You'll find it in Aldine 2006.indd - Aldine Independent School District

Welcome toAldine ISDWelcome to Aldine Independent School District! Whether you are a parent, student, universitypartner, or considering Aldine ISD as your district to student teach—Thank You for wantingto learn more about Aldine ISD.Our vision is to produce the nation’s best. In keeping with that vision, Aldine ISD earned sixconsecutive Recognized ratings for academic achievement from the Texas Education Agencyand is regarded across Texas and the nation as a high performing school district. We continuouslyplan strategies to support the acquisition, mastery and application of skills for all ourstudents and are aligning our departments to ensure that academic achievement remains ourmost important focus.This information guide is provided to help you become more acquainted with our district.For more information, please be sure to visit our website or call us!Again, thank you for your interest in Aldine!Nadine KujawaSuperintendent of Schools4

Aldine ISDat a GlanceStudent DemographicsEthnicityPercentHispanic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60.8%African American . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32.2%Anglo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8%Asian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1%LocationAldine Independent School District, aleader in education, is located 17 miles northof downtown Houston, Texas and sits in thenorth quadrant of Harris County. Aldine ISDencompasses more than 111 square miles ofland in both urban and rural environments.Two major freeways border Aldine ISD (I-45Nand I-59N) and the North Beltway 8 crossesthrough our district.Aldine Independent School District is justa short drive from the Gulf of Mexico—aboutan hour—and all the activity and recreationof a beach-front community. San Antonioand the world-famous river walk, Dallas/Fort Worth and historical stockyards, CorpusChristi, and Austin with its unique music andentertainment offerings are just a few hoursfrom Aldine ISD.Our StudentsAldine Independent School District hasa student population exceeding 58,000 students.Our student population is both ethnicallyrich and economically diverse. Ourstudent demographics are as diverse as ourteaching staff.Students in Aldine ISD come from a varietyof economic settings. Seventy-three percentof our students are classified as beingeconomically disadvantaged.Westfield Road. Meetings are held on thethird Tuesday of each month unless there areconflicts with other important dates.EmployeesAldine Independent School Districtemploys almost 8,000 people in a variety ofroles. Approximately 4,000 of those employeesare teachers.Teacher SalariesIn 2005, Aldine teachers enjoyed a 3%pay increase. This follows a 2004 pay increaseof 4%. First-year teachers in Aldine ISD enjoyone of the highest salaries in Texas (top 1%),and with critical need stipends, many enjoy aneven higher starting salary. Over the past tenyears, our base salary for a starting teacher hasincreased more than 61%. Experienced teacherswho are new to Aldine ISD are also givencredit for their prior years of experience.AccreditationAldine Independent School District holds fullaccreditation from the Texas Education Agency.6Magnet school students rehearsefor a performance. Aldine ISD’s awardwinning Magnet School programincludes 16 unique strands startingin the elementary school and continuingthrough high school!Governing BodySeven elected community members, servingthree-year terms, comprise the Board ofEducation. These trustees serve on a voluntarybasis and hold monthly public meetingsat 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room, 14910 Aldine

Our HistoryHow did we get our name?There are many stories about how Aldinegot its name. Nobody is certain, but manybelieve the name originated in the 1800’swhen the Campbell family owned a hotel andstore near the current location of the M.O.Campbell Center. As trains stopped near thestore and hotel to switch cars, people on thetrain could take a break and eat at the hotel.The conductor announced this by shoutingthrough the cars calling “All Dine!”Our BeginningsThe first school in Aldine ISD was a smallwooden building with just two rooms. Asmore students moved into the Aldine area,a larger, four room building was erectedin 1912. In 1936, the first brick school wascompleted—the Marrs School. The MarrsSchool housed 450 with 14 teachers providinginstruction.Marrs High SchoolIn 1935, settlers in the Aldine, Brubaker,Higgs, and Westfield communities held anelection and Aldine Independent SchoolDistrict was formed. This small communityof farmers continued to expand and develop.Stories detailing early life in the Aldinearea are rich with recollections of family fun,sports outings, and agriculture. Promotedas a land of opportunity, many settlers andfarmers moved to Aldine to grow citrus cropsand figs.Today, Aldine is a much different placethan it was in 1935. Few of the citrus treesare still standing, and only a handful of thefig trees are left. With more than 58,000 students,70 buildings, one of the largest fleet ofbuses in the country, and an annual budgetthat exceeds 1/3 of a billion dollars, AldineISD has grown from humble beginnings intoone of the largest school districts in the state.While we still embrace our heritage withan annual livestock show, we have becomea progressive urban school district. We arediverse, we are dedicated, and we are producingthe nation’s best!Time Table1835 Earliest known settlers arrive.1871 Earliest located map that lists currentdayAldine as Greens.1873 Railroad is placed through Greens andname changed to Prairie Switch.1888 Name changed from Prairie Switchto Aldine. Ferris W. Colby begins promotingAldine’s land and two yearslater Aldine sees influx of settlers.1907 Colby files map for Township of Aldine.1912 Second school house is constructed.1932 The first school board is formed withThomas Francis as board president.1935 Consolidation of Common District #29into Aldine Independent School District.1936 S.M.N. Marrs High School is constructed.1954 Unhappy residents form a tax-cuttingmovement (Aldine Taxpayer’sAssociation) in protest of a propertyre-evaluation. Aldine High Schoolburns to the ground.1956 Aldine Taxpayer’s Association gainstemporary control of the schoolboard. Lawsuits and counter lawsuitsprove costly as the board fires administratorsunder contract.1959 Turnover of professional personnelreached 25%. By mid-April the districtis unable to meet its payroll andschools are closed. In October a newschool board is elected.1960 District launched an aggressive buildingprogram.1969 Houston Intercontinental Airportopened and serves together with theNorth Beltway as a catalyst for fastpacedgrowth throughout the district.1996 M.O. Cambell Educational Centeropened with 111,000 square feet andseats for 5,000 people.7

