What they're saying
Cara Malone, HISD's chief of schools, provided information about a memorandum of understanding that the district is pursuing to bring the partnership to fruition in the 2025-26 school year in an Oct. 24 board meeting.
Through the three-year agreement, Malone said, the district will pay Teach for America $6,000 per teacher for the first year, and $3,000 per teacher for the following two years.
Malone said the partnership will bring high-quality educators to the district, as Teach for America is "renowned" for.
This comes as the district has worked to create innovative methods of staffing its classrooms amid enrollment growth.
The details
She said teachers hired through this program will be classroom teachers with experience in a variety of subjects. They will also be responsible for their own housing, she said.
In their own words
Superintendent Jeni Neatherlin highlighted the value of bringing teachers to the district in this manner.
"I will say that it is very hard to qualify to be a teacher for Teach for America," Neatherlin said. "It means they're very qualified."
About the program
Teach for America is an equity-focused organization working to improve educational experiences of children across the country. By participating in this service program, newly graduated teachers gain leadership and job experience, as well as professional development, according to the nonprofit.
