News & Events
All News
May 15, 2013
Team HISD Extends Teacher Application Deadline
Because of the overwhelming response and interest in teaching positions for the 2013-14 school year, we have decided to extend our spring application deadline to May 22, 2013. Click "Learn More" for additional details. Learn more
Apr 16, 2013
Extending the Reach of Excellent Teachers
Apr 01, 2013
HISD Job Fair Attracts Over 200 Experienced Teachers
More than 200 experienced teachers from across the nation lined up Saturday to learn about HISD job opportunities at an informational session and job fair Saturday at Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. Attendees met one-on-one with principals and staff, and learned about the overall vision and how their experience would help the district in Becoming Great All Over . Learn more
Mar 28, 2013
HISD Repeats as Broad Prize Finalist
For the second consecutive year, HISD has emerged from the pack of the nation’s 75 largest school districts to be named a finalist for the most coveted honor a public school system can win: The Broad Prize for Urban Education. Learn more
Feb 14, 2013
Video Exemplar Library Makes Great Teaching Come Alive
When the Professional Support and Development team gathered feedback from teachers last May, one theme surfaced again and again. Teachers spoke highly of the way the district’s new Instructional Practice rubric gave campuses common language for talking about instruction—but teachers wanted more real-life examples of effective teaching. To build a comprehensive online video library of top HISD teachers in action, PSD worked with principals and teacher development specialists to identify 20 teachers who excelled in areas like differentiating instruction, developing higher-order thinking skills, and promoting high expectations for students. Learn more
Feb 05, 2013
Campus Spotlight: Pin Oak Middle School
To help top teachers at Pin Oak Middle School build long, productive careers in the classroom, Principal Susan Monaghan looks for opportunities to help them grow professionally and have a greater impact across the campus. Learn more
Dec 20, 2012
HISD Now Hiring for the 2013-14 School Year!
Nov 01, 2012
Campus Spotlight: Osborne Elementary School
Located in the Acres Homes community, Osborne Elementary School serves some of Houston’s most at-risk children. To help her students succeed, Ms. Parnell prioritizes finding and keeping excellent teachers such as pre-kindergarten teacher Ms. Alicia Hermosillo and Mr. Adrian Ortiz, a four-time bilingual teacher of the year. Download
Oct 23, 2012
Houston ISD Seniors to Receive $150,000 in Broad Foundation Scholarships
This spring’s Houston Independent School District graduates will receive $150,000 in scholarships from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. The scholarships are a result of HISD being among the four national finalists for the 2012 Broad Prize for Urban Education, which was awarded today to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This was Miami-Dade’s fifth time to be a Broad Prize finalist. HISD won the inaugural Broad Prize in 2002. Learn more
Sep 06, 2012
New School Year Brings New Tools for Teachers
The 2012-2013 school year marks year two of HISD’s revamped teacher appraisal and development system, which was designed to help teachers reach their full potential. In August, all HISD teachers received training and instruction on several changes and new resources available this school year. Learn more
Sep 04, 2012
Two HISD Educators Named ‘Champions of Change’ by White House
Two HISD educators were honored Friday at the White House as “Champions of Change” for their efforts to improve the lives of Hispanic youths. Learn more
Aug 27, 2012
Educators Gear Up for a Brand-New Year
Principals and other campus leaders receive details on next phase of teacher appraisal and development system at Team HISD Welcome Back event Learn more
Aug 07, 2012
New Teachers Get an Introduction to HISD
More than 1,400 new teachers were welcomed to Team HISD by Superintendent Terry Grier – who emphasized their importance as “difference makers” – at a special training and orientation kick-off on Monday at Wheatley High School. Learn more
Jul 03, 2012
Three from HISD Selected for Gates Foundation’s Teacher Advisory Council
Three members of Team HISD have been selected by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help in their efforts to dramatically increase the number of U.S. students who graduate from high school ready for college and careers. In mid July, the trio will join a select group of about 40 other teachers from around the U.S who were handpicked to form the foundation’s Teacher Advisory Council. Learn more
Jul 01, 2012
Role Reversal: HISD’s Professional Development Initiative Helps Teachers Learn
Teachers teach and students learn. But to help teachers be better at the essential work that they do, sometimes those roles have to be reversed. Learn more
Jun 04, 2012
HISD Superintendent Terry Grier Thanks Teachers for their Contributions in the Classroom
Houston Independent School District Superintendent Terry Grier personally called some of HISD’s most effective educators to thank them for their hard work in the 2011-2012 school year Learn more
Jun 01, 2012
A Year of Remarkable Achievement
A reflection from "Talk Supe," HISD Superintendent Terry Grier's Blog Learn more
May 31, 2012
ETI Campus Spotlight: Madison High School
