Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Awww, summer vacation! Teachers, especially, look forward to some “me” time after working hard all school year to serve and nurture their students. The two Spring Branch ISD 2019 Teachers of the Year used their time off this summer in some unique and maybe, unexpected, ways.

The Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year were announced during a pregame ceremony at an Astros game in April, as part of the SBISD Service Awards event. Beyond the kudos for recognition as excellent teachers, the winners also received the following:

• A financial award, donated by First Community Credit Union and Memorial Hermann Memorial City;
• The privilege of driving a Cadillac for the summer, awarded by Group 1 Automotive; and
• District funds designated to be used for professional growth.

Michelle Clements, a teacher at Housman Elementary, is the 2019 Elementary Teacher of the Year. She used the financial donation to help furnish a new home that her husband and she purchased in May. It also helped them get used to paying a mortgage!

“It has been much better than our one-bedroom apartment,” said Clements. “Our 82-pound German shepherd mix has loved the yard.”

This summer she also worked towards an advanced degree in school counseling at Lamar University. She drove the Cadillac to and from Beaumont, which made the commute extra comfortable!

“SBISD was extremely generous and allowed me to put it towards my graduate school which was a huge financial relief for my family,” said Clements. “

A family reunion in Italy and attending a wedding in Napa Valley, Calif. were icings on Ms. Clements’ summer vacation “cake.”

Lizzy Snelling, choir teacher at Northbrook Middle School, was named the 2019 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Her financial award was used for the necessary expense of purchasing new tires!

This summer, she spent much time at the gym training for her third powerlifting completion, which took place in McAllen, Texas on July 20. She was cheered on by her coach and teammates, who also competed at the USAPL (USA Powerlifting) South Texas Showdown.

“I won three personal records and got the gold medal,” said Snelling. She lifted 264 pounds on her squat, 142 pounds on the bench press, and deadlifted 315 pounds!

While strength is not a necessary part of being a choir teacher, the discipline of the sport does motivate Snelling as a teacher.

“I came back this [school] year stronger and more determined than ever to improve this choir program at Northbrook, and I look forward to a powerful year,” she said, no puns intended!

With her professional growth award funds, Snelling will continue a master’s degree in Vocal Chamber Music through University of Redlands (Redlands, Calif.) this fall, and will follow up with in-person classes in California next summer.

Through the memories, medals and the pursuit of master’s degrees, the summer of 2019 will linger as a source of pride and inspiration for the SBISD 2019 Teachers of the Year.

By Becky Wuerth, SBISD Communications

Becky.wuerth@springbranchisd.com