Teaching in Houston Follow-Up (school district, price, retirement)

[Meyerland]

HISD will also probably have higher turnover this coming year, because they got rid of their bonus program.

[Denver303TJC]

Originally Posted by houstonreadhead

Hi,

Sugar Land doesn't have an ISD. Ft Bend ISD covers Sugar Land.

Here is a link to every HR department of every ISD in the Houston area. Click on a red star.
District Jobs

I doubt you'll have much trouble finding a job.

Good luck

Thanks!

[Denver303TJC]

Originally Posted by War Beagle

This is 100% accurate. I looked at teaching about 10 years ago and I got certified through region 4. What I found was that the alternative certification is less regarded than a traditional education degree. Its almost like the teaching version of a GED. It will be very difficult to get a job with a district like Katy or Fort Bend.

Also, your certification in Social Studies is either the most common or second most common certification. A lot of the district's don't have to use the alt certification to fill Social Studies positions because they are not hard to fill. Also, they often use those as positions for coaches. If you had a certification in math, science or special edition you would have a lot more choices.

That said, my experience was 10 years ago. My understanding is teacher hiring is cyclical and has high turnover. Also, you have a leg up on me by having taught abroad - that might really help you. I second the advice to apply everywhere in case there are fewer options than you had hoped.

Thanks! I see what you mean. I'm planning on teaching two years, then becoming a school counselor. I reckon my Econ degree and certification in Social Studies is a bit of a funky combo, but I suppose I gotta go with what I have. I've heard that as well that many coaches are Social Studies teachers and getting the SS Certification (SS as in Social Studies ) is very common. But, for now I'm keeping my options open and am planning on applying to a lot of school districts.

[Denver303TJC]

Originally Posted by Meyerland

HISD will also probably have higher turnover this coming year, because they got rid of their bonus program.

Oh my, yeah, that ain't cool for the teachers' morale, I reckon. I'll definitely aim for teaching in HISD. I know I'm still a newbie of sorts, so I'm not gonna just aim for the nice suburban schools and will also look at career fairs and charter schools.

[War Beagle]

Originally Posted by Denver303TJC

Thanks! I see what you mean. I'm planning on teaching two years, then becoming a school counselor. I reckon my Econ degree and certification in Social Studies is a bit of a funky combo, but I suppose I gotta go with what I have. I've heard that as well that many coaches are Social Studies teachers and getting the SS Certification (SS as in Social Studies ) is very common. But, for now I'm keeping my options open and am planning on applying to a lot of school districts.

I think you'll find something, it probably just won't be a dream job. But for two years, it's worth it to get your foot in the door.

[Denver303TJC]

Originally Posted by War Beagle

I think you'll find something, it probably just won't be a dream job. But for two years, it's worth it to get your foot in the door.

Thanks!

I'm looking too at smaller districts outside HISD and the surrounding area. As long the school is safe and the students are somewhat interested in learning (all things considered), it's okay with me.

[Wes59]

It's a good time to get into teaching overall. Many of us old farts are retiring within the next few years, new schools are being opened in several districts, and it is very rare to get laid-off. When district like Klein or Cy-Fair builds a new school, existing teachers charge to the new school- leaving openings at existing schools.

[Denver303TJC]

Originally Posted by Wes59

It's a good time to get into teaching overall. Many of us old farts are retiring within the next few years, new schools are being opened in several districts, and it is very rare to get laid-off. When district like Klein or Cy-Fair builds a new school, existing teachers charge to the new school- leaving openings at existing schools.

Thanks, Wes!

I'll keep applying and stay consistent. I'm also on the lookout for temp teacher positions in smaller cities outside of Houston.

That's good that it's rare to get laid-off within schools. I'm assuming Texas doesn't offer any form of tenure to teachers? (Based on research, I think the answer is no, but if there was, that'd be great long-term)

[NTexas2010]

Also consider LCISD - it is a growing district with new schools opening every year. They just opened their 5th high school campus this past fall that has only freshmen and sophomores, so another grade of teaching positions will open for the 2017-2018 school year at that campus.

Additionally, you can guarantee that there will be inner-district transfers to this high school campus, so additional slots will open up at the other 4 high school campuses.

[Denver303TJC]

Originally Posted by NTexas2010

Also consider LCISD - it is a growing district with new schools opening every year. They just opened their 5th high school campus this past fall that has only freshmen and sophomores, so another grade of teaching positions will open for the 2017-2018 school year at that campus.

Additionally, you can guarantee that there will be inner-district transfers to this high school campus, so additional slots will open up at the other 4 high school campuses.

Thanks!

As backup, should I also consider charter schools? I'm trying to keep as many options open .