NISD New Teacher Academy Welcomes 400 New Educators

There was excitement in the air as 400 new educators gathered this week for New Teacher Academy, marking the beginning of their journey with Northside ISD. Among them were 130 new teachers preparing to step into the classroom for the very first time.

Throughout the two-day academy, new teachers connected with district leaders, explored the instructional tools and resources available to support their classrooms, and gained insight into the culture and values that make Northside unique. 

In addition to completing required training, including state-mandated Special Education training, educators learned more about curriculum resources, Social-Emotional Behavioral frameworks, and the expectations that guide campuses across the district. The academy is designed to help educators feel prepared, supported, and confident as they begin the school year.

Behind every new teacher is a unique story and a purpose that guides them. While their paths to education are different, these three educators share a common inspiration — teachers who made a lasting impact on their lives and inspired them to make a difference for others. Their stories reveal what brought them to Northside ISD and the purpose that drives them in the classroom.

Cynthia Sanchez, Myers Elementary

“I have always wanted to become a teacher, even at a very young age, because I remember playing ‘school’ all the time and mimicking my teachers,” says Cynthia Sanchez, a kindergarten bilingual teacher at Myers Elementary. “I can honestly say that I had many inspiring teachers who influenced me to get to where I am today. My first-grade teacher, Mrs. Rubio, was one of those people who inspired me and showed me the impact a teacher can have on a student’s life.”

Originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, Sanchez has spent more than 21 years teaching kindergarten at the same school, helping young learners build a strong academic foundation. Throughout her time in education, she has built strong relationships with families and adapted her instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students.

After dedicating more than two decades to her previous district, Sanchez was ready for a new opportunity to continue growing as an educator. She chose to join Northside ISD because of its commitment to student success and its support for teachers. She looks forward to bringing her experience to her new campus and creating a classroom where students feel loved, valued, and excited to learn.

Cerissa Soria, Pease Middle School

“I’ve had some amazing teachers who made me feel loved and special, and I’ve also had teachers who made me want to become the kind of teacher students need,” says Cerissa Soria, a first-year sixth-grade Science teacher at Pease Middle School. “I want my students to know that they are somebody and that they are capable of succeeding.”

Born in California and raised in West Texas, Soria’s experiences moving throughout her childhood helped shape the educator she hopes to become. One teacher who made a lasting impact was her freshman geography teacher, Mr. Dutchover, who showed students compassion and taught important life lessons beyond the classroom.

After graduating from Taft High School, where she spent her senior year experiencing the Northside community as a student and water polo athlete, Soria knew she wanted to return to the district as an educator. Along with teaching sixth-grade science, she will coach cross-country, combining her love for learning, athletics, and building connections with students. She hopes her students leave her classroom knowing their strengths and believing in their ability to achieve their goals.

Rebeca Aldaba, Connally Middle School

“My fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Perales, was always more than a teacher to me. She was someone who cared about me, showed up for me, and made me feel seen,” says Rebeca Aldaba, a first-year English Language Arts teacher at Connally Middle School. “I wanted to be that for someone else.”

Originally from Houston, Texas, Aldaba moved to San Antonio to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she graduated in May 2026 with a degree in education. After completing her teaching observations and participating in Northside ISD’s Learning Tree program, Aldaba saw firsthand the district’s commitment to supporting and developing educators. She was inspired by the way her mentor teachers took the time to guide and encourage her as she prepared to begin her own teaching journey.

Now entering her first year in the classroom, Aldaba is excited to meet her sixth- and seventh-grade ELA students and watch them grow throughout the school year. She hopes to create a classroom built on respect, kindness, and growth, where students feel supported and leave as better versions of themselves.

These are just three of the hundreds of NISD teachers who are excited to meet their students on the first day of school, Aug. 10. NISD teachers, staff, and leaders are driven with purpose each day - ready to inspire, support, and prepare every child for a successful future.