Katy Independent School District (ISD) is an outstanding school system that serves approximately 55,000 students in 47 schools across 181 square miles of the area west of the city of Houston, TX. This proximity to Houston and Katy’s own local attractions, including museums, cultural centers, sporting venues, and restaurants continue to make this community an attractive place to live. In addition to these attractions and the low cost of living that residents of Katy enjoy, a 2006 survey reveals that Katy ISD itself is one of the top factors that attract people to the area.

Why Katy ISD?

Katy ISD continues to draw families in part because it has been recognized on both the state and national levels as a place of academic achievement. The Texas Education Agency has awarded thirty-two Katy ISD schools with “exemplary” or “recognized” ratings. Fourteen of the district’s schools have received the National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Award. Students in Katy ISD scored above the state average in every grade level of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, and their SAT and ACT scores also remain above both the state and national averages.

These successes can be attributed in part to the wide variety of programs that Katy ISD offers. Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs often help prepare the 90% of the student population that will continue their studies at the collegiate level. Special education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs, and bilingual instruction offer assistance during the school day to students who need extra help. Quality athletic and fine arts programs also supplement students’ academic experiences, giving them a positive, well-rounded educational experience.

Teaching in Katy ISD

Because of the school district’s fast rate of growth, Katy ISD has a nearly constant need for quality educators. In fact, in the fall of 2008 alone, the school district will open four new schools. Although positions are available across a wide variety of specialties, the need is especially great for special education and bilingual teachers.

Katy ISD has a number of award-winning teachers, including the 2007 Region IV Teacher of the Year. These teachers’ success can be attributed in part to the support they receive from the administration. Teachers across the district can take advantage of instructional specialists, who through developing a coordinated curriculum and offering specialized in-service training help develop educators’ skills in their particular subject areas. The district also offers a number of training workshops and summer programs for teachers and even holds a leadership academy for current or future administrators.

New teachers in Katy ISD earn a starting salary of $42,130. For more information about teaching in this highly-recognized school system, including an online job application, visit the districts’ website: http://www.katyisd.org/

Alternative Certification Programs

If you are interested in joining the more than 3,500 teachers who serve the students in Katy ISD but lack the proper certification, a number of options are available to help you get into the classroom as soon as possible. Going back to school to earn a teaching license is often very difficult for adults, but alternative certification programs make the necessary study possible.

One such program is the Web-Centric Alternative Certification Program (WCACP), an online program that helps future teachers complete teacher preparation from the comfort of home. Because program is conducted online, students have the flexibility to work at their own pace.
If you have a bachelor’s degree and an overall 2.5 G.P.A., you qualify for acceptance into the WCACP.

Thanks to the WCACP, you can be well on your way to teaching in Katy ISD or any other school system in the state of Texas in just a few short weeks!