HISD | Employee News: HISD’s news for district employees

ALL TEACHERS

SEL Thursday Trainings: Please check out the Thursday Trainings series on the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Department Google site. Sessions will cover topics such as Behavior Intervention Strategies, Classroom Management, De-Escalation, and Trauma Informed Practices, providing SEL strategies to support you and student learning. No pre-registration is required, and participants may click the session and time of their choice in real time. Please remember to check with your campus administrator regarding these trainings. While you are checking out this site, please also visit our SEL Relaxation Corner for helpful self-care exercises and the SEL Blog.

New Teachers: Each month, we will spotlight one of the Instructional Practice (IPR) criteria within TADS. This month’s IPR focus criterion is I-2 Checking for Student Understanding and Responds to Misunderstanding. Join us for a live webinar session where we will dive into effective practice strategies that will support your ability to:

• Check for understanding and accurately diagnose student misunderstanding at key moments during a lesson using a variety of methods.
• Adjust lesson to ensure student understanding in response to assessments during the lesson and without interrupting the flow of the lesson.
• Provide feedback throughout the lesson that affirms correctly understood content, clarifies misunderstood content, and extends student thinking.
• Provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge after misunderstood content has been clarified.
• Use clear systems and routines for assessing student understanding during the lesson.

A session will be offered via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. To register, please click here.

Group 1 Automotive: HISD has partnered with the Sterling McCall family of dealerships to offer HISD employees an exclusive Vehicle Buying Program with services designed to save you time and money at all Group 1 Automotive dealerships. Click here to learn more.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council: The Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP) Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) offers the opportunity to transition into a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship program and participate in an “EARN WHILE YOU LEARN” program (work 40+ hours a week and attend apprenticeship class one to two nights a week, earning college credits), including health care and pension benefits, at no cost to you. First-year apprentices will start earning $15 to $25 an hour, plus benefits, with scheduled pay raises every year.

iCEV Virtual CTE Professional Development Seminar: This event will be held Jan. 4-5, 2021. iCEV will host two days of complimentary professional development, and all CTE educators are invited to attend. Whether you are new to iCEV or already an iCEV super-user, this seminar will provide valuable implementation strategies, tools, and resources focused on preparing teachers to adjust to a changing educational landscape. iCEV is an approved HISD vendor. Repeat workshop sessions will be offered in multiple time slots to accommodate a variety of schedules.

National Geographic Educator Certification: This free professional development program recognizes formal and informal educators committed to inspiring the next generation of explorers, conservationists, and changemakers. Challenge yourself to teach about the world in innovative and interdisciplinary ways. You will collaborate with inspiring educators as you generate activities centered around real-world issues and implement them with your students. You will apply the National Geographic Learning Framework, a standards-aligned tool designed to foster an explorer’s mindset. During the course, you will contribute to discussions, write reflections, and develop a multimedia capstone project.

FIVE Network: The FIVE Network connects talented high school students to a team of five influential and caring mentors digitally through the FIVE mobile app. FIVE mentors help students to develop critical life skills, expand their professional networks, and serve as a positive and consistent presence in their lives for five years starting in the ninth grade. Our predictive technologies inform our powerful networks of mentors to teach, inspire, and recruit talent (future and current). We are only accepting students until the end of this calendar year. The deadline is Dec. 31. To learn more about the FIVE Network, contact Isabel Bolivar directly at 571-279-3532 or email isabel@thefivenetwork.com.

CTE Professional Development Opportunities: Our December 2020 virtual training sessions for CTE instructors include Family Consumer Sciences, Understanding Dyslexia in CTE, and GRASPS in CTE. Please register through OneSource Learning to receive credit for self-paced courses. Additionally, view the CTE professional development calendar and the CTE December bulletin for a repository of upcoming self-paced courses, free webinars, free live events, discussion panels, conferences, and supplemental resources for teachers. Please also visit the HISD Career Readiness page on the HUB to find important CTE resources. For HISD OneSource courses, please reference the CTE audience on the calendar. For any OneSource course questions, please email Dr. Stacey Whitmore at SWHITMO1@HoustonISD.org.

