By Meredith-Leigh Pleasants
Manager of Talent and School Support
Houston Teachers are the heroes of our community. Especially now, schools need game-changing educators to ensure that every child in every neighborhood thrives in the Houston of tomorrow. If you are considering an innovative, rewarding, and (yes!) challenging career in teaching, keep reading to find out if teaching in Houston is right for you.
Houston needs teachers who are up for the challenge.
Houston students and families have big dreams for their futures. We need talented teachers who will impart the knowledge and skills to the doctors, engineers, and teachers of tomorrow. Game-changing educators have a deep knowledge of pedagogy and student engagement, and are committed to building relationships with students, families, and their communities.
Virtual learning has given Houstonians a glimpse into the difficult work teachers do every day. In the last year, teachers have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination. A recent poll by Raise Your Hand Texas found that 77% of Texans expressed trust and confidence in the state’s public school teachers—well above the national average. Good Reason Houston celebrates teachers and their work in a variety of ways. To learn more about the amazing teachers in our community, visit our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and search #HoustonLovesTeachers.
Houston needs teachers who are the best and brightest.
Houston teachers are constantly learning and adapting to the needs of 21st century learners. The most successful teachers find opportunities for improvement through personal reflection and professional development.
That hard work pays off; teaching is rewarding in many ways. Public school teachers are eligible for paid time off during the summer, medical and dental benefits, and forgiveness of federal student loans. The average salary for a Harris County teacher is $60,160 (Texas Education Agency). And teachers who are certified in high-needs areas such as bilingual education or special education can expect greater job security and may qualify for higher salaries. Programs proposed in House Bill 3, including the Teacher Incentive Allotment, will increase teachers’ earning potential over time, and we hope that teacher salaries will continue to increase to reflect the quality and value Houston teachers bring to their schools.
In Houston, there are many high-quality teacher preparation programs that give future teachers the tools to lead from the classroom. Colleges, universities, alternative certification programs, and teacher residencies train and certify future teachers. You can earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree while getting certified or you can choose an accelerated program to enter the classroom right away. To learn more about teacher preparation programs in Houston, visit TeachforHouston.org.
Houston needs teachers who are committed to improving outcomes for students.
Houston urgently needs skillful educators who are committed to improving outcomes for students. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, potentially 39,000 fewer students are starting this school year at grade level proficiency in mathematics, and 29,000 fewer students are starting at grade level proficiency in reading. (Read more about Learning Loss here.) We need teachers who are committed to the wellbeing and academic success of their students to improve outcomes for those left behind during the pandemic.
Houston needs diverse, skillful teachers who share similar backgrounds with the students in their school community. According to the National Bureau of Teacher Economic Research, Black students who have one Black teacher by third grade were 13% more likely to enroll in college. Students who had two Black teachers were 32% more likely to enroll in college. A Vanderbilt study found that schools with a greater percentage of Latinx teachers had a greater representation of Latinx students in gifted programs. Teaching provides opportunities to share your life experiences and promote inclusivity so that students of all backgrounds can thrive in your classroom.
Teacher preparation programs are adapting by adding training to navigate virtual learning and the changing education landscape. Choosing a high-quality teacher preparation program can give you the skills to support all students in your future classroom. TeachforHouston.org provides one-on-one coaching, support, and tools to choose the best teacher preparation program for you.
Houston needs teachers like YOU!
A Houston teacher can impact thousands of students in a lifetime. If you are considering becoming a teacher or want to learn more about what it takes to become the game-changing educator Houston needs, visit TeachforHouston.org to learn more about the pathways to become a teacher.
If you, or someone you know, is a game-changing educator in Houston, visit Good Reason Houston’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit TeachersCan! to share your stories and appreciation for the great teachers in your life!
