District News

Principal Felicia James views the transition to NES as a way to sustain Foster’s culture of “excellence expected” and grow the high-quality instruction already being practiced at the school.

The campuses joining the NES model include Barrick, Bastian, Benbrook, Burnet, Carrillo, E. White, Foster, Garcia, and Law elementaries. These schools are joining after at least a year of using part or all of the model’s curriculum. 

With a decrease in education graduates and certified applicants, HISD leaders say they are focused on restoring the reputation of teaching as a profession by offering flexible pathways to certification, higher teacher salaries, and strong professional support. 

Current non-degreed employees, including Learning Coaches, paraprofessionals, and teacher assistants, are recruited to complete their teacher certification process while working in the district.

As enrollment challenges persist across urban school systems, HISD is taking a two-pronged approach to early childhood education—growing its PreK footprint while intensifying efforts to connect families to available seats.