Career Tip Tuesday: Teachers, please encourage your students to join our CTE career advisors every second and fourth Tuesday of the month for a mini lesson watch party to help prepare them for a career by learning from expert professionals and educators how to stand out from the crowd. Let them know so they can become competitive job applicants!

ALL TEACHERS

SEL Bulletin Boards: The Social Emotional Learning Department created bulletin boards to remind ourselves of the importance of self-care. Please consider this team building activity for your campus to promote SEL tips for children, parents, teachers, or everyone. Campuses may wish to dedicate an SEL bulletin board per grade level, hallway, cafeteria, or main hallway. Remember to include these boards inside campus newsletters, tweets, announcements, or maybe a campus tour! We hope you take some time to recharge the upcoming week. We recognize, appreciate, and thank you for your commitment to our students. 

Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts: The Office of Special Education Services (OSES) is seeking special education (SPED) teachers and other instructional professionals with a SPED certification to apply for the Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts. The purpose of the aspiring cohorts is to develop a pool of potential SPED leaders to provide timely and relevant instructional support and services to campus leaders, special education teachers, staff, and other stakeholders who serve students with disabilities. Interested applicants may access the applications online via the HISD Careers link – Business Professionals>Special Education Cohort. For more information regarding the timeline, application criteria, and frequently asked questions, click here. For questions related to the Aspiring Cohorts of Special Education Leaders (A.C.S.E.L.), please contact Carolyn Henry via Microsoft Teams or Cattani Frye via Microsoft Teams or email at cattani.frye@HoustonISD.org.

Computer Science: Region 4 is hosting a free computer science panel discussion on Dec. 7 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. for all CTE educators, elementary and secondary curriculum, math and science.  Please register here with Session ID: 1581061. In collaboration with Rice University and Code.org, WeTeach CS at The University of Texas at Austin will be hosting Computer Science webinars for counselors and administrators. Participants will learn about trends and opportunities in computer science, and how our district can open doors to these opportunities for all students.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Arts A/V iHeart Media Virtual Speaker: We have an exciting opportunity for your students to engage with industry professionals from the iHeart Media company during your class. These industry professionals are excited to speak to students interested in radio, production, media, and more. Click here to sign up for your students’ virtual speaker. You will need to include the following information:

• Date: December 2020 – April 2021 (Please keep in mind a minimum of two weeks advance notice is required.)
• Timeframe or class period time
• Your name as a contact person
• Your email
• The approximate number of students (primarily for seniors and juniors)
• They will discuss a little about their company, their occupation, what it is like day-to-day, how to get started in the industry, and what are some of the other careers in the industry. If there are any other specialized areas of interest, please add them.

eDynamic Learning: The platform will have new electives and CTE courses available for next semester! We are excited to announce the new courses that are now available or coming for winter. By the end of 2020, we will offer nearly 200 unique and engaging electives and CTE courses for middle schools and high schools. eDynamic Learning is an approved HISD vendor. All eDynamic Learning digital courses offer school partners a comprehensive curriculum that is suitable for school and home. This offers a continuous learning experience for teachers and students. Click here and here to learn more.

CareerSafe National Youth Safety Essay Scholarship Contest: Students are encouraged to create a written or video essay describing how the OSHA 10-hour training has made an impact in the way they recognize hazards and how it will be a benefit to their future. CareerSafe will select up to four students to be awarded a $500 scholarship each quarter. The contest ends on Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST). Learn more about CareerSafe opportunities.

Capella University: Visit Capella University for free virtual professional development. You will have 60 days to complete any of the foundational courses that focus on setting up, designing, and enhancing instructional materials and methods with technology in the modern classroom. These courses are designed for teachers and teacher leaders with moderate instructional technology use. Find courses that can provide you with the competencies and immediately applicable artifacts to take your lessons to the next level. Each course aligns to a master’s program at Capella University and is available anytime. You can take courses when it is convenient for you.

Safe Holiday Season: Plan for a safe holiday season! Check out these Simple Ways to Protect Yourself, Family and Friends During the COVID-19 Pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and isolating for many people. Gatherings during the upcoming holidays can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. This holiday season, consider how your holiday plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to keep your friends, families, and communities healthy and safe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer considerations to slow the spread of COVID-19 during small gatherings. Click here for more information.