Our SchoolsCurtis M. Magrill Elementary SchoolWilmer T. Hall Center for EducationAldine Ninth Grade SchoolThroughout Aldine ISD, you will see adedication to learning—from our teachingstaff to our transportation program; from ourmagnet schools program to the design of ourbuildings. Aldine houses more than 58,000students on 68 campuses. These include:Even Start Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Head Start Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4EC/PK Campuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Elementary Campuses . . . . . . . . . . . 33Intermediate Campuses . . . . . . . . . . . 9Middle Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Ninth Grade Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4High Schools (Traditional) . . . . . . . . . . 4Magnet High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Night High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Accelerated Academics Campus . . . . . . . 1Alternative Campuses . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Specialized Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Head Start CentersJesse Hinojosa EC/Pre-K CenterJerry D. Keeble EC/Pre-K CenterJosé de Santiago EC/Pre-K CenterEdward A. Vines EC/Pre-K CenterEarly Childhood /Pre-Kindergarten CentersJesse Hinojosa EC/Pre-K CenterJerry D. Keeble EC/Pre-K CenterJosé de Santiago EC/Pre-K CenterEdward A. Vines EC/Pre-K CenterElementary Schools (Grades K-4)Aldine Elementary SchoolA.B. Anderson Academy (Grades 1-2)Mary M. Bethune Academy (Grades 3-4)Kenneth Black Elementary SchoolDouglas B. Bussey Elementary SchoolO.V. Calvert Elementary SchoolWilliam R. Carmichael Elementary SchoolInez Carroll AcademyLola Mae Carter AcademyR. C. Conley Elementary SchoolClifford M. Dunn Elementary SchoolWillie B. Ermel Elementary SchoolThomas B. Francis Elementary SchoolRalph G. Goodman Elementary SchoolThomas B. Gray Elementary SchoolEarl & Hazel Harris AcademyBeulah E. Johnson Elementary SchoolEllen B. Lane School (Grades EC-12)Curtis M. Magrill Elementary SchoolGaining Appropriate PerformanceErnest F. Mendel Elementary SchoolWeaver A. Odom Elementary SchoolGus A. Oleson Elementary SchoolOrange Grove Elementary SchoolGrace Raymond AcademyVersa V. Reece Academy (Grades Pre-K/K)Gloria B. Sammons Elementary SchoolJ. Ruth Smith AcademyRichard & Kitty Spence Elementary SchoolMary W. Stephens Elementary SchoolWalter & Inez Stovall AcademyEvelyn S. Thompson Elementary SchoolBill Worsham Elementary School8W.W. Thorne Stadium andM.O. Campbell Educational Center

Intermediate Schools (Grades 5-6)Voyde Caraway Intermediate SchoolLawrence A. Eckert Intermediate SchoolVera Escamilla Intermediate SchoolJewell Simpson Houston AcademyNorthwest Intermediate SchoolOtice L. Parker Intermediate SchoolRuby M. Reed AcademyLillian H. Stehlik Intermediate SchoolBill J. Wilson Intermediate SchoolAldine Elementary SchoolMiddle Schools (Grades 7-8)Aldine Middle SchoolCharles R. Drew AcademyThomas S. Grantham AcademyMattie Hambrick Middle SchoolFloyd Hoffman Middle SchoolWillman J. “Bill” Plummer Middle SchoolRay L. Shotwell Middle SchoolThomas J. Stovall Middle SchoolMattie A. Teague Middle SchoolWillman J. “Bill” Plummer Middle SchoolNinth Grade /Senior High Schools (Grades 9-12)Aldine Ninth Grade SchoolEisenhower Ninth Grade SchoolMacArthur Ninth Grade SchoolNimitz Ninth Grade SchoolAldine High School (10-12)G. W. Carver High School for AppliedTechnology, Engineering & the Arts (9-12)Dwight D. Eisenhower High School (10-12)Wilmer T. Hall Center for Education (9-12)Douglas A. MacArthur High School (10-12)Chester W. Nimitz High School (10-12)Jewell Simpson Houston AcademyMacArthur Senior High School9

OurMagnet SchoolsPossibilities. Opportunities. These wordsdescribe the magnet schools of AldineIndependent School District.Magnet schools are schools of choice forstudents and parents. Outstanding programsare available on 18 campuses under themesincluding International Baccalaureate, mathematics,science, performing and visual arts,communications, technology, Montessori,direct instruction, engineering, environmentalstudies, leadership, multi-language, internationalstudies and international economics.Students—beginning in pre-kindergartenthrough high school—are eligible to enjoythese offerings, provided they apply. Studentsare selected through an electronic lottery.Testing is not required.Aldine ISD is careful, however, to ensure thatall of the district’s students receive qualityeducations, regardless of whether studentschoose to apply and are selected to attendmagnet schools. Magnet schools aren’t superiorto the educational programs offered onour traditional campuses, just different.Visiting magnet schools can be quite stimulatingto the senses. During a casual stroll downthe corridors of one campus, for example, thedistinct sounds of stringed instruments—violinsor guitars—can be heard in classroomsserving students as young as pre-kindergarten.On another campus, students are electinga mayor or building a bridge. Outsideanother, children are experimenting with theaid of an outdoor environmental lab.The possibilities to become, the opportunitiesto learn are limited only by our imagination.For more information about the MagnetSchool programs or any other Aldine ISDprogram please call 281-449-1011.11

