A Former Houston ISD Teacher Shares Her Experience
Recently, a former teacher of Houston ISD, who wishes to remain anonymous, revealed her experiences working within the district. She was tasked with developing the African American curriculum at an NES school for the upcoming school year. However, just a week before classes were set to start, she was informed via an automated message that she would need to find another location.
Despite this setback, she accepted a position at Worthing High School, known for its predominantly minority student body. Teaching both Art of Thinking and U.S. history, she faced challenges that led to her eventual decision to leave the district in December 2023. She decided to continue her teaching career at Brazosport and Alvin community colleges before eventually joining Fort Bend ISD.
Her departure from HISD is just one of many, as over 10,000 employees have left the district since the Texas Education Agency took over. This mass exodus, which saw 75% of departures labeled as “voluntary,” has left HISD struggling to fill vacancies left by 2,400 teachers and 76 principals.
Reflecting on her time at Worthing High School, the former teacher expressed concerns about the school’s environment, highlighting instances of improper behavior from the principal and the challenges of teaching students with varying needs, especially in preparation for standardized tests like the STAAR.
The overall situation within HISD seems to be in a state of flux, with declining enrollment figures impacting the number of teacher contracts issued. The district sent out 6,500 contracts at the end of the previous school year, while approximately 250 to 300 teachers were informed that their contracts would not be renewed.
Another HISD parent and former teacher, Melissa Yarborough, shared her reasons for leaving the district, citing issues with district leadership and pressure to adhere to the prescribed curriculum. Her concerns extend to her children’s educational experiences within HISD, particularly noting instances of high teacher turnover and violations of students’ rights and accommodations.
Yarborough also raised questions about the district superintendent’s management style and alleged financial mismanagement concerning the usage of taxpayer funds in charter schools. Her decision to withdraw her children from NES schools reflects a broader sentiment among parents grappling with concerns over declining enrollment and program cuts.
Looking ahead, Yarborough hopes for a positive change in the district’s leadership and a better educational environment for her children. She remains cautiously optimistic about the future of her children’s education outside of the NES program, highlighting the importance of continuous advocacy for better educational practices.
As the HISD faces ongoing challenges and transitions, it is crucial for stakeholders to work together to address systemic issues and prioritize the well-being and education of students.
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