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Make an Impact on Students and Schools

Houston Teacher Casey Lawrence with students

Houston schools need everyone from teaching assistants to classroom teachers to make an impact on students and communities. Some of Houston’s largest school districts are looking for new graduates, bilingual/dual language teachers, experienced teachers, and career changers. (2) In August 2021, Houston ISD had 360 certified teacher positions available. Aldine ISD had over 100. And that’s only two of the six districts in the area.

As a Houston teacher, you can give back to your community while shaping the lives of students. (3) Teachers also promote equality; studies have shown that having three consecutive years of highly effective teachers can help close the average achievement gap between economically disadvantaged children and others.

 

 

Uplifting Students

Most of us have had a teacher who inspired us and helped us believe in ourselves. Teaching gives you the opportunity to give back to the community & support students.
Miguel Cardona

"I’m really excited about the opportunity to make sure that we’re investing in our profession, paying livable wages, and making sure we create pipelines with incentives for paraeducators and other educators to go in, to get their teaching credential to serve as special education teachers, bilingual teachers, and other shortage areas"

Former U.S. Education Secretary & Former Connecticut Education Commissioner

Read more about Dr. Cardona's story here.

Miguel Cardona

Why are these “shortage areas”?

Teachers will always be in demand! For some subjects, that’s even more true. But why is that? Let’s dive a little deeper into shortage areas:

If you don’t know much about some of these subjects, you’re not alone. Unless you’ve had experience with special education or bilingual services, or know someone who has, then you might not know exactly what these crucial teachers do!

Students who need additional language support or other services also need more focused teacher attention. So schools need more teachers with these skills. In terms of language teachers, the number of English language learners in the state has grown by nearly 50 percent in the last decade. In that same time, Texas had a dramatic drop in the number of bilingual educators.

A growing Latinx population in Houston means the need to Latinx teachers is increasing, but it is taking time for the teacher population to match the need. 

According to Ana Coca, president-elect of the Texas Association for Bilingual Education, Texas is working to get "more native speakers interested in becoming a teacher in the first place." 

People who are interested in math & science may see industry jobs as the only way to do those careers. As a result, the demand for math and science teachers is high as school districts battle to find qualified educators who can help improve students' math and science ability.

Teaching in Houston

Houston, along with it’s school districts, parents, and students are continuously improving educational outcomes for students across the area.

Salaries for Houston Area Teachers

Houston’s average teacher salary is around $60,000, and most teacher salaries are on the rise. From 2019 to 2020, Houston’s average teacher salaries rose by 5%. (7) That’s one of the fastest-growing salaries in the nation!  In Texas, like most states, starting salaries vary by district. They also may depend on your experience. You’ll earn a higher starting salary with a master’s degree than you will with a bachelor’s.

Benefits for Shortage Area Teachers

Teachers in shortage areas often qualify for extra financial aid. If you teach in high-need schools or subjects like math, science, bilingual education or special education, the federal government and many states have created programs to forgive some or all of your student loans .For starters, check out the federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness or Perkins Loan Forgiveness programs. These programs cancel a portion of your remaining student loans—meaning you don’t have to pay them back!—in exchange for a commitment to teach for several years.

Benefits for All Teachers

In Houston, teachers receive comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance—plus secure retirement plans and vacation time. There are a number of ways you can increase your teaching salary, including advanced degrees, leading extracurriculars and pursuing advanced certifications or meeting performance benchmarks.

Learn more on our Salary and Benefits page.

It’s not hard to see why Houston is an attractive city for many people. A rising job market combined with low cost-of-living and great weather make Houston a great choice for starting a career, building a life, and raising your family. 

Labeled the “capital of southern cool” by GQ, Houston’s thriving metropolitan scene, including multiple theaters and museums and NASA's Johnson Space Center, is dedicated to promoting art, science, history and culture. And don’t forget about sports and nature! Houston is home to several professional sports teams and houses lots of green spaces for family fun. In addition to an unlimited amount of leisure activity Houston is a great place to build a life you can truly be happy with. 