Meet OurGraduatesAlberto GonzalesU.S. Attorney General,MacArthur High School,Class of 1973“Every journey begins with a step. Myjourney to the White House began inthe halls of MacArthur High School.”In November 2004, Alberto Gonzaleswas named by President George W. Bushto succeed John Ashcroft as AttorneyGeneral to the United States, becoming the first Hispanic to serveas the nation’s top law enforcement officer.Al Gonzales attended the United States Air force Academy andearned degrees from Rice University and Harvard Law School. Priorto his service in the White House, he served as Justice on the TexasSupreme Court, Secretary of State for Texas, General Counsel toGovernor Bush, and a partner with the law firm of Vinson & Elkins.Among his numerous professional and civic activities, he has servedon the board of directors of the State Bar of Texas, as president ofthe Houston Hispanic Bar Association, and president of LeadershipHouston.Angela StaggsLanguage Arts Teacher,Aldine Middle SchoolNimitz High School,Class of 1996Angela Staggs began her educationin Aldine in fourth grade atMagrill Elementary. Not long after, itbecame very apparent that she wasstruggling in school. Reading was aproblem – a significant problem – thatcaught up with her in sixth grade.“Because of the dedication of my reading teacher, working tirelesslywith my parents and myself, I was able to reach the level Ineeded to be on.”Throughout the following years at Teague Middle and Nimitz High,where she graduated in 1996, Angela became very successful inboth reading and English.“This took a lot of hard work, but she (teacher) inspired me to wantto help children succeed. I now teach seventh grade language artsat Aldine Middle.”12Jane NixTravel Web Site Editor, CNNNimitz High School,Class of 1988“I think my education in Aldineschools prepared me very well forboth college and for my job atCNN. I feel I had a solid foundationin all subjects, and so many of myteachers were skilled not only inimparting knowledge but also inmaking learning fun. (I) have always felt that myeducation was just as good as, if not better than, the educationmy college classmates and CNN colleagues who went to privateschools received.”Viewers of CNN Headline News may recall seeing the name “JaneNix” among the credits for producer. For nine years, Jane workedfor the cable news channel and had a hand in selecting the contentfor stories of national and global importance.Jane earned degrees in Political Science and Sociology from EmoryUniversity in Atlanta and was hired by CNN shortly after graduation.Aaron GlennCornerback, Dallas Cowboys,Nimitz High School,Class of 1990“The Aldine school district is diverse, andI really learned how to get along withdifferent kinds of people. Beyond thediversity, however, the teachers and stafftaught us not to settle for less but alwayswork toward something bigger in life.They told us that we should go to college,get a good job, and keep striving. I’m notsatisfied with making the Pro Bowl. I’m aiming for the Hall of Fame.”It would be difficult to find a school district that has produced moreprofessional athletes than Aldine ISD, and Aaron Glenn is amongthe very best that Aldine has produced. Aaron attended TexasA&M University where he was twice named All-American and All-Southwest Conference.In 1994, he was selected as a first-round draft choice by the NewYork Jets. Aaron returned home in 2002 and joined the HoustonTexans and is now a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He has been tothree Pro Bowls during his 12-year career.

Aldine ISD isRecognizedAcademic AchievementAldine Independent School District ranksamong the state’s high performing schooldistricts according to data published by theTexas Education Agency (TEA). The districtearned a Recognized rating for six consecutiveyears. Aldine ISD was named as one offive national finalists two years in a row forthe coveted BroadPrize for UrbanEducation.In 2006, Aldine ISD was named thewinner of the prestigious Texas Award forPerformance Excellence (TAPE), becoming oneof only two school districts in Texas to haveever earned the award. TAPE is an annual recognitionby theQuality TexasFoundation forTexas organiza-tions that excel in performance and theapplication of quality and customer satisfactionprinciples. Quality Texas Board ChairmanDavid Branch praised AISD for its commitmentto excellence. “I am pleased toannounce the selection of Aldine ISD as oneof the four recipients of the Texas Award forPerformance Excellence. The men and womenassociated with this school district have seta new standard for excellence through theirdiligent effort in the pursuit of performanceexcellence.”In addition to the TAPE award, Aldine isranked as one of the five best large schooldistricts in Texas for educating Latino students,and is ranked second among largeschool districts in Texas for educating AfricanAmerica students, according to studies conductedby Texas A&M University.Visual and Performing Artsand Physical EducationAccomplishmentsIn addition to being named one of thebest school districts in the nation in educatingminority students, a national survey identifiedAldine Independent School District as one ofthe top 100 best places for children to receivea music education. The survey was conductedby the American Music Conference,the Music Teachers National Association, theNational School Board Association, YamahaCorporation of America, and the VH1 Savethe Music Foundation. Each year our band,choir, and performing arts students garnermany local and national awards. In 2004,we were awarded “Best of Show” at the LADance Force Competition and the Aldine HighSchool Band received “Grand Champion” atthe Dallas Heritage Festival.The visual arts program in Aldine ISD isvery strong. Year after year, many of our studentsrecieve Superior ratings from the state(Visual Scholastic Art Event), capture stateand national Scholastic Art Awards, and aretop winners at the Houston Livestock Showand Rodeo and CULTUREShapers.For many years, the school district’s physicaleducation and wellness program has beenon the cutting edge. Instead of the typicalteam sports that dominated schools in yearspast, our curriculum includes individual sportssuch as inline skating, biking and kayaking.In an effort to increase healthy eating andexercise habits, schools are also incorporatingpedometers and the CATCH (CoordinatedApproach to Child Health) program. The schooldistrict has even garnered national recognition.NBC Nightly News aired a national broadcastthat included Aldine ISD’s innovative physicaleducation and wellness programs!School BoardAldine Independent School District’sschool board was one of 24 school boardsacross the nation and the only one in Texas toreceive the coveted 1999 Magna Award fromthe American School Board Journal. The boardwas also named the 1998 Outstanding SchoolBoard of Texas by the Texas Association ofSchool Administrators.13

