“I want to submit a shout out for Ms. Coulter, who has made a significant positive impact on our family.” 

The Martino family considers themselves lucky to have Samantha Coulter teaching their children at Vineyard Ranch Elementary School for two years in a row. She taught their daughter last year and this year, their son is in her class.  

When they originally moved to San Antonio from out of state, they were understandably nervous about starting a new school. Ms. Coulter’s compassion and professionalism quickly put them at ease. 

 “It is evident that Ms. Coulter is passionate about teaching and genuinely cares for her students. She consistently demonstrates qualities that make her an exceptional educator: she is caring, supportive, creative, and hard-working, always willing to provide additional help where needed. Her communication is outstanding—both prompt and clear—and she radiates a positive and loving attitude that makes a world of difference. Last year was a challenging transition for our family, as it was our first year at Vineyard Ranch after moving from out of state. We had prayed that our children would feel welcomed and cared for in their new environment. We were blown away by her ability to instill excitement and love of learning into our daughter last year, and thrilled when our son was placed in Ms. Coulter’s class this year. The experience has been everything we could have asked for and more. She has created a nurturing and encouraging environment where our son feels truly seen and supported. The amount of gratitude we feel for Ms. Coulter cannot be overstated, and we believe this sentiment is shared by other parents.”

Thank you, Ms. Coulter, for making our families feel right at home #theNEISDway

If you want to thank an NEISD educator who inspires you, we’ve made it easy. You can send them a Staff Shout Out by visiting neisd.net/shoutouts.

When Alaina Rodriguez was growing up, MacArthur High School was like her second home. Her father, Joel Sifuentes, was an assistant football and basketball coach at MacArthur from 2017-2023. She would sit on the sidelines and keep the books. Her father’s passion for education and sports greatly impacted Alaina. Now, she’s living her dream and following in his footsteps as a teacher and coach at MacArthur.

Here’s how she describes the impact her father and MacArthur have made in her life.

“Growing up as a coach’s daughter, I was surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of MacArthur High School, a place that quickly became my second home. My father, a teacher and coach in the North East Independent School District (NEISD), played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations. His passion for education and sports has left a profound impact on me (and still impacts me today), instilling a desire to follow in his footsteps and contribute to the lives of students in the same way he did.

From an early age, I immersed myself in the traditions and spirit of MacArthur. Attending football games at Blossom became a cherished ritual in our family, where the energy of the crowd and the thrill of competition ignited my enthusiasm for athletics. The competition and community created an electric atmosphere that I longed to be a part of. I even took on the responsibility of keeping the scorebook for boys’ basketball games since my father was the coach, a role that deepened my connection to the sport and allowed me to appreciate the intricacies of teamwork and strategy. I learned to recognize the importance of each player’s role and how collaboration could lead to success. These experiences not only fueled my love for sports but also planted the seed of my ambition to become a coach.

As I progressed in my education, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young athletes, just as he had done for so many. The values he instilled in me—hard work, integrity, and compassion—became the foundation of my own aspirations. When the time came for me to begin my student teaching, I was thrilled to start at Garner Middle School. This opportunity felt like a stepping stone toward my ultimate goal of returning to MacArthur High School, where I could inspire the next generation of students and athletes. During my time at Garner, I learned the importance of adapting my teaching style to meet the needs of my students and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone felt valued. The staff and students at Garner instilled the thought that NEISD was the right fit for me.

Three years later, I am living my dream. I am now teaching and coaching at MacArthur, the very place that shaped my childhood and aspirations. Walking through the halls and the gym, I am reminded of the countless memories I created growing up. What makes this experience even more special is that I am teaching many of the same students I once taught at Garner Middle School. The continuity of my journey—from my childhood to student teaching to teacher and coach—has been nothing short of extraordinary. Being in a supportive environment where I can share my passion for education and athletics is a blessing. I am grateful for the opportunity to influence young lives and help them develop not only as athletes but also as individuals.

Following in my father’s footsteps has given me a sense of purpose, and I strive to embody the values he instilled in me: dedication, perseverance, and the importance of community.

In conclusion, my journey in NEISD has been a fulfilling one, deeply rooted in the legacy of my father. The experiences I had as a coach’s daughter growing up around MacArthur have shaped my identity and aspirations, and now, as a teacher and coach, I am committed to giving back to the community that shaped me. I hope to inspire my students just as my father inspired me, ensuring that the traditions of MacArthur continue to thrive for generations to come.”

Big or small, everyone’s got a story to tell. Tell your story today.  

Teachers and staff don’t have to look far for inspiration at Royal Ridge Elementary School. Assistant Principal Shannon Kalisky has been a source of inspiration for Brittany Hughes. So much so that the elementary teacher has decided to follow in her footsteps by pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Administration. 

Hughes shared a Staff Shout Out to let Kalisky know how much her work ethic, dedication and positivity means to her. 

“Mrs. Kalisky serves as the Assistant Principal at Royal Ridge Elementary, where her unwavering dedication to the school and community spans over a decade. Her exceptional leadership and coaching have not only inspired me but also motivated me to pursue my Master's in Educational Administration. Her commitment to the growth and success of every student and teacher is evident in her steadfast expectations for both staff and students. The passion and drive she brings to our campus are deeply appreciated by all. I am truly grateful to have Mrs. Kalisky as our Assistant Principal, guiding us all toward excellence.” 

True leadership is about uplifting others. Thank you, Mrs. Kalisky, for inspiring everyone around you #theNEISDway. 

If you want to thank an NEISD educator who has inspired you, we’ve made it easy. You can send them a Staff Shout Out by visiting neisd.net/shoutouts.