Imagine graduating from high school in May and, just two months later, beginning a full-time job in the same school district that helped shape you.

For three members of Spring Branch ISD’s Class of 2026, that opportunity is now a reality through THRIVE SBISD, the district’s homegrown teacher pipeline program.

THRIVE provides employees with a pathway to earn a college degree and teacher certification while working in SBISD. Over four years, participants gain valuable experience in schools while receiving support as they work toward becoming certified teachers in the district.

For Northbrook High School (NHS) graduate Eddie Palmeros, that journey has already begun.

Just months after graduating in May, Palmeros returned to SBISD as a teacher assistant supporting emergent bilingual students at Spring Woods Middle School (SWMS). His long-term goal is to become a middle or high school history teacher.

For Palmeros, the opportunity to grow from SBISD student to employee — and eventually teacher — is especially meaningful.

A future teacher from the beginning

Palmeros’ interest in teaching started long before high school.

“When I was little, I would gather all my stuffed animals, sit them in front of me while I ‘taught’ them, pointing at different countries and places on the map of the world I had in my bedroom,” Palmeros said.

At Northbrook, he began turning that childhood interest into a career plan through SBISD’s Career and Technical Education Education and Training program.

During his junior and senior years, Palmeros completed four elective courses in the program, earning a Public Service endorsement on his diploma. The two-year sequence introduced him to child development, instructional practices and the day-to-day work of educators.

As a senior, Palmeros completed the Practicum in Education and Training, gaining firsthand classroom experience at Buffalo Creek Elementary School and Edgewood Elementary School. He observed students and teachers, prepared instructional materials, created bulletin boards and participated in teacher planning meetings.

“All of these experiences helped me become more accustomed to the daily routines of an educator,” Palmeros said.

It was also during high school that Palmeros learned about THRIVE from Reginald Peters, SBISD director of THRIVE Pipeline Development. Peters introduced students to pathways into the teaching profession and the support available to help them get there.

“Learning about THRIVE encouraged me to continue with SBISD as a teacher assistant while working toward becoming a certified teacher,” Palmeros said.

Inspired by the teachers who taught him

Palmeros also credits his own SBISD teachers with helping him discover the kind of educator he hopes to become.

“My biggest source of inspiration is my junior-year dual-credit U.S. history teacher, Mr. [Gabriel] Slape,” Palmeros said.

“He would often share stories about working a summer job as a tour guide in Washington, D.C. Seeing his excitement and knowledge of even the most niche and obscure details of events in U.S. history inspired me to do the same.”

Former Northbrook teachers Larry Villarreal and Carlos Molina also helped fuel Palmeros’ interest in history. Both now teach at Spring Woods Middle School, where Palmeros has begun his own career.

“There would be many times where he would actually know more history background than me, which was pretty interesting to see,” said Villarreal, who was a student teacher when Palmeros was in his Northbrook classroom.

“I could not be prouder of the person he is becoming, and it is nice to watch him grow from a young student into a young educator.”

For Palmeros, that same enthusiasm for learning is something he hopes to pass along.

“Social studies was always my favorite subject,” he said. “I hope to one day share and maybe ignite those interests in my future students.”

Earning a degree while building a career

Palmeros is now attending Houston City College (HCC) while working full time in SBISD. Most of his courses are online, giving him flexibility to balance college and his responsibilities at SWMS.

With assistance from THRIVE leaders, he navigated the college and financial aid application process and secured more than $10,000 in federal and state grants to help cover his college expenses.

THRIVE participants also meet monthly as a cohort to learn more about The Spring Branch Way, collaborate on college assignments and build connections with other aspiring educators.

For SBISD, the program represents an investment not only in future teachers, but also in people who already know the district, its students and its community.

“Putting student success first is our goal in developing our own teachers,” Peters said.

Peters said Palmeros has already demonstrated the confidence, maturity, Collaborative Spirit, enthusiasm and professionalism needed to succeed as an educator.

“It is clear he has a bright future ahead,” Peters said.

A pathway for others

For students and employees considering a career in education, Palmeros encourages them to explore what THRIVE can make possible.

“It gives you a chance to grow within SBISD and turn the work you are already doing into a career in education,” he said.

A new THRIVE SBISD cohort will begin in spring 2027. SBISD employees interested in becoming teachers will have opportunities to learn more about the program and available pathways.

Community members interested in starting their own journey can also explore employment opportunities in SBISD and discover how a job today can become a career serving students tomorrow.