Top 25 Reasonsto Work in AldineCompetitive Teacher SalaryOur teacher salary package is very competitivein comparison with school districts in thearea.Critical Needs Supplement PayAISD pays an annual supplement up to $4,000to individuals who teach in “Critical NeedAreas”. Critical Need Areas are comprised ofthe following:• Montessori. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500• ESL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,000• 7-12th Math, Science, Reading; EC-12thSpecial Education (AB, PSC/HRD, Life Skills,VI, Autistic, Deaf Ed); Certified assessmentspec./speech pathologist. . . . . . . . $3,000• All levels bilingual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,000Please visit the Aldine website for specificplan details: www.aldine.k12.tx.us. Referto the “Employment” tab and the “SalarySchedule” section.Longevity PayBeginning with the third year of employment,professional employees earn $100 peryear for each year of service at Aldine ISD.Employees may earn up to $2,000 of longevitypay.Performance Pay (TAKS)School employees receive monetary rewardsfor excellence in instruction of students ontheir campus. This amount could be up to$1,000.Incentive Pay forRecruiting TeachersAn incentive will be paid to current Aldineemployees who recruit qualified teachers. Therecruited teachers must teach in the districtone full year and the incentive will be paidin June or January. Incentives are paid in twocategories:Category ICritical need areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500Category IIAll other subject areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $300Great BenefitsAldine ISD employees enjoy a great selectionof benefits that meet their individual needs.401 (a) Matching Plan forRetirement SavingsIn September 2000, AISD proudly introduceda retirement savings matching plan.Employees who contribute to a tax-shelteredannuity will receive up to .5% of their annualgross compensation.Employees who have excellent attendance(.5 to 2 days of absence) earn an additional.5 % of their annual gross compensation.Employees who have perfect attendance(zero absences) earn an additional 1% oftheir annual gross compensation.457 / 403(b) Retirement PlansTwo payroll deducted retirement saving plansare available to supplement your TRS retirementannuity. These plans give you the flexibilityand vehicle to plan your future.Alternative Certificationand Tuition Reimbursement/AssistanceEmployees successfully completing theAlternative Certification Program in a criticalneed area receive up to $2,500 financialassistance payable to the program.Onsite EducationalAdvancement OpportunitiesMasters and doctoral degrees are offeredthrough partnerships with Sam Houston StateUniversity, Texas A&M University, PrairieView A&M University, and the University ofHouston-Downtown.New Teacher Induction AcademyThe New Teacher Induction Academy immediatelyprecedes the start of the school year.Teachers are given materials, supplies, andinstruction to make the transition to AldineISD a snap.Service Recognition BanquetsEmployees who work 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and30 plus years are invited to an elaborate banquetthat honors their Aldine service. Pins areindividually awarded in recognition of theirdedication to the district. Employees who arerecognized for 25 years of work are honoredwith a silver tea service.Education of Employees’ ChildrenEmployees who reside outside of the district’sboundaries may enroll their children in anAldine school nearest to their place of employment.Aldine ISD has been recognized by thestate of Texas for the academic achievementof students for six (6) consecutive years.Retirement of School LoansFor each year of service at Aldine ISD, certainschool loans may be reduced by a definedpercentage. Please check with your lendinginstitution to see if your loan qualifies forreduction or cancellation.Staff Development/EnrichmentThree different levels of staff development areoffered for employee growth and enrichment.District staff development is offered four (4)days per year. Ongoing staff development isoffered after work and on Saturdays throughoutthe year. Summer staff developmentoffers intensive one- to three-week coursesduring the summer months.Annually, $300 scholarships are awardedto six professional employees with two ormore years of employment at AISD. Themoney may be used to fund college coursework,workshops, seminars and trade schoolcourses.14

Mentor ProgramAldine’s Mentorship Program provides a mentorfor all first-year teachers. The program’sgoal is to ensure success of first-year teachersthrough the mentor’s support and assistance.The mentor works with the novice teacher forthe entire school year. In addition, each campushas a mentor coordinator who monitorsand oversees the program.Health InsuranceThe district offers a multitude of medicalbenefits that meet your needs. The districtcontributes a fixed amount per month towardthe cost of each employee’s medical insurancepremium. The annual contribution madeby Aldine ISD exceeds $3,300 per employee.Visit the website at www.aldine.k12.tx.us fordetails.Sick and Personal DaysEach year, employees accrue sick leave, composedof local and personal days in eachcategory. Employees accrue one-half (1/2)day for each 18 days of employment. Thetypical teacher would earn five (5) days ineach category for a total of 10 days per year.The maximum number of local days that canbe accumulated is capped at 60. Unused personaldays continue to accumulate.Employees who do not have sick days availableand are not able to perform their dutiesdue to a medical condition may requestdonated sick days from co-workers. Recipientsmay acquire up to 30 donated sick days perschool year.AFERS – Aldine Foundation forEmployee Relief and ScholarshipAldine Foundation for Employee Relief andScholarship (AFERS) assists staff memberswho have fallen on hard times. Funds for thefoundation are raised by employees.Payment of Sick Days UponRetirementEmployees who qualify for service retirementthrough the Teacher Retirement System (TRS)of Texas may receive payment for up to 60accrued sick days from Aldine ISD at the currentdaily rate. The payment of sick days ismade into a tax-deferred 401(a) plan.Job SharingUpon a principal’s approval, two (2) employeesmay share teaching positions. Employeeswho share positions are eligible for insurance,but are not eligible for the 401 (a) MatchingPlan and other employee benefits. Sharedpositionteachers are eligible for local andpersonal days.Teacher Retirement System of TexasSince 1937, TRS has provided substantial pension,death and disability benefits to Texaspublic school employees. When retirementrequirements have been met, TRS pays alifetime annuity.Please visit the TRS website for further details:www.trs.state.tx.us.Teacher’s AidStarting out as a teacher new to Aldine ISDcan be difficult with many expenses. TheInvesTex Credit Union wants to help by providinga little aid just for teachers new to thedistrict. InvesTex has created a special lowrateloan designed to help you get started.No State Income TaxThe state of Texas has no state income tax.Advancement OpportunitiesTeachers interested in leadership roles havethe opportunity to participate in one of ourleadership academies. The leadership academiesexpose prospective leaders to a varietyof situations where they can learn skills, takechances, and prepare for leadership roles.More than 90% of all Aldine ISD principalsand assistant principals started as teachers inthe district.15

