Pictured: Brian Dillard, Memorial Middle School
For four Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) educators, the 2026-27 school year marks more than the beginning of another academic year. It represents an important career milestone and a new chapter in the classroom.
Houda Almasri of Spring Branch Middle School (SBMS), Taneshia Gadison of Housman Elementary School (HSE), Amanda Paduch of Stratford High School (SHS) and Brian Dillard of Memorial Middle School (MMS) have taken the next step in their professional journeys. Each has moved into a certified teaching role while continuing to build a career in SBISD through the district’s Thrive Program.
This fall, Thrive and EdWell Inc. celebrated the four educators and their accomplishments. As part of the recognition, EdWell surprised each teacher with classroom supplies selected from their personal wish lists. Their success reflects something bigger happening across SBISD: The district is creating more ways for talented people to become teachers, grow professionally and build rewarding careers serving students.
EdWell serves as the registered apprenticeship program sponsor for Thrive, helping SBISD secure available funding while ensuring participants receive meaningful on-the-job training and support. Through partnerships with school districts, colleges, universities and other organizations, EdWell helps aspiring educators navigate the path toward degree completion, educator preparation and teacher certification.
The partnership continues to grow. This year, EdWell contributed $30,000 as a program underwriter, further supporting SBISD’s work to develop educators and create more accessible pathways into the teaching profession.
Thrive is one part of SBISD’s broader commitment to investing in educators at every stage of their careers. From mentoring and support for new teachers to professional learning and leadership opportunities, SBISD helps educators continue learning, leading and advancing without leaving the work they love.
SBISD is also participating in the Texas Education Agency's Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, a state program that provides opportunities for highly effective teachers to earn additional compensation while remaining in the classroom. With the district’s application accepted, SBISD will begin its official data-capture year this school year.
Building on SBISD's ongoing commitment to supporting educators, these efforts are the next evolution in a comprehensive approach to recruiting, developing and retaining exceptional talent in the classroom. Together, they expand pathways in the profession, support new teachers, develop future leaders and recognize excellence.
Pictured: Taneshia Gadison of Housman Elementary School (HSE)
For Almasri, Gadison, Paduch and Dillard, those opportunities are already making a difference. They took the next step in their careers and are now bringing their talents, experiences and dedication directly to classrooms around SBISD.
Their journeys illustrates what's possible when a school district sees potential, invests in people and creates meaningful opportunities to grow.
Find Your Future in SBISD
Whether you are an experienced educator, an aspiring teacher or a professional ready to bring your skills to the classroom, there may be a place for you in SBISD.