Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Teresa Botner: Planting the seeds of the future through mentorship
 

 

Teresa Botner believes everyone should have a mentor.

"Having a mentor is like having a guide who can help you navigate life, offering wisdom, encouragement, and the confidence to achieve your dreams," she said.

This belief has inspired Botner to mentor four students over the past 30 years, beginning at Edgewood Elementary, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping their minds and helping them realize their full potential. It also motivates her to volunteer with the SpringBoard Mentoring program in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), where she has worked with a 6th-grade student at Northbrook Middle School for the past two years.

Through regular lunches and regular communication, the two have forged a close bond. Teresa has become a confidante and cheerleader to her mentee in many ways, including helping with math.

"I've seen my mentee's math skills improve tremendously since we started working together," Botner said. "She has also gained an understanding of why education is critical to her future success, which has been rewarding to see."

In addition to providing academic support, Botner advocates for her mentee by engaging with teachers and counselors to ensure she has every opportunity to succeed. She provides positive reinforcement and always speaks in terms of "when" rather than "if," an approach Botner believes helps bolster her mentee's confidence and encourages her to aim high.

"My goal is to make sure every child I mentor knows their dreams are valid and achievable," Botner said. "Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in them, and they start to believe in themselves."

The benefits of mentorship extend beyond the mentee. Botner says the relationship has "kept her young at heart," exposing her to new topics, including social media and TikTok influencers. She also finds fulfillment in giving back to the community in such a meaningful way.

"You have no idea what impact you may have on someone's life. The best gift you can give anyone is your time," Botner said.

With an education degree and a background in teaching adults, Botner has always wanted to make a difference in young lives. In addition to mentoring, she dedicates her time to SBISD in other ways.

At Edgewood Elementary, she is a familiar face. Recently, she served as a judge for the spelling bee, volunteered for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and helped with fundraising events.

"Investing time volunteering with a school district is an opportunity to create meaningful connections, foster growth, and impact the lives of students and the community," Botner said. "It allows us to contribute to a brighter future by supporting education and shaping the leaders of tomorrow."

Looking back on her three decades of mentorship, Botner hopes to reconnect with her former mentees and, one day, see the ripple effects of the time and care she invested in their lives.

"Mentoring is not just about the here and now – it's about planting seeds that will continue to grow and flourish well into adulthood," she said.

As Botner continues working with her current mentee, her story serves as a reminder of the profound difference one person can make. She shows that the simplest gestures—a kind word, an encouraging text, or a shared laugh over lunch—can have the most lasting impact.

In the end, Botner's journey is about inspiring others to step into the mentor role. "Everyone should experience the joy of mentoring," she said. "It doesn't just change a child's life—it changes yours."

To learn more about the SpringBoard Mentoring program, visit SpringBoard Mentoring program.

Get involved this National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize the power of mentorship and the positive impact it can have. Join the SBISD SpringBoard Mentoring program and help foster growth, connection, and support for the next generation.