HOUSTON – March 30, 2017 – Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Rodney Watson recently received the Educator of Excellence award from the Achievement Through Leadership Foundation. He was one of five honorees recognized – for professional achievements, leadership and service to community – at the foundation’s annual event.

During the first year of Watson’s leadership in Spring ISD, the district launched a five-year strategic plan – Every Child 2020 – designed to increase academic achievement and prepare every student to be college and career ready. With this plan as a foundation, Dr. Watson has led the work to improve practices at district schools while strengthening Spring ISD’s ties to the community and the region. He has also helped forge initiatives such as the Urban Student Teacher Advanced Residency (U-STAR) program, a forward-looking partnership with Texas A&M University to bring future teachers into district classrooms for a year-long, hands-on clinical teaching experience. In November 2016, local voters approved a $330 million bond referendum to address long-awaited facility, technology, safety and security needs throughout the district.

According to its website, the nonprofit Achievement Through Leadership Foundation provides support to the youth of Greater Houston through: assisting financially challenged youth who seek post-secondary education; participating in and supporting the cultural, educational and social development of at-risk youth; supporting cooperative efforts of social organizations that undertake initiatives consistent with the mission and objectives of this foundation; and demonstrating individual “models of achievement” as sources of encouragement and support for ambitious youth.