With excitement, music, and mission at the forefront, Spring ISD officially welcomed nearly 300 new educators during its annual New Teacher Academy, a three-day summit held just before the start of the new school year at Dekaney High School.

From first-year teachers and career changers to seasoned educators from across the globe, this vibrant event brought together a dynamic mix of professionals — all united by one goal: to make a difference in the lives of Spring ISD students.

New hires arrived from across the U.S. and countries such as the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia, bringing a rich layer of culture and diversity to the district’s growing team.

The academy kicked off with a high-energy welcome featuring DJ Redeemed, whose upbeat set had teachers dancing and energized for the road ahead. The rallying message echoed across the campus:

“Together in culture, together in accountability — we are Spring.”

Educators explored a vibrant vendor fair with booths from local universities, wellness partners, classroom resource providers, and Spring ISD AFT — all designed to equip new hires with the tools they need to thrive, both in and out of the classroom.

“Our goal is to help every new teacher get acclimated — not just to the systems and resources of Spring ISD, but to our culture,” said Dr. Demonica Amerson, Director of Professional Learning. “We want them to feel welcomed, supported, and confident in how they fit into our mission of serving students.”

For first-year teacher Joneisha Vallair, who is set to teach 1st grade at Booker Elementary, the experience was both affirming and empowering.

“I chose Spring ISD to begin my teaching career because of the support I felt from the very start,” she said. “The training over these three days gave me the tools and confidence I need to start strong with my students.”

Spring ISD’s global reach was also on full display.

Windle M. Perez, a veteran science teacher from the Philippines, recently arrived in the U.S. and will soon begin teaching at Westfield High School.

“This is my first time in the U.S., and I couldn’t contain my excitement about being selected to join Spring ISD,” said Perez. With 11 years of experience, he brings a wealth of passion and expertise to his classroom.

Meanwhile, Fernando Uribe, from Colombia, will be teaching Spanish at Bammel Middle School.

“Since I was young, I dreamed of becoming a teacher,” Uribe shared. “Now I get to help others and be part of their learning journey. During this conference, I received everything I needed to feel ready. I can’t wait to meet my students.”

“By the end of the school year, I hope my students remember me as the caring teacher who was always smiling and there to support them,” he added.

As the 2025 New Teacher Academy concluded, teachers walked away with more than binders and notebooks — they left with a renewed sense of purpose, community, and pride.

Whether this is their first year or their tenth, whether they arrived from down the street or across the ocean, these educators are united by one powerful belief:

Every child in Spring ISD deserves a great teacher — and they are ready to be that teacher.