As the principal of Madison High School, Sonja Williams oversees more than one hundred teachers, six appraisers, and more than two thousand students. Her days are busy, but the successful implementation of HISD’s new teacher appraisal and development system is one of her top priorities. Download
May 24, 2012
HISD Honors Two Teachers of the Year for 2011-2012
The 2011-2012 Houston Independent School District teachers of the year were announced tonight during the Team HISD Celebration of Excellence ceremony at the Hiltons Americas Hotel. Lyons Elementary school teacher Ashley Monteil and Hogg Middle school teacher Brian Gaston were selected among 11,000 HISD teachers. Learn more
Feb 22, 2012
Highly Effective Teachers from Other Districts Invited to “Experience HISD”
As part of Core Initiative 1 of HISD’s Strategic Direction—the placement of an effective teacher in every classroom—the Recruitment and Selection team from Human Resources held an interactive info session exclusively for experienced teachers from outside the district on Feb. 11. Learn more
Feb 17, 2012
Dr. Grier Shares Positive Results of ETI With American Association of School Administrators
Dr. Grier addressed attendees at the American Association of School Administrators' National Conference on Education at the George R. Brown Convention Center to tell them about the Houston Independent School District’s Effective Teachers Initiative (ETI), a research-driven plan to ensure that every child in our city, regardless of where they live, is taught by a highly effective teacher. In partnership with The New Teacher Project, Dr. Grier said ETI is producing promising results and allowing our teachers to get the most out of their students.
Jan 31, 2012
Campus Spotlight: Dowling Middle School
Jan 30, 2012
Update on the Teacher Appraisal and Development System: For SDMC Members
Dec 30, 2011
Campus Spotlight: Berry Elementary School
In her five years as Principal at Berry Elementary School, Deborah Silber has done a remarkable job instilling a culture of feedback and trust with her teachers. As a result, her teachers have been able to take advantage of the power that can be achieved through HISD’s new appraisal and development system for teachers—and they’ve seen an immediate impact on their students’ progress. Learn more
Dec 15, 2011
HISD Teachers and Appraisers Meeting for Progress Conferences
Between late November and January, teachers and appraisers will have another dedicated opportunity to focus on instructional practice when they meet for Progress Conferences. During the conference, teachers and appraisers will check in about performance so far this year, go over the goals set in teachers’ development plans, and identify opportunities for professional growth during the rest of the school year. Learn more
Nov 10, 2011
HISD Board of Education Approves Next Step in Effective Teachers Initiative
The Houston ISD Board of Education paved the way Thursday night for the design of new career pathways for highly effective teachers who want to grow professionally and increase their impact on students without pursuing traditional administrative jobs that take them out of classrooms. Learn more
Nov 04, 2011
Latest WOW Video Highlights New Teacher Appraisal and Development System
Walnut Bend and River Oaks ES educators describe how they—and their students—are benefiting. Learn more
Oct 20, 2011
ETI Representatives Trained on How to Support Their Campuses
On October 12, more than 150 HISD teachers and administrators, who have been designated as their schools’ “Effective Teachers Initiative Campus Representatives,” gathered at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center to learn how to keep teachers informed about the initiative this school year. Learn more
Oct 17, 2011
Interview with Ann Best on the Teacher Appraisal and Development System (Video)
Manuel Rodriguez interviews Ann Best, HISD's Chief Human Resources Officer, about the new teacher appraisal and development system for the October 2011 edition of "Faces and Places." Learn more
Sep 29, 2011
Teachers, Appraisers to Start Setting Goals During Month of October
“Life is designed for change, challenges, and conquering,” explained Fondren Middle School math teacher Veronica Perry. “Teachers will embrace the new system because the changes and challenges have been clearly articulated, accomplished administrators will serve as great supporters in teacher development, and most importantly, our students will reach unimaginable levels of academic excellence.” Learn more
Sep 13, 2011
Houston Public Schools Are Better Than You Think
Op-ed by Michael Casserly, the executive director of the Council of the Great City Schools, published in the Houston Chronicle on September 13, 2011. Learn more
Aug 26, 2011
Teachers Get First Taste of New Appraisal and Development System
Educators are excited about opportunities for professional growth. Learn more
May 13, 2011
Teacher Appraisal and Development System Wins Approval from Board of Education
The HISD Board of Education voted to approve a more fair and more meaningful appraisal and professional development system for teachers. Learn more
Apr 14, 2011
Teacher Appraisal and Development System Wins Initial Approval
The HISD Board of Education gave initial approval on April 14 for a more fair and meaningful appraisal and professional development system for teachers. Trustees are expected to vote on whether to give final approval to the new system on May 12. Learn more