  • Living in Houston is more affordable than in many other major metropolitans.
  • It is possible to buy a house in Houston on a modest income.
  • Students have access to all of Texas’ top Universities.
  • Self care is a significant part of Houston culture.

Want to learn more about living in Houston? Take a look at our Why Teach in Houston page to get all the details.

Diversifying the Teacher Workforce

African American teacher with students.

Houston is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse metropolitan areas in the U.S. In 1960, Harris County was 70 percent white and 20 percent Black, but over the past five decades, Houston has formed into a minority-majority city. The county's total population is 31 percent white, 42 percent Hispanic, 19 percent Black and 8 percent Asian. (8)

"All of the region’s ethnic groups are now minorities, all of them called upon to build something that has never existed before in human history—a truly successful, inclusive, equitable, and united multiethnic society that will be Houston, and Texas, and America as the twenty-first century unfolds," said Stephen Klineberg, founding director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

The city needs teachers from all backgrounds and experiences who are committed to shaping the future of the city. Studies show that diversifying the classroom benefits students, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Jobs that can lead to teaching

Here are a few other ways to get experience and better understand the profession.

As a teacher intern, you’ll fly solo in your own classroom while you earn a salary and work toward your credential. You’ll also take classes with an approved partner university or approved instructors, and you’ll likely have a one-on-one coach and regular classroom observations. Internships generally last two to three years, and your internship counts as continuing education to move you up your district’s salary schedule. 

Internships are generally meant for mature educators who may have classroom experience and just need their official teaching license. Internships are also meant to help districts staff harder-to-fill classes, such as STEM and special ed.

 

 

A paraprofessional works in a classroom under an assigned teacher. What they do varies depending on the school's needs, the grade level, and what the students need on any given day (8). Typical work for a paraprofessional might include:

  • Working one-on-one with students to reinforce the day's lessons and answer questions.
  • Taking attendance.
  • Grading assignments.
  • Setting up the classroom for projects and presentations.
  • Supervising kids during recess or on school trips.
  • Developing lessons.

Being a substitute allows you to work in more than one type of classroom. You can gain experience in a wide variety of subjects. Substitute teaching also provides valuable skills for the classroom, such as problem-solving, time management, and experience working with kids.

To become a substitute teacher in Houston you must have a Bachelor’s degree or have earned at least 60 college hours. (9) Recently one of Houston’s larger districts, Humble ISD raise substitute teacher pay by a third in order to attract additional qualified substitute teachers. 

On average: 

  • Substitute teachers who are Texas certified are paid at a rate of $100.00 - $150 per day. (10)
  • Substitute teachers who are degreed but not certified to teach in Texas will receive $90-$120 per day. (10)
  • Substitute teachers who are non-degreed with a minimum of sixty college hours will be paid $80.00 per day. (10)

If you already have a bachelor's degree, from an accredited university to and would like to pursue a teacher certification without completing a traditional teacher certification program, this route is for you. Alternative certification  allows you to be employed as full-time teachers while completing required coursework. The program length may be from one to two years. 

Here are a few Houston educator prep programs that offer alternative certification: 

  • University of Houston
  • University of Houston - Clear Lake
  • Inspire Texas
  • Teaching Excellence 
  • Rice University

Where to Find Jobs in Houston

Female teacher in classroom

Whether you’re a career changer or a new graduate, Houston school districts have a role to fit your aspirations and career goals. The Texas Education Agency regularly updates its job board with new and exciting roles.

Make the Decision

So you’ve decided to become a teacher, now what? No worries we’ve got you covered. In order to start your journey to become an educator in Texas. Here is what you need to do:

Houston area male teacher of color with students.

So you’ve decided to become a teacher. Now what? We’ve got you covered. In order to start your journey to become an educator in Texas, here's what you need to do: 

  • Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Graduate from an approved Texas teacher certification program.
  • Pass Texas certification exams.
  • Submit a state application.
  • Complete fingerprinting for a criminal background check. 