Our Curriculum16Aldine’s curriculum provides a framework forall instruction that takes place within its classrooms.We believe that it is important for alladministrators, teachers, students, and parentsto have an understanding of what eachstudent is expected to learn at specific intervalsduring their academic career in Aldine.Therefore, the curricular program directorsand classroom teachers have collaborated toproduce the Aldine Benchmark Targets.These Benchmark Targets document specificskills that our students must acquire ateach grade level. The specific skills taughtare derived from the state curriculum, theTexas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).The TEKS document broader learning standardsfor Texas students while the AldineBenchmark Targets focus on individual skillsneeded to master these learning standards.Language ArtsLanguage Arts is a balanced program containinglistening, speaking, reading, writing,and visual representations for grades prekindergartenthrough grade 12. Oral languagedevelopment is a major focus in the primarygrades. A balance of literacy activities andinstruction at appropriate developmental levelsprovide a variety of opportunities forgrowth in reading and writing processes. Asstudents progress they are offered more challengingopportunities in reading and writingfor real-life situations through an abundanceof models and genres of literature.Foreign LanguageForeign Language is a K-12 program whichoffers the languages of Spanish, French,German, and Latin. Current K-4 programs areavailable in French, German, and Spanish. Atthe high school level, five or more levels ofeach language are offered. Students may earnup to 14 hours of college credit in dual creditcourses or by receiving an acceptable score onthe College Board Advanced Placement Tests.MathematicsThe mathematics program is designed toprepare students to be productive citizens ina fast-changing world. A full range of courseofferings in mathematics, from Kindergartenthrough Advanced Placement Calculus, areavailable to every student in the district. Tofacilitate a student’s progress, every elementaryand intermediate campus offers advancedand gifted and talented classes in mathematicsthat allow both enrichment and accelerationbeyond grade-level expectations.ScienceThe elementary and secondary scienceprogram consists of an in-depth study ofsystems; properties, patterns, and models;constancy and change; and form and functionthrough scientific principles. Secondaryscience students may earn college credit indual credit courses or by receiving an acceptablescore on the College Board AdvancedPlacement Tests. In addition to an extensiveacademic program, students have opportunitiesfor campus, district, state, national, andinternational science competitions.Social StudiesThe PK-12 social studies program builds afoundation in history, geography, economics,government, citizenship, culture, science technology,and social studies skills. These conceptsenable students to understand the importanceof patriotism, function in a free enterprise society,and appreciate the basic democratic valuesof our state and nation.Bilingual / ESL EducationAldine ISD offers a transitional bilingual educationprogram from pre-kindergarten to thefourth grade. Students are instructed first inSpanish and once skills are learned, the skillsare transferred to the English language.With our model, students will gradually go from80% Spanish, 20% English instruction in prekindergartento 50% Spanish and 50% Englishmodel in third grade. Our English as a SecondLanguage (ESL) program is from pre-kindergartento twelfth grade. In this program, studentsreceive 100% of their instruction in English. ESLteachers provide modifications and work firstwith students on their oral and listening skillsand then move to reading and writing skills. ESLis typically an inclusion model.A unique class that is offered in Aldine is ourEnglish Language Institute (ELI). This programruns from the seventh grade to twelfth gradeand the ESL teachers work with studentsfor one year in intensive English acquisition.Students are first learning oral English and listeningskills, then concentrate on reading andwriting skills. Students are in these classesfrom three to five hours daily.Special EducationThe special education program in the AldineIndependent School District currently servesmore than 5,600 students who are identifiedwith various disabilities such as autism,visual and/or hearing impairments, mentalretardation, multiple disabilities, physical disability,emotional disturbance, learning disability,speech impairment, and traumaticbrain injury. Students are eligible to receiveservices if they have been determined by anadmission, review and dismissal (ARD) committeeto have one or more of the aforemen-

