For Natashia McNeese, becoming a teacher was not part of a traditional career path. It was a journey that began as a stay-at-home mother, continued as a paraprofessional, and ultimately led her to discover what she describes as her purpose: helping children learn and grow.

Now, the Spring ISD educator is adding another recognition to a growing list of accomplishments after being selected to receive a $500 teacher award from 97.9 The Box (KBXX) and Lowe Law, The Insurance Outlaw.

“I was shocked, excited, and grateful,” McNeese said. “Teachers don’t do this work for recognition, so it was special knowing someone saw and appreciated what I do.” 

McNeese’s path to the classroom began as a paraprofessional at Heritage Elementary School. In 2022, she was one of six Spring ISD paraprofessionals selected for the district’s Grow Your Own initiative through the Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Supports program. The program provided funding and support to help participants earn degrees and teacher certifications.

“My journey wasn’t traditional,” McNeese shared. “I started as a paraprofessional and discovered that education was truly where I belonged. Through hard work and Spring ISD’s Grow Your Own program, I became a certified teacher.”

For Natasha Tillman, Spring ISD’s Director of Recruitment and Preservice Teachers, McNeese’s accomplishments demonstrate the lasting impact of investing in employees who are already making a difference in district classrooms.

“Her success shows what is possible when we recognize the potential in our own employees and provide them with resources and support to reach their goals,” Tillman said. 

Tillman added that McNeese’s experience reflects the district’s commitment to developing talent from within and helping dedicated employees build meaningful, lasting careers in Spring ISD.

That investment, combined with McNeese’s determination, has led to several professional milestones.

McNeese was named an Aspiring Teacher of the Year at the 2025 Spring ISD Employee Recognition Banquet. A year later, she returned to the celebration as Heritage Elementary School’s Rookie Teacher of the Year.

“Her recognition as Rookie Teacher of the Year and a Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Recognition Educator is a testament to her dedication, instructional passion, and positive impact on students,” said Antoinette Clark, principal at Heritage Elementary, who also described McNeese as a creative and energetic educator whose engaging classroom environment has helped her class achieve one of the highest attendance rates on campus.

“Ms. McNeese’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, perseverance, and purpose can transform not only an educator’s career, but also the lives of the students she serves,” Clark said. 

Returning to the district’s Employee Recognition Banquet just one year after being honored as an aspiring teacher made the moment especially meaningful. 

“It felt full circle,” McNeese recalled of the 2026 recognition. “After everything I went through to become a teacher, it reminded me that all the hard work and perseverance were worth it.” 

Watching educators like McNeese advance from paraprofessional roles into successful teaching careers has been particularly rewarding for Tillman, who has witnessed their professional growth through the district’s Grow Your Own pathways.

“It truly warms my heart because I know their stories, where they started, and the work it took to get there,” Tillman shared. “Seeing someone who once served as a paraprofessional now excelling as a certified teacher is something special.”

Beyond the awards and professional milestones, the moments that matter most to McNeese happen in the classroom, where she sees students overcome challenges, master new concepts and grow in confidence. As both a teacher and a mother, she strives to provide the same patience, encouragement and support she would want for her own children.

“I try to give my students the same love, patience, support and advocacy I would want someone to give my own boys,” McNeese said.

She plans to put her latest $500 award directly back into her classroom.

“I want to pour it right back into my students through classroom resources, hands-on activities, incentives, and experiences that make learning fun,” she said.

Having taken an unconventional path into education, McNeese also hopes her story inspires others who may be considering a career change later in life. She encourages them to “go for it,” emphasizing that age should not define their purpose and that life experiences can become a source of strength.

“I’m most proud that I never gave up,” she said. “I faced setbacks, but I kept pushing until I became the certified teacher I knew I could be.”