you think you align with SBISD’s Core Values? 

Answer:  When I applied for a job at SBISD, I found a deep connection to the principle of Collective Greatness. This connection was rooted in a summer I spent in the rural villages along the Kuskokwim River, where I witnessed and experienced a profound sense of community. 

The feelings of connectedness, commitment, care, support, and kindness I witnessed and experienced shaped me in ways I still implement in my classroom every year. I genuinely believe in the idea of community; each person in the school can help create a greater environment for better learning. I have been with SBISD in the short term, and I can already tell that the community is tight-knit and supportive. I’m happy to be part of the SBISD family!

Question: What are you looking forward to this school year? 

Answer: Overall, I’m looking forward to gaining more experience as a teacher and getting the first year under my belt. 

Question: What do you like to do when you are not teaching? What do you like the most about Texas? 

Answer: I love to swim and try to prioritize it at least twice a week! And I’m always up for a good show to binge-watch after school and on the weekends. I love the Spring Branch area; it feels like a tight-knit community. 

I have always enjoyed being outside and love how green it is in Houston. That is not something I’m used to, and I love it!

#SBISDProud