tioned disabilities. Students’ learning needsand attendant modifications and adaptationsfor learning materials and instructionare identified through the ARD committee.Individualized educational plans are formulatedto meet each student’s needs.District-wide instructional supports for studentsfollow a continuum of least restrictive (generaleducation classrooms with minimal specialeducation intervention) to most restrictive(self-contained or alternative school) settings.All programs provide an array of instructionalsupports to meet the diverse learning needsof all students with disabilities. Most services(including related services) are provided tomost students in integrated school settings onAldine’s campuses spanning all grade levels.The special education department’s instructionaland related services and programmingsupports include: a parent-infant program forchildren with visual and/or hearing impairments,early childhood services, inclusionservices, an adaptive behavior program forstudents with emotional disturbance, transitionalservices, vocational education, lifeskills program, community-based instruction,community-based vocational training, specialeducation counseling, occupational andphysical therapy, speech pathology services,services for students with hearing impairmentsand visual impairments, services forstudents with severe and/or profound disabilities,and extensive vocational evaluationservices through the Practical Arts and CareerEvaluation (PACE) program. The special educationdepartment also provides NonviolentCrisis Intervention training for school staff andfacilitates the development of interventionassistance teams in Aldine schools.Career and TechnologyThe Career and Technology Education programin the Aldine Independent School districtis a 7th to 12th grade program which offerscourses in the areas of Agriculture Science,Business Education, Career Orientation,Family and Consumer Sciences, HealthScience Technology, Marketing Education,Military Science and Leadership, TechnologyEducation, and Trade and Industrial Education.Each of these program areas offer courseswhich students may choose using a coherentsequence so that they will best benefit fromthe skills taught in those courses.Several of the Career and TechnologyEducation program areas offer students certificationsor licensures after completing therequired credits and/or satisfactorily completinga certification test. Some of thesecertificates/licenses include Cosmetology,Emergency Medical Technician, CertifiedNursing Assistant, Lucent TechnologyCertification, Pace Electronics Certification,A+ Certification, Microsoft Office Specialist,ServSafe, Wheels of Learning Certificationfor carpentry, welding, and air conditioning,CISCO Certification for networking, andNATEF Certification for automotive services.Dual credit, articulated credit, youth apprenticeship,career preparation, and internshipopportunities are offered through theCareer and Technology Education program.Hospitality Services (hotel), Health ScienceTechnology Rotations (medical), and CareerPreparation (cooperative) are a few of theSchool-to-Work programs offered.Visual ArtsThe elementary andsecondary scienceprogram consists ofan in-depth study ofscientific principles.The Aldine ISD Visual Art program provides aquality, sequential and cumulative art programfor all students, pre-Kindergarten throughgrade 12. Students in the Visual Arts have theopportunity to participate in various exhibitsand contests throughout the year including theScholastic Art & Writing Awards, Youth ArtMonth, PTA Reflections, Visual Arts ScholasticEvent, Harris County Fair Future Artists ofAmerica Program, and Houston Livestock Show& Rodeo School Arts Competition. Studentartwork has been featured in state adoptedtextbooks, School Arts magazine, Arts& Activities magazine, Seventeen, Reader’sDigest, Scholastic magazine, and numerousother periodicals and art books. In addition totwo-dimensional and three-dimensional studio,students study perceptual awareness, arthistory from the pre-historic to the contemporary,art criticism, aesthetic awareness andgeneral art appreciation.New programs include Electronic Media,Media Arts (film and video), and AdvancedPlacement Art History, Studio and Drawing.Performing ArtsThe Aldine Independent School District providesa performing arts educational programwhich gives students, regardless of ability,the opportunity to develop his or her ownunique artistic talents. Students acquire anunderstanding as well as an appreciation ofmulti-cultural music and other arts, through avariety of enriched artistic experiences.The performing arts curriculum emphasizesthe development of students’ creative capabilities,growth in knowledge and skills relatingto his or her particular artistic endeavor,the unfolding of aesthetic awareness, and theintegration of academic and social skills.The Kodàly method, along with TexasEssential Knowledge and Skills, is the curriculumimplemented in the elementary musicprogram. Intermediate, middle, and highschool performing arts directors implementTexas Essential Knowledge and Skills.The district’s thirteen magnet school academiesemphasize the performing arts in suchareas as Suzuki string and piano classes,advanced dance, theatre arts, and musicclasses from pre-kindergarten to high school.The performing arts organizations presentconcerts, plays, musicals, and dance recitalsthroughout the school year. Well attended,these organizations give our community anopportunity to observe and support the studentsat their best.17

18”You mean my student loanmay be forgiven? Wow!”

BeginningTeachersAldine ISD is the perfect place tobegin your teaching career. Weoffer top-notch training and pairyou with veteran educators tohelp ensure your success in theclassroom and a positive firstyearexperience.These training programs areproven and developed by and forbeginning teachers just like you.Aldine ISD has clear goals andguidelines that will help you inthe classroom. Plus, our academyfor teachers who are new toAldine provides more than threedays of orientation regardless ofyour level of experience.CurriculumAldine’s curriculum provides aframework for all instruction thattakes place within its classrooms.We believe that it is importantfor all administrators, teachers,students, and parents to have anunderstanding of what each studentis expected to learn at specificintervals during their academiccareer in Aldine. Therefore, theExecutive Director of Curriculumand Instruction, curricular programdirectors, and classroomteachers have collaborated toproduce the Aldine BenchmarkTargets. These Benchmark Targetsdocument specific skills that ourstudents must aquire at certaingrade levels. The specific skillstaught are derived from the statecurriculum, the Texas EssentialKnowledge and Skills (TEKS). TheTEKS document broader learningstandards for Texas studentswhile Aldine Benchmark Targetsfocus on individual skills neededto master these learning standards.SalaryAldine ISD pays a competitivesalary. The Critical NeedsSupplement pays up to $4,000to all certified teachers whoteach in a critical needs teachingfield. Longevity pay is earnedafter two years employment withthe district.SupportAldine’s New Teacher InductionAcademy provides trainingand support for new teachersthroughout their first year inAldine ISD. Three days of districtand campus orientation are providedat the beginning of eachschool year, with a number offollow-up sessions throughoutthe year.All first-year teachers are providedwith a trained mentor teacher.Mentors and teachers participatein mentoring activities and specialtraining sessions throughout theschool year where they explorereal classroom issues.Necessary StepsThe following steps outline the hiring process:If you are a recent graduateof an education program.• Complete application.• Send current transcript withthe degree posted to HumanResources.• Send evaluations from studentteaching/letters of reference/universityplacementfile to Human Resources.• Send teaching certificate andtest results for certificationto Human Resources.• Send letter from universityrecommending you for certificationto Human Resources.• Contact Dept. of HumanResources at 281-985-6307to schedule an initial interview.If you are an out-of-statecertified teacher.• Complete application.• Send recent letters of referenceand latest evalution toHuman Resources.• Send official transcripts fromall universities attended toHuman Resources.• Send official service recordsfrom all school districtsworked for to HumanResources. You will need toget an out-of-state servicerecord form from us.• Contact Dept. of HumanResources at 281-985-6307 to schedule an initialinterview – if you did notinterview on campus, at ajob fair, or at a weekendinterview session.• Evaluation of credentials bySBEC will be required ($229,filing fee) upon hire.If you are a non-certifiedteacher applicant from outof-country.• Letter of acceptance froman alternative certificationprogram indicating eligibilityto seek employment• Current resume• Original transcripts from allcolleges/universities attended• Transcripts evaluated andtranslated (English)• Native country criminalbackground history report(English)• Three letters of recommendationfrom recent supervisors• Service records, if applicable• Copy of work authorizationpermit, if applicable• Contact Dept. of HumanResources at 281-985-6307to schedule an initial interview.19