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Do you still have questions or need support in the areas of CTE curriculum for your program of study or industry-based certifications? If so, please reach out to our CTE team for assistance. As you know, CTE content is aligned with challenging academic standards, relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education, and careers in emerging professions. Requests for CTE Curriculum and Certifications Open Lab is open. Please click here to review available openings and schedule a meeting with a specialist.

ALL TEACHERS

SEL Relaxation Corner: Self-care is extremely important especially during these unprecedented times. The SEL Department has launched the SEL Relaxation Corner for teachers and campus staff, to assist them with managing stress and practicing self-care. The sessions will be held every Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15-minute sessions), beginning on Nov. 11. HISD staff are encouraged to attend based on their availability and take advantage of mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Feel free to share this flyer with your campus’s teams and district stakeholders. Please click here to join any session.

Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts: The Office of Special Education Services (OSES) is seeking special education (SPED) teachers and other instructional professionals with a SPED certification to apply for the Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts. The purpose of the aspiring cohorts is to develop a pool of potential SPED leaders to provide timely and relevant instructional support and services to campus leaders, special education teachers, staff, and other stakeholders who serve students with disabilities. Interested applicants may access the applications online via the HISD Careers link – Business Professionals>Special Education Cohort. For more information regarding the timeline, application criteria, and frequently asked questions, click here. For questions related to the Aspiring Cohorts of Special Education Leaders (A.C.S.E.L.), please contact Carolyn Henry via Microsoft Teams or Cattani Frye via Microsoft Teams or email at cattani.frye@HoustonISD.org.

New Teachers: Each month, we will spotlight one of the Instructional Practice (IPR) criteria within TADS. This month’s IPR focus criterion is I-8 Students Actively Participating in Lesson Activities. Join us for a live webinar session where we will dive into effective practice strategies that will support your ability to ensure that:

• Students demonstrate engagement during direct instruction
• Students participate in and complete instructional tasks
• Students volunteer responses to questions
• Students follow teacher directions and ask appropriate questions
• Students display active effort in learning activities during independent work
• Students display active effort in learning activities during group work

A session will be offered via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 6 p.m. To register, please click here.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE): Free on-demand professional development:

• Academic Literacy
• Student Well-Being
• Assessment
• Remote Instruction and Interventions for Learning Loss
• Reading Intervention
• Distance Learning
• Getting Struggling Readers Back on Track
• Future of Work & Job Search in 2021
• Editing Video in Adobe Photoshop
• Cloud Computing  
• Building Dashboards in Excel
• Justice Clearinghouse for Law & Justice Instructors
• Social and Emotional Connection
• Virtual Guided Reading
• Culture of Reading for Teacher Retention
• Effective Technology Professional Learning
• Reading in the Digital World
• Supporting Student Transitions
• Vessel Tracking Webinars
• Maritime Webinars
• NetCom Learning Courses & Webinars

Career Tip Tuesday: CTE teachers, please encourage students to join our Career Advising Team every second and fourth Tuesday for a mini-lesson watch party to help prepare them for a career!

Participants will learn from expert professionals and educators about non-verbal communication and social media etiquette.

Special Education Students: Greater Houston Job Leads & Resources from Greater Houston Talent Partners:

• Pepsi (applicants should select “Pepsi ACT” as their referral source)
• CenterPoint Energy
• Roche
• Centene
• Linde (formerly Praxair)
• Lundbeck
• HSBC
• Bayer
• Lumen

Find more jobs at the Disability Solutions Career Center! Disability Solutions works with employers across the country to attract and hire talent with disabilities. They provide job alerts, free resources for you and your job seekers, and ultimately connect you with employers looking to attract talent with disabilities.

Marvy Finger Family Foundation Scholarship: The Marvy Finger Family Foundation provides full scholarships to qualified students who are interested in learning skills that lead to high-paying, fast-growing jobs. These scholarships are available for Career and Technical Certificate and Degree Programs in a two-year college. Applicants must be seniors at HISD, must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, must meet the federal definition of low socio-economic status/be eligible for free or reduced lunch, must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and must complete FAFSA and submit Student Aid Report (SAR).