Starting your teaching career may seem like a lot of steps to take, but you are in the right place. Our Become a Teacher page walks you through all the steps. From choosing a pathway, exploring programs, submitting applications, and finding financial aid. 
Get help and guidance from a veteran teacher by signing up for a free one on one coaching session. Download our free certification guide for a complete overview of certification in Texas.

Create a Free Account

Sign up for access to everything we offer, right from your dashboard.

  1. Learn about your certification options.
  2. Explore teacher training programs.
  3. Get support for teaching tests.
  4. Apply for financial aid.
  5. Chat with certification experts via live chat, small group sessions or 1-on-1 meetings.

It’s all FREE and brought to you by the Texas Education Agency and our statewide partners.

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Spring branch teacher reading a book to students

Find a High Demand Job

Teachers and related paraeducators are always in high demand in Houston. Find out what teaching jobs are available in the Houston area and where to find them.

Teachers are in high demand, and the profession is expected to grow in the coming years. Find out how and where you can get in on the action, and build a sustainable, meaningful, fulfilling career while giving back to your community.

Get info on:

  • Why you should consider teaching in Houston
  • What subjects and areas need Houston teachers
  • What you can expect as a Houston teacher
  • How to get started looking for a position—including how you can start teaching without a license 
  • How to take the next steps toward a Texas teaching license

Where Teachers are Needed in Houston

Texas has plenty to offer teachers. (4) The state has recently boosted salaries, and schools are actively looking to find teachers from diverse groups that reflect the cultural, racial, and linguistic diversity of students in Texas classrooms. 

If you’re interested in finding your place in the profession, consider an area where teachers are needed the most. Houston-area schools need teachers in subjects that have a shortage. Want to make a difference for students? You can have a bigger impact in a shortage area. 

Subjects with a teacher shortage

Houston shortage areas include:

  • Bilingual/English as a Second Language (All grades)
  • Career and Technical Education (middle or high school)
  • Mathematics (Middle or high school)
  • Special Education (Elementary, middle, or high school)
  • Technology Applications and Computer Science (Middle or high school)

These shortage areas have been approved by the Texas Education Agency and are eligible for certain Loan Forgiveness benefits.

Learn how Houston science teacher Krystle Dunn is combining her lifelong science learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration to train the next generation.

Whatever your background, as a Houston educator, you can help create more inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms. Students with disabilities, students who are new to the country and students who live in low-income areas especially need strong advocates and imaginative educators.

What To Do if You’re Interested in Teaching Houston

Teaching isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging career that takes creativity, collaboration and problem solving. Luckily, you have plenty of opportunities to work with students of all ages as part of paid tutoring, summer internships or volunteer programs.

Consider opportunities to try teaching and:

  • Get classroom experience before committing yourself to the career. 
  • Practice teaching strategies, lesson planning, classroom management and more. 
  • Make connections in local schools and meet current educators.

 

References

  1. Courtney, N. (2021, September 16). HISD Still Looking for Teachers. NewsRadio 740 KTRH. 
  2. Lopardi, M. (2020, July 9). HISD faces teacher shortage amid COVID-19; seeking to hire 275 teachers. KPRC. 
  3. Public School Teachers in Houston. (2021). Understand Houston. 
  4. What states with the worst teacher shortages are doing to entice teachers to relocate. (2020, April 8). Teach Away. 
  5. Ayala, E. (2019, August 27). Texas is desperate for bilingual teachers, so why aren’t more answering the call? Dallas News. 
  6. Ayala, E. (2019, August 27). Texas is desperate for bilingual teachers, so why aren’t more answering the call? Dallas News. 
  7. Leake, G. (2018, March 18). Texas needs to invest in more bilingual teachers. The Daily Texan. 
  8. Not only is Houston getting more diverse, but residents’ households. (2019, May 14). The Kinder Institute for Urban Research. 
  9. Waddy, T. (2021, September 19). Humble ISD board raises substitute pay by a third to attract additional help. Houston Chronicle.
  10. Pearland ISD 2020-2021 Substitute Pay Rates