20”I want to share my knowledge andexperience with my students.”

ExperiencedTeachersAldine ISD is the perfect place totake your teaching career to thenext level. We offer top-notchtraining and pair you with a colleagueto help you transition to anew district.In Aldine, technology is virtuallyat the fingertips of everyteacher. Electronic and on-lineattendance and grade reportingmake management of studentrecords convenient and effectivein helping us produce thenation’s best students. We arealso fully committed to providingthe materials and supplies youneed to promote an appropriatelearning environment. Beyondequipment and supplies, however,Aldine ISD has clear goals andguidelines to help you succeed inthe classroom. Plus, our academyfor teachers who are new toAldine provides more than threedays of orientation regardless ofyour level of experience.Tools to helpToday’s accountability standardsrequire a comprehensive curriculumapproach so that a student’slearning progress is consistentand measured from kindergartento graduation. State standardsrequire vertical alignment tointroduce hard to learn conceptsin earlier years and horizontalalignment for efficient deliveryof all material required to betaught in a single year. Aldine ISDrecognized this challenge, hasworked with leaders from acrossAmerica to develop a comprehensivesoftware suite designedto help our teachers meet thegoal of educating students. Oursoftware suite uses a color codedmatrix so you can easily:• identify gaps in student learning• provide appropriate instructionto all students• determine student needs soyou can spend more timeaffecting performance• plan your lessons.SalaryAldine ISD pays a competitivesalary. The Critical NeedsSupplement pays up to $4,000to all certified teachers whoteach in a critical needs teachingfield. Longevity pay is earnedafter two years employment withthe district.LocationAldine ISD is located in the northquadrant of Houston. GreenspointMall and Bush IntercontinentalAirport are within the Aldine district.Necessary StepsThe following steps outline the hiring process:If you are an experiencedTexas certified teacher.• Complete application.• Send letters of referencefrom current principal andmost recent evaluation toHuman Resources.• Send official transcripts fromall universities attended toHuman Resources.• Send official service recordsfrom all school districtswhere you have worked toHuman Resources.• Contact Dept. of HumanResources at 281-985-6307 toschedule an initial interview.If you are an out-of-statecertified teacher.• Complete application.• Send recent letters of referenceand latest evalution toHuman Resources.• Send official transcripts fromall universities attended toHuman Resources.• Send official service recordsfrom all school districtsworked for to HumanResources. You will need toget an out-of-state servicerecord form from HumanResources.• Send your credentials toSBEC to be evaluated ($229filing fee).• Contact Dept. of HumanResources at 281-985-6307to schedule an initial interview– if you did not interview oncampus, at a job fair, or at aweekend interview session.If you are a certified teacherapplicant from out-of-country.• Current resume• Original transcripts from allcolleges/universities attended• Transcripts evaluated andtranslated (English)• Native country criminalbackground history report(English)• Copy of teaching certificate• Letter from native countryindicating teaching certificatehas not been sanctioned• Three letters of recommendationfrom recent supervisors• Service records, if applicable• Copy of work authorizationpermit, if applicable• Contact Dept. of HumanResources at 281-985-6307to schedule an initial interview.21

