Southwest ISD was formed in 1951 and stretches over 115 square miles. It consists of 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, 1 high schools, and 1 academy. It is the 6th largest district in Bexar County instructing over 13,500 students and employing a staff of 2,151. All campuses in the district have received a "Met Standard" rating from the Texas Education Agency. Some schools within the district have been placed among the top 10 schools to integrate technology on campuses and in the classroom. Southwest ISD is also in its 11th consecutive year of receiving a rating of "Superior Achievement" by Schools FIRST. The district offers many programs for students to learn and excel in that will prepare them for their post-secondary goals.

Bilingual Education

Southwest ISD offers a Bilingual Education Program where English language learners can master listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. The program starts off teaching English language learners in their primary language (Spanish) then gradually transition their lessons into mainly English. These students are instructed according to TEKS in addition to art and other elective classes such as music, PE, and health.

Advanced Academics

Southwest ISD offers a series of advanced programs to assist students in achieving their college goals. They offer dual credit courses where students can simultaneously earn high school and college credit that can be used at any public Texas college or university. Core content and some elective courses are available as dual credit courses. They also offer Pre- and Advanced Placement courses where students can experience the rigorousness of college courses and possibly earn college credit through the AP exam. The GT courses they offer teaches with a rigorousness and a depth that will meet the creative and critical thinking needs of students.

The Pathway to College Program is a partnership with College Board that helps students prepare for the PSAT and SAT exams, free of charge. It starts preparing students in the 8th grade and helps them explore colleges, major, and career choices.

Career and Technology Education

Students will have the opportunity to gain certifications and skills that will be useful in the work industry. Students can choose from industries such as:

• Cosmetology
• Business Law
• Culinary Arts
• Health Science
• Welding and more

Pay Scale at Southwest ISD

For the 2014 - 2015 school year, teachers who held a bachelor's degree earned from $50,425 to $66,375. Those who held a master's earned from $51,425 to $69,945, and those who held a doctorate earned $1,000 more than those who held a master's.

San Antonio, Texas

If you are thinking about moving to San Antonio you should know that it is home to university's such as University of Texas at San Antonio, Trinity University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and St. Mary's University. It is also home to attractions such as the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and Fiesta Texas. Also, in downtown San Antonio, you can visit a number of museums such as Ripley's Believe or Not Museum, and you catch a Broadway show at The Majestic Theatre or The Empire Theatre plus so much more!

To learn more about Southwest ISD, their other programs, and what it takes to be a Southwest ISD teacher, visit the district website at www.swisd.net