Black Creatives Event: DiscoverU has arranged an exclusive invitation for HISD staff and students to attend a free virtual event organized by Boston University’s College of Communication. Black Creatives: Getting Your Foot In The Door And Beyond will be a candid, one-hour conversation designed to help Black creatives navigate the media and communications industries. We will discuss tips and resources for allies, advocates, and accomplices who are looking to create opportunities and empower Black creatives. The application deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 17. Registration is required to receive the event URL. This is a great opportunity for students in Arts, Audio/Video Technology programs of study.

ALL TEACHERS

Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts: The Office of Special Education Services (OSES) is seeking special education (SPED) teachers and other instructional professionals with a SPED certification to apply for the Aspiring Program Specialist and Aspiring Department Chair Cohorts. The purpose of the aspiring cohorts is to develop a pool of potential SPED leaders to provide timely and relevant instructional support and services to campus leaders, special education teachers, staff, and other stakeholders who serve students with disabilities. Interested applicants may access the applications online via the HISD Careers link – Business Professionals>Special Education Cohort. For more information regarding the timeline, application criteria, and frequently asked questions, click here. For questions related to the Aspiring Cohorts of Special Education Leaders (A.C.S.E.L.), please contact Carolyn Henry via Microsoft Teams or Cattani Frye via Microsoft Teams or email at cattani.frye@HoustonISD.org.

Brain Breaks: Brain breaks are structured breaks during times of learning or activity. Research suggests that regular 90-second brain breaks can improve classroom culture and student achievement. Brain breaks are a useful tool for adults and children alike. The benefits of brain breaks include improved attention and focus, reduced stress, and increased self-esteem. Check out these creative ideas for brain breaks.

Annual ESL Summit: Multilingual Programs will hold its second Annual ESL Summit: Bridging the Content to provide professionals with instructional strategies and inspiration to achieve success for all English learners. The virtual event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 14 and provide professional development opportunities for English language educators of all levels, including new sessions for campus administrators. The sessions will offer a variety of English language instructional strategies and resources, and all participants will be entered into a prize giveaway! Register in OneSource and view the course selection guide.

New Teachers: Each month, we will spotlight one of the Instructional Practice (IPR) criteria within TADS. This month’s IPR focus criterion is I-8 Students Actively Participating in Lesson Activities. Join us for a live webinar session where we will dive into effective practice strategies that will support your ability to ensure that:

• Students demonstrate engagement during direct instruction
• Students participate in and complete instructional tasks
• Students volunteer responses to questions
• Students follow teacher directions and ask appropriate questions
• Students display active effort in learning activities during independent work
• Students display active effort in learning activities during group work

Two sessions will be offered via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, Nov. 12 and Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 6 p.m. To register, please click here.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career Awareness Day: Join us on Nov. 12 for Career Awareness Day! Students and adults are invited to join C3 and partner commercial construction industry professionals to learn about exciting careers, interviewing tips, and resume preparation! Students who want to learn about this industry can attend the free virtual event during their class period and gain 30-day access to recorded sessions of engaging speakers through Whova. Register now!

CareerSafe Communication Skills Training: Thefree CareerSafe Communication Skills Training course has a media-rich and mobile-friendly online format that makes it accessible anywhere, anytime. The course consists of interactive modules discussing how to effectively communicate and understanding the importance of superb communication skills. Participants will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful communicator, practice professional communication techniques at an early age, and become more employable, gaining a competitive advantage in the job market. The CareerSafe National Video Contest is officially open and will last through March 1, 2021!

GRASPS in CTE Classrooms: Gain deeper use for student performance assessments in Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms. Learn how to create more authentic and real-world performance tasks using the GRASPS acronym to foster student understanding. This can be used in any classroom. How do you help students think critically ? Do you always use the same assessments? Do you meet students’ individual needs? Do you frame student performances by an explicit purpose or goal? Think about different approaches to assessment. This online course is self-paced and may be taken at any time through OneSource Learning.

Career and Technical Education: Attention CTE Teachers: Do you still have questions or need support in the areas of CTE curriculum and/or industry-based certifications? As you know, CTE content is aligned with challenging academic standards, relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in emerging professions. The CTE Curriculum and Certifications Open Lab is open. Please review available openings and schedule a meeting with a specialist.