Apr 12, 2011
HISD appraisal proposal is a step in right direction
Today, the Chronicle published an article submitted by a group of HISD's teachers regarding the proposal for the new appraisal and development system. Learn more
Apr 07, 2011
HISD Board Discusses Proposal for Better Teacher Appraisal and Development System
The HISD Board of Education on Thursday discussed the final proposal for a more fair and meaningful appraisal and development system for teachers. The proposed system would make several major improvements to the district’s current, 20-year-old appraisal system. It would ensure that all teachers receive the regular, valuable feedback on their performance that they deserve as professionals, as well as individualized support that helps them serve their students more effectively. It would rate teachers based on multiple measures in three major categories—including Student Performance—rather than relying on the results of a single subjective classroom observation, as the current system does. Learn more
Apr 06, 2011
HISD Board to Vote on $40.6 Million in Central Office and Districtwide Budget Reductions
Board members on Thursday will also review the final proposal for a more fair and meaningful appraisal and development system for teachers. The proposal is the result of a six-month design process that involved thousands of HISD teachers, school administrators, parents, and community members. Several teachers and principals who helped lead the design process will present the proposed new system to the Board. Learn more
Feb 03, 2011
HISD Seeks Feedback on Proposed Teacher Appraisal and Development System
All members of the HISD community are invited to attend public forums this month to learn about a draft proposal for a more fair and meaningful appraisal and development system for HISD teachers. Each forum will feature an overview of the proposed new system and opportunities for community members to share their feedback. The forums will be held on Tuesday, February 8 from 4:30-6 pm, Saturday, February 12 from 9-10:30am, and Tuesday, February 15 from 6-7:30pm at Reagan High School. Learn more
Nov 18, 2010
HISD Awarded Second Major Grant in Support of Effective Teachers Initiative
HISD is the recipient of a second major grant in support of its groundbreaking work to put an effective teacher in every classroom. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded a three-year grant totaling $1.5 million, in support of the “Effective Teacher in Every Classroom” core initiative of the district’s Strategic Direction. Learn more
Sep 17, 2010
Effective Teachers Initiative Receives Grant, Participation Encouraged in Design of Teacher Appraisal
One of the most significant milestones in the effective teachers initiative is the design of a new appraisal system for adoption by the Board of Education in spring 2011 and implementation district wide in fall 2011. The District Advisory Committee (DAC) and the Shared Decision-Making Committees (SDMCs) on every HISD campus will engage in the development of the new appraisal process and performance criteria. Learn more
Sep 16, 2010
Laura and John Arnold Foundation Donates $6 Million to Support Effective Teacher Initiative
The Houston-based Laura and John Arnold Foundation has awarded $6 million to the HISD Foundation to support HISD’s goal of having an effective teacher in every classroom. The grant, provided over the next five years, will support the first core initiative of HISD’s Strategic Direction. The district will partner with The New Teacher Project, a national nonprofit organization founded by teachers, to transform the way HISD recruits, supports, and retains teachers. Learn more
Aug 19, 2010
Board Gets Update on Core Initiative of Effective Teachers
At a Board of Education workshop on August 19, trustees received an update on the district’s core initiative of placing an effective teacher in every classroom. As part of that initiative, HISD has refined the staff review process for the 2010–2011 school year. This process will allow principals to reflect on the performance of all their teachers and partner with them to determine professional development goals. The board also was updated on the development of a new teacher appraisal system. Teachers, principals, parents, students, and members of the Houston community will have multiple opportunities to provide input before the final appraisal system is presented to the board for approval in the spring of 2011. Learn more
Aug 12, 2010
Board Adopts a Strategic Direction: A Community Plan to Transform HISD
The long-term plan for dramatically improving student achievement moved from the development stage to the implementation phase when the Board of Education unanimously approved the district's Strategic Direction. The strategic plan contains five core initiatives, or strategies, driven by the Board of Education's Beliefs and Visions. These core initiatives are placing an effective teacher in every classroom and an effective principal in every school, establishing rigorous instructional standards, requiring data-driven decisions and accountability, and creating a culture of trust through action. The Strategic Direction was developed over six months of analysis and community input and will guide the district's improvement efforts for the next several years. Learn more