Pasadena ISD Teacher Surprised with $1,000 for Her Holistic Approach

Even before Jessup Elementary opened its doors to students this week, teacher Lisa Finateri Dittrick spent her summer days wishing past students happy birthday and prepping birthday treats for each of her incoming students. “Little things like that celebrate every kid in her classroom to let them know that they’re special,” her husband, Rob, said. […]
The ‘Mother of Nitsch’: Tarsha Gilbert Leads with Love and Literacy

Known as the “Mother of Nitsch,” Ms. Tarsha Gilbert is more than a teacher—she’s a pillar of her school community. With fierce love and unwavering standards, she nurtures a generation of readers from kindergarten through 5th grade. Ms. Gilbert knows that learning to read is foundational—and she approaches that responsibility with heart and precision. Her […]
Behind the Scenes, Ahead of the Curve: Bettina Boles Powers Math Success at Nitsch

When it comes to academic excellence at Nitsch Elementary, Ms. Bettina Boles is everywhere you look. As the architect behind math planning for grades 2–5, she’s not only driving student growth—she’s shaping the entire instructional approach. A master planner and peer coach, Ms. Boles brings intention, insight, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does. […]