Spring ISD Seniors Sign Letters of Intent to Become Future Teachers at 2025 Signing Day
Spring ISD recognized 22 graduating seniors for their commitment to education careers during the district’s ninth annual Future Educators Signing Day on April 17, 2025, at the Randall Reed Community Center at Planet Ford Stadium.
The event honored students who completed Spring ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) education pathway, which offers early exposure to teaching through specialized coursework, internships, and field experience. Each senior received a letter of intent from the district, pledging an opportunity to return as a full-time teacher after earning their college degree.
Investing in Future Educators
Since its launch in 2006 at Carl Wunsche Sr. High School, the education pathway has expanded to Dekaney, Spring, and Westfield High Schools. Spring ISD leaders emphasized that the program plays a critical role in growing future educators who already understand the local community.
School Board Vice President Natasha McDaniel addressed the students, noting the weight of their decision. “The decision to become teachers is not a small decision. They are making the decision to go into a profession that changes lives,” she said.
Superintendent Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, a former bilingual teacher, encouraged the seniors to see themselves as future leaders in the classroom. “We are incredibly proud of these students for answering the call to serve. Representation matters. By offering letters of intent, we’re showing our commitment—we believe in them, and we want them to come back and teach right here in Spring ISD,” she said.
Inspiration from the Classroom
Akayla Joseph, Spring ISD’s 2024 Elementary Teacher of the Year, delivered the keynote speech. Joseph shared how her teaching journey began, emphasizing the emotional and practical impact educators can have on students' lives.
“I didn’t choose teaching – teaching chose me,” Joseph said. She recounted a moment from her second-grade classroom when students’ eager response to receiving toothbrushes revealed unseen needs. Many students admitted they had never owned a toothbrush or shared one at home, an experience that Joseph said deepened her understanding of the importance of compassion in teaching.
“I wish I could put into words the emotions I felt in that moment. This made me realize my ‘why’,” she said.
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Scholarships Support the Journey
In addition to the letters of intent, three Westfield High School students received scholarships funded by district leaders:
- Sarai Ventura Barahona received her scholarship from Sherry Dunlap, retired principal and CTE Advisory Board member.
- Diana Rubio received her award from Dr. Matt Pariseau, Chief of Innovation and Student Success.
- Kelvin Jimenez was honored by Superintendent Dr. Hinojosa.
These scholarships aim to support students financially as they begin their higher education journeys toward teaching careers.
Signing the Commitment to Teach
At the close of the ceremony, students signed their letters of intent as families, teachers, and district leaders cheered them on. Many seniors plan to focus on areas such as early childhood education, math and science, and bilingual instruction.
Students participating in Spring ISD’s 2025 Future Educators Signing Day include:
Dekaney High School
- Niyah Bryant – United States Army
- Tilson Hernandez Berrios – Texas A&M University
- Davontae’ Hulbert – Lone Star College
- Davianna Key – Lone Star College
- Yeferson Lopez Cortez – University of Houston
- Sofia Mendoza – Lone Star College
- Seng Pan – Houston Christian University
- Joselin Rivera – Lone Star College
- Maigan Robinson – Lone Star College
- Sara Salmeron – Lone Star College
- Dayanara Sanchez – Lone Star College
- Jovaughn Smith – Lone Star College
Spring High School
- Andres Bermudez – Lone Star College
- Ayanna Brown – Lone Star College
- Rysheek Cobb – Lone Star College
- Abigail Pompa – Lone Star College
Westfield High School
- Cesia Dias – Lone Star College
- Camryn Ferguson – University of Houston
- Madison Herndon – Sam Houston State University
- Kelvin Jimenez – Lone Star College
- Diana Rubio – Texas A&M University
- Sarai Ventura Barahona – Lone Star College
Building a Stronger Future for Spring ISD
Through programs like the CTE education pathway and events such as Future Educators Signing Day, Spring ISD continues to strengthen its investment in developing homegrown teachers who are deeply connected to the communities they will serve.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.