By Joshua Koch
Public Communications
When Foster Elementary opened its doors in January 1971, Jo-Carol Dearman was a 5th grade teacher. Dearman would spend the next 21 years, taking one year off, teaching primarily first grade before retiring in 1993. Dearman then went on to substitute teach for several years in Humble ISD.
Dearman, who watched the original Foster Elementary be constructed in 1970, has spent the past two years watching as the new building rose from the ground up.
On Friday, September 18, Dearman got the opportunity to tour the new facility.
“Foster was so new and so modern when we went and when we were teaching,” Dearman said. “I can see now what a difference the years have made in education from the level that was so modern back then. Now, look at this. These children will be so smart and so knowledgeable now.”
Dearman’s family moved to Forest Cove in June of 1970 when Foster was being built. Her three sons – Joe, David and John – all attended Foster Elementary while she taught there.
One of the original Foster Bulldogs, Jo-Carol Dearman is set to turn 95-years-old next week.
Group Photo Caption (From Left to Right): Laura Carlson, Alan Raymond, Catherine Raymond, Humble ISD Director of Elementary Education Alison Pierce, David Dearman, Jo-Carol Dearman, The Rosemont Community Life Enrichment Director Malinda Cook and The Rosemont Community Sales Director Dawn Sanderfer were on hand for a tour of Foster Elementary on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Foster Elementary Tour - Dearman by Joshua Koch