Dekaney seniors, from left, Kourtnei Smith, Kassandra Lechuga and Keshundra French are excited about signing their letters of intent to teach in Spring ISD after college graduation.
HOUSTON – May 19, 2016 – Twenty-eight Spring ISD graduating seniors who have been following the education career pathway have signed letters of intent to return to the district to teach after graduating from college with an education degree. The students – all members of the Texas Association of Future Educators – were recognized May 18 during an official signing ceremony.
Every year when school starts in August, the district welcomes a number of alumni to its ranks. Growing their own has long been a tradition at Spring ISD, however, this is the first year that graduating seniors have actually signed a letter of intent before they graduate.
“Many of our current employees are Spring ISD graduates,” said Deeone McKeithan, chief human resource officer. “We’ve found that they are excited about the work, excel in the classroom and leadership roles, and have immediate connections to our community and families, which help increase academic achievement for our students.”
Guest speaker Eboni Jenerette spoke from first-hand experience to the students about her journey that started as a Wunsche education student. After graduating from Sam Houston State University, she came back to the district as a teacher at Twin Creeks Middle School and was recently named the school’s 2016 Rookie Teacher of the Year.
“I always say that Spring ISD was my village. I learned that from a quote that said it takes a village to raise a child. Spring ISD has been, still is, and will always be my village. Lucky for you, they are your village as well, “said Jenerette. “Always, always, always make your village proud because we are rooting so hard for you.”
The education career pathway was introduced at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School when it opened in 2006. Over the last four years, the district has expanded the pathway to Dekaney, Spring and Westfield high schools as well, allowing more students to be exposed to education as a career option beginning in the ninth grade.
While in the program, students are prepared for roles related to planning, managing and providing education training services. They are exposed to classroom leadership, some pedagogy, and through a relationship with Junior Achievement, are given the opportunity to actually intern as a classroom teacher at several Spring ISD elementary and middle schools.
The experiences and opportunities provided by the program helped Kori King, a Westfield senior who plans to attend Sam Houston State University, know exactly what she wants to do with her life. “I love teaching. Teaching is my calling. When I teach with the kids, I don’t want to leave at the end of the day,” said King. Now she can focus on preparing for her chosen career as a U.S. History teacher, knowing that her dream job is waiting for her when she graduates.
Following are names of seniors who were offered letters of intent and the colleges where they plan to attend.
Dekaney High School – Rahshida Drumgo, Stephen F. Austin State University; Keshundra French, Sam Houston State University; Sandra Garcia, Lone Star College; Kassandra Lechuga, Lone Star College; Destiny Robinson, Prairie View A&M University; and Kourtnei Smith, Lamar University.
Spring High School – Mackenzie Dillman, Texas A&M University; Savannah Luna, Texas State University; Rachel Gorski, Lone Star College; Ashlyn Marett, University of Texas; and Cynthia Martinez, Lone Star College.
Westfield High School – Liliana Garcia, Lone Star College; Ashlee Carrizales, University of Houston Downtown; Bianca Castaneda, Lone Star College; Kori King, Sam Houston State University; and Tae’Ja Cook, Sam Houston State University.
Carl Wunsche Sr. High School – Rosa Menjivar, University of Texas at Arlington; Elba Romero, Lone Star College; Laura Reyes, Lone Star College; Jennifer Macias, Lone Star College; Rossy Green, Lone Star College; Jasmine Jolivette, Texas A&M University; Marlen Alvarez, Lone Star College; Emily Butler, Lone Star College; Brittany Jackson, Texas A&M University; Tiffany Hector, Southern University at New Orleans; Madisyn Fruge, University of Houston Downtown; Ariana Knapps, Lone Star College; and Estefany Chavarria, Lone Star College.