North East ISD Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers lay the foundations for our students’ educational journeys. 

Stone Oak Elementary School’s Bethany Balderas is one of those teachers who gets the chance to fill that important role for students and their families -- who could not be happier or more thankful for Ms. Balderas.

One parent shared how much Ms. Balderas meant to their family by submitting a Staff Shout Out:

“This was my daughter’s first year at Stone Oak and Ms. Balderas made our Pre-K experience so special. Ms. Balderas is an incredible teacher with a true passion for what she does. Ms. Balderas will forever hold a special place in our loving hearts and first school year memories. Thank you for being my daughter’s teacher this year.”

Thanks to teachers like Ms. Balderas, our students get off on the right footing for their educational journeys.

Did you have an NEISD teacher who made an incredible impact on you or your child’s educational journey? You can let them know with a Staff Shout Out.

When Bryan Ehrlich was a student at Woodstone Elementary School, he dreamed of playing quarterback at Madison High School.

He eventually got to live his dream as QB and captain of the Madison football team. That team even made it to the State Semi-Finals. After graduating in 2008, Ehrlich played football in college. Ehrlich also played for the San Antonio Talons arena football team.

He’s now a sports agent with players in the NFL.

Sports at Madison didn’t just help make Ehrlich’s dreams a reality. It gave him the direction and tools to turn dreams into a fruitful career.

Here’s how Madison prepared him for life in his own words.

“I have always loved sports. But it wasn’t until I entered Madison High School that I had the opportunity to excel, building a foundation for success in a lifelong career in the sports industry.

Here’s how Madison High School has impacted my life.

I played both baseball and football at Madison. I was a captain for both teams and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). As a student of Woodstone Elementary and Wood Middle School, playing quarterback for Madison was my dream. Not only did I get to play with guys that I grew up with, but we also worked incredibly well as a team. It was this teamwork and camaraderie that led us to advance to the State Semi-Finals for the first time since 1984. 

Playing sports at Madison taught me how to handle adversity. Madison fostered resiliency in me and a ‘Never give up’ attitude. The quote, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together’ was our team mantra, and now it’s a great lesson for how we raise our kids.

Our success at Madison helped lead me to a collegiate career and a brief stint in Arena football, after which I became an NFL-certified contract adviser (NFL agent). In my current role at Generation Sports Group, I represent athletes, providing mentorship, resources and advice throughout all stages of their athletic careers.

The coaches and teachers at Madison – Coach Streety, Coach Rittiman, Coach Gesell and Mrs. Morrison in particular – played a major role in shaping my lifelong aspirations and goals. They encouraged, inspired and believed in me, guiding who I have become and what I have achieved.

Today, sports are more than just a career for me. In my free time, I coach youth basketball, baseball, volleyball and football. My wife Abby and I also are heavily involved in McAllister Park Little League. Inspiring youth and instilling the lessons and confidence that I had instilled in me as a student at Madison are a major part of what I do.

In short, my experience at NEISD is one I’ll never forget. Attending Madison High School allowed me to compete and forge lifelong relationships during my formative years, and it instilled in me the virtues that I carry with me into my career, my role as a father and my work as a youth sports coach. I look forward to continuing to serve the community in a way that honors the spirit and legacy of NEISD.”

Big or small, we all have a story to tell. Tell us your NEISD story at neisd.net/tellyourstory

We are thankful for the men and women of the NEISD Police Department who protect our campuses and community daily.

Officer Marisa Cedillo is one of our dedicated NEPD officers who protects and serves by caring and connecting.

She recently received a Staff Shout Out:

“Officer Cedillo makes a connection with the kids. She gets to know them. She really cares, and the kids know that she is genuine.”

Thank you for helping create a safe and supportive learning environment every day.

Thank an NEPD officer who has inspired you by sending them a Staff Shout Out at neisd.net/shoutouts