Pictured: Taneshia Gadison
There is a program in Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) that is a win-win-win for everyone involved.
THRIVE SBISD provides district employees with a supported pathway to become certified teachers. Amid an ongoing teacher shortage, the program helps SBISD grow future teachers from within its own system.
Dozens of employees in support roles have participated in THRIVE during the past two years. They had already chosen careers in education and now have goals of becoming certified teachers. Through THRIVE, they can become teachers of record in their own classrooms in just a few years, with ongoing professional support from SBISD.
Step by step
Currently, 54 participants, or apprentices, continue working full time in SBISD support roles while attending college and advancing through the four on-ramp tiers of the THRIVE program. Each tier qualifies participants for a pay increase.
In the long run, SBISD students benefit from qualified, dedicated and hardworking teachers who have earned their bachelor’s degrees and participated in multiple district-led THRIVE training sessions each year. The training is designed to build upon and reinforce what apprentices learn in their college courses.
“We want the best people in the best positions to help our students be successful,” said Reginald Peters, director of THRIVE Pipeline Development in the SBISD Administration & Talent Department.
Is it easy? No. Doable? Yes. Rewarding? Yes!
How does THRIVE work?
Each spring, district support staff are invited to attend a THRIVE overview session led by Peters. Many are encouraged to attend by school leaders, classroom teachers or friends already participating in the program. Those interested complete an onboarding interview and submit a letter of recommendation from their school or department administrator.
Federal financial aid and assistance from community partners are available to those who qualify. Once interested employees have signed commitment and consent forms, they can receive help from district guidance counselors in completing financial aid and college applications as they prepare to begin college classes in the fall.
Off to college!
Depending on an apprentice’s previous college credits, they may enroll at Houston City College to complete an associate degree or at the Texas A&M - Victoria to earn a bachelor’s degree. An online option is also available through Western Governors University.
THRIVE participants are expected to earn 30 college credits per year and remain employed by SBISD. They also attend seven district training sessions with peers in their on-ramp tier. Led by Peters, these sessions provide classroom and student management strategies that complement and enhance what participants are learning in their college courses.
Homework that makes a difference
Yes, THRIVE apprentices have homework following each district training session. For instance, they may be challenged to lead students in a lesson or activity or observe and report on how an experienced teacher motivates students to develop a skill or gain knowledge.
These opportunities give apprentices valuable hands-on experience while they are still completing their college coursework.
“I am also available as an advisor to the apprentices should they have any questions about their college-level classes or need help to get over a hurdle,” Peters said.
More than $180,000 in scholarships in the past two years
In addition to federal financial aid available to qualifying apprentices, the Spring Branch Education Foundation (SBEF) provides THRIVE scholarship funding for 15 outstanding participants each year. Houston Endowment and Workforce Solutions also provide scholarship funding to help apprentices with college expenses. Another organization, EdWell, reimburses THRIVE SBISD participants for up to $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses.
“We are removing as many barriers to success as possible for our apprentices,” Peters said.
Meet two new THRIVE teachers
Taneshia Gadison was a special education teacher assistant before learning about and joining the THRIVE program.
“Colleagues from Wildcat Way School for Early Learning inspired me to be part of the THRIVE program,” Gadison said.
Today, she teaches English and math to third graders at Housman Elementary (HSE).
She credits SBISD with providing a pathway that allowed her existing experience in education to become an opportunity for career advancement.
“THRIVE helped remove some of the barriers between where I started and where I wanted to go,” Gadison said. “It is part of the reason my career transition was possible.”
Brian Dillard is another recent THRIVE graduate who earned his bachelor’s degree. This fall, he is a new special education in-class support teacher at Memorial Middle School (MMS), where he previously served as a paraprofessional in a life skills classroom. He also coached soccer and football at the school and continues in those roles while beginning his career as a teacher.
“I was inspired to become a teacher by other family members who are educators, but the support and encouragement from my administration team and room teacher through the process helped push me forward,” Dillard said. “I felt like I was never alone.”
Dillard said the THRIVE program and its hands-on experiences gave him a head start and the confidence to begin his new teaching role this year.
Full time ++
Both Gadison and Dillard agree that achieving their teaching goals took hard work.
“The most challenging part of THRIVE was balancing the demands of the program with my responsibilities as an employee, student, future teacher and a mom,” Gadison said.
Both new teachers credit the program’s structure and guidance as key to achieving their goals.
The rewards make the journey worthwhile
“The most enjoyable thing about it all was that I got to see real time how what I was learning affected the learning environment,” Dillard said. “I got to go back with my cohort and discuss these successes and challenges.”
“What I enjoy most about being a teacher of record is building relationships with my students and seeing their growth,” Gadison said. “I enjoy learning about their individual needs and finding different ways to help them succeed.”
Gadison encourages other paraprofessionals considering THRIVE to believe in themselves and “go for it.” She said the program provides participants with resources, support and guidance throughout their journey.
“Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” she added.
Community members interested in THRIVE can begin by applying for a support position in SBISD, which can provide a pathway to qualify for the program and eventually become a teacher. Current support employees are encouraged to attend a THRIVE overview session in the spring to learn more about beginning their journey.
“If you are wondering if this is right for you and your journey or are worried about the time commitment, know that the district and the administrators have your back,” Dillard said. “There are various means of assistance that the district makes available to you for the journey.”