
As a teacher at a school in HCDE, you can make a difference in our community and impact the daily lives of children while forging lifelong relationships. Here you will work with a unique student population in small classes and a family-oriented learning environment.
Come work at a Houston Top Workplace with a positive culture and climate, high ranked salaries, dual retirement programs and where work-life balance is a true priority.
HCDE runs four special schools in the greater Houston area that serve students with various special needs and situations. These schools include:

ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIOR
SCHOOLS EAST AND WEST
HCDE’s two AB schools are dedicated to students with disabilities, including those with autism and profound emotional, behavioral, and/or intellectual special needs. The AB schools, which are state-approved, provide students with the skills needed to live independently, contribute to society and manage their behavior. The AB Schools boast structured classes, low student-to-teacher ratios, and a behavior-focused curriculum. Learn more about ABS East and ABS West.
In 2020, HCDE opened a new ABS West campus, with the new building having unique features specifically designed to support students with special needs, including a calming color palette, curved walls, a sensory room, and an inclusive playground designed specifically to support students with physical disabilities.
Teachers at the AB Schools enjoy small classes, top salaries in the county, a standard work-day with little to no extra-curricular duties, and a 191-day calendar.
Join the HCDE team today! Apply NOW!
Starting Teacher Salary Range: $67,750 – $77,264
Fortis Academy
Fortis Academy is a public recovery high school dedicated to students dealing with substance abuse. The recovery school, which has a maximum of 60 students at any one time, seeks to change the paradigm from punishment to support for students dealing with drug and alcohol issues. Fortis provides a high-quality education in a sober environment through state aligned academics, accredited rehabilitation treatment, individual and family counseling and support for students in social situations. Students can also elect to earn a SafeServ certificate through a state-of-the-art Culinary Program in a commercial kitchen. Learn more about Fortis Academy.
Join the Fortis team today!
Starting Teacher Salary Range: $67,750 – $77,264


Highpoint Middle And
High School
Highpoint Middle and High School, affectionately known as “The Point”, serve students in grades 6-12 who need an alternative learning environment to succeed. Most students who attend Highpoint have been placed there by their district as part of a disciplinary alternative educational placement or through the court system. Highpoint offers students a high-quality, state aligned educational experience that not only supports students with academics, but helps them with social and emotional challenges so they can successfully transition back to their home school.
Highpoint teachers must be certified to teach in Texas. Like all HCDE teachers, they enjoy top ranked salaries, small classes and little to no extra-curricular activities. Learn more about Highpoint.
Be a part of The Point and help a child find a path to success!
Starting Teacher Salary Range: $67,750 – $77,264
FEATURED JOBS:
Teacher — Special Education
Primary Purpose:
Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully at the home campus, in their personal lives and in society.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
Texas Teacher Certificate with endorsement in subject and level assigned
Special Education certificate required if assigned to an Academic and Behavior Center
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
- Ability to communicate effectively orally as well as written expression
- Ability to instruct multiple levels of students
- Ability to work within a specified behavior management system
- Ability to learn and utilize specialized therapeutic restraint techniques to control student behavior when appropriate
- General knowledge of computer systems and software applications
- Experience working with students with special needs and students in at-risk situations
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional Strategies
- Develop and implement plans for the adopted curriculum program (TEKS Resource System) and show written evidence of preparation as required.
- Assess students and prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual differences.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional / learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students assigned.
- Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), board policies, and administrative regulations.
- Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with the needs and capabilities of the student groups involved.
- Consistently assess student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Cooperate with other members of the staff including client districts, in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements.
- Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for the educational aide(s) and/or volunteer(s).
- Employ the use of technologies in the teaching/learning process.
Student Growth and Development
- Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
- Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
- Serve as a positive model that supports the mission of the department and client districts..
- Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and/or feeding of students as stated in Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
School/Classroom Organization Management
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
- Establish control in the classroom and administer discipline in accordance with board policies and administrative regulations.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
- Consult with client districts and outside resource personnel regarding the education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
- Assist in managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including restraining disruptive or dangerous physical behavior as needed.
- Conduct physical student searches.
- Cooperate in safety inspections and safety drill practice activities.
Communication
- Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents.
- Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, client representatives and community members.
- Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
- Maintain the confidentiality of information.
- Treat all staff with dignity, integrity and respect.
Professional Growth and Development Policy Implementation
- Participate in the district/campus staff development program.
- Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
- Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
- Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents in a timely manner.
- Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Primary Location
Academic and Behavior School East
Salary Range
$67,750 – $73,264 / Per Year
Shift Type
Full-Time
Teacher — Special Education
Primary Purpose:
Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully at the home campus, in their personal lives and in society.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
Texas Teacher Certificate with endorsement in subject and level assigned
Special Education certificate required if assigned to an Academic and Behavior Center
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
- Ability to communicate effectively orally as well as written expression
- Ability to instruct multiple levels of students
- Ability to work within a specified behavior management system
- Ability to learn and utilize specialized therapeutic restraint techniques to control student behavior when appropriate
- General knowledge of computer systems and software applications
- Experience working with students with special needs and students in at-risk situations
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional Strategies
- Develop and implement plans for the adopted curriculum program (TEKS Resource System) and show written evidence of preparation as required.
- Assess students and prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual differences.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional / learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students assigned.
- Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), board policies, and administrative regulations.
- Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with the needs and capabilities of the student groups involved.
- Consistently assess student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Cooperate with other members of the staff including client districts, in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements.
- Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for the educational aide(s) and/or volunteer(s).
- Employ the use of technologies in the teaching/learning process.
Student Growth and Development
- Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
- Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
- Serve as a positive model that supports the mission of the department and client districts..
- Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and/or feeding of students as stated in Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
School/Classroom Organization Management
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
- Establish control in the classroom and administer discipline in accordance with board policies and administrative regulations.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
- Consult with client districts and outside resource personnel regarding the education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
- Assist in managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including restraining disruptive or dangerous physical behavior as needed.
- Conduct physical student searches.
- Cooperate in safety inspections and safety drill practice activities.
Communication
- Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents.
- Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, client representatives and community members.
- Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
- Maintain the confidentiality of information.
- Treat all staff with dignity, integrity and respect.
Professional Growth and Development Policy Implementation
- Participate in the district/campus staff development program.
- Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
- Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
- Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents in a timely manner.
- Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Primary Location
Academic and Behavior School West
Salary Range
$67,750 – $73,264 / Per Year
Shift Type
Full-Time
Teacher — Science/Composite Certified 9–12
Primary Purpose:
Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth. Enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully at the home campus, in their personal lives and in society.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Texas Teacher Certificate with endorsement in subject and level assigned
- Special Education certificate required if assigned to an Academic and Behavior Center
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- General knowledge of curriculum and instruction
- Ability to communicate effectively orally as well as written expression
- Ability to instruct multiple levels of students
- Ability to work within a specified behavior management system
- Ability to learn and utilize specialized therapeutic restraint techniques to control student behavior when appropriate
- General knowledge of computer systems and software applications
- Experience working with students with special needs and students in at-risk situations
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Instructional Strategies
- Develop and implement plans for the adopted curriculum program (TEKS Resource System) and show written evidence of preparation as required.
- Assess students and prepare lessons that reflect accommodation for individual differences.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional / learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect accommodation for individual needs of students assigned.
- Present the subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), board policies, and administrative regulations.
- Employ a variety of instructional techniques and media, consistent with the needs and capabilities of the student groups involved.
- Consistently assess student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Cooperate with other members of the staff including client districts, in planning and implementing instructional goals, objectives, and methods in accordance with district requirements.
- Plan and supervise purposeful assignments for the educational aide(s) and/or volunteer(s).
- Employ the use of technologies in the teaching/learning process.
Student Growth and Development
- Assist students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
- Assess the accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required.
- Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned.
- Serve as a positive model that supports the mission of the department and client districts.
- Provide or supervise personal care, medical care, and/or feeding of students as stated in Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
School/Classroom Organization Management
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of students.
- Establish control in the classroom and administer discipline in accordance with board policies and administrative regulations.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Assist in the selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials.
- Consult with client districts and outside resource personnel regarding the education, social, medical, and personal needs of students.
- Assist in managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including restraining disruptive or dangerous physical behavior as needed.
- Conduct physical student searches.
- Cooperate in safety inspections and safety drill practice activities.
Communication
- Establish and maintain open lines of communication with students and their parents.
- Maintain a professional relationship with all colleagues, students, parents, client representatives and community members.
- Use acceptable communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
- Maintain the confidentiality of information.
- Treat all staff with dignity, integrity and respect.
Professional Growth and Development Policy Implementation
- Participate in the district/campus staff development program.
- Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
- Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
- Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents in a timely manner.
- Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Primary Location
Salary Range
$62,800 – $68,214 / Per Year
Shift Type
Full-Time