StudentTeaching24Diversity of ProgramsStudent teaching in Aldine ISD is both excitingand challenging. Our student teachers canexpect to gain experience and benefit from:• cooperative learning;• whole language programs;• emergent literature programs;• student management;• gifted and talented programs;• programs for at-risk youth;• ESL and bilingual education programs;• Montessori, fine arts, and math/sciencemagnet programs;• safe and secure schools;• a tobacco free environment;• a supportive cooperative teacher and astrong mentoring program;• staff development opportunities tohelp our student teachers perform attheir optimum;• a multicultural, economically diverse,big city environment; and• Employment with the successful completionof student teaching.Don’t Take Our Word for It“… My student teaching experience inAldine has given me the appropriate handsonexperience that I think is necessary to bea successful teacher. I have learned manydifferent teaching strategies to help my studentsreceive the best possible education.”– Tiffany Chapron, Texas Southern University“… Teaching in Aldine has been one of themost rewarding experiences of my life. The studentshere present challenges that remind me dailyof the reasons I got into education in the first place.”– Brad Schweppe, Iowa State University“… I came to fully appreciate the Aldine studentteacher program. While some districts seemto toss their student teachers into a life raft to fendfor themselves, Aldine gives their student teacherspractically a luxury cruise on an ocean liner.”– Anthony Langley, University of Houston“My student teaching in Aldine gave me anopportunity to explore another world outside mysmall Minnesota community. At all times, I felt welcomedand comfortable to try out different teachingstyles. Houston, Texas and the Aldine schooldistrict has become my home away from home!”– Christina Burggraf, Bemidji State University“I had a wonderful student teachingexperience in the Aldine school district. Mymentor was supportive and the administrationat my school was caring and alwaysavailable. I am excited about all the opportunitiesAISD provides their student teachers.”– Michell Schuster, Sam Houston State UniversityEmployment after Student TeachingStudents who successfully complete thestudent teaching process, attend all seminars,have recommendations from their cooperatingteacher, principal, and university supervisor,and who graduate from a universitywill be offered a contract for employment,assuming a position is available – regardlessof graduation date. Aldine ISD will makeevery effort possible to find a position withinHistorically, Aldine ISDplaces more than 100student teachers each year.About half of those areplaced in the fall!the district. Student teachers will still need tocomplete an application and may be asked toattend the transfer fair and/or interview withprincipals. In the event position is not available,Aldine ISD will recommend you to surroundingdistricts that may have an opening.It is our goal to place every student teacherwithin our own district – although this is notalways possible. Fall graduates will be placedin the first available opening. Historically,Aldine ISD places more than 100 studentteachers each year. About half of those areplaced in the fall!Students assuming a position mid yearwill begin teaching in the position immediatelyfollowing the student teaching experience.Pending graduation, the teacher will be paidas a long-term substitute. After commencement,the teacher will remain in the positionand begin earning regular teacher pay.How do I choose Aldine ISD?Once you have decided Aldine ISD is yourhome for student teaching, signing up is veryeasy. Simply inform your student teachingplacement officer at your campus of yourintent. The placement officer will make all thearrangements. It is highly suggested that youtake time to explore the Aldine ISD websiteand learn more about each campus. Manyuniversities allow you to select your school.

OurUniversity PartnersAldine Independent School District hasformed student teaching partnerships withbest universities throughout America. Eachyear, more than 150 student teachers fromacross the United States make Aldine ISDtheir choice. Our partner Universities include:Northeast / Central RegionBowling Green State UniversityBowling Green, OHUpper Iowa UniversityFayette, IAUniversity of South DakotaVermillion, SDSouth Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SDUniversity of Wisconsin-Eau ClaireEau Claire, WIMidwest RegionBemidji State UniversityBemidji, MNIowa State UniversityAmes, IASt. Cloud State UniversitySt. Cloud, MNUniversity of IowaIowa City, IAMinnesota State UniversityMankato, MNCoe CollegeCedar Rapids, IAMinnesota State UniversityMoorhead, MNUniversity of DubuqueDubuque, IAMayville State UniversityMayville, NDUniversity of Northern IowaCedar Falls, IAUniversity of WisconsinPlatteville, WIWestern Mountain RegionBrigham Young UniversityProvo, UTUtah State UniversityLogan, UTSouthern RegionTroy State UniversityTroy, ALDillard UniversityNew Orleans, LATexasTexas A&M University Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TXLeTourneau UniversityLongview, TXHouston Baptist UniversityHouston, TXUniversity of HoustonHouston, TXSam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TXTexas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TXTexas Southern UniversityDowntown Houston, TXUniversity of HoustonHouston, TXPrairie View A&M UniversityPrairie View, TXUniversity of Houston-DowntownHouston, TXUniversity of Texas-BrownsvilleBrownsville, TXTexas A&M-KingsvilleKingsville, TX25

26”Student teaching in Aldinewas a great experience.”

Student TeacherSeminarsSeminarsAll district student teachers meet weeklyfor Student Teacher Seminars. At this afterschool function, the student teachers gatherand have dinner before the start of theseminar. The director of human resourceswho serves as the student teacher programcoordinator and University Partnership liaisonoversees the seminars. He or she alsoconducts general announcements prior tothe presentation of a guest speaker. At eachStudent Teacher Seminar, a guest speakerpresents staff development on a topic ofinterest.Student TeacherSeminar Topics• Student Teacher Orientation I• Student Teacher Orientation II• Working with Challenging Students• Dealing with Diversity• Classroom Management• The Bilingual / ESL Student• How to Conduct an Effective ParentConference• Resumé Writing• Interview Skills• Certification / Contracts• Employment: Letters of Intent• Special Event!Student Teacher Board Dinner• Ethics / Morality in the SchoolsStudent Teacher SupervisorsStudent teachers in Aldine IndependentSchool District have the unique opportunityto learn from the best. Our student teachersupervisors are key to the district’s and thestudent teachers’ success.John Amshoff began his teaching career as a high school band director. During histenure, Mr. Amshoff served as both an assistant principal and principal at Hambrick MiddleSchool, Grantham Academy and Nimitz High School. Mr. Amshoff has 32 years of experiencein education.Wayne Coleman is a graduate of Aldine High School. Throughout his 33 years ofservice, Mr. Coleman has been active as a teacher at intermediate, middle, and high schoollevels. He has been a counselor and has held both campus and district leadership roles.Sue Wooten was a master principal in Aldine ISD for more than 22 years. Duringher forty-two years as an educator in Aldine ISD, Ms. Wooten served as an English teacher,an administrator, and a counselor.Carolyn Allen began teaching in Aldine ISD as a Teaching Fellow. Throughout her33 years as an educator in Aldine ISD, Mrs. Allen has served as a teacher, assistant principal,and principal.Freddie Gould has spent thirty-six years devoted to educating the children inAldine ISD. His career took him from teaching in a classroom to counseling, to assistantprincipal, to principal. Under Mr. Gould’s leadership, Stehlik Intermediate School earned theState Exemplary status.Charlotte Benson began teaching in Aldine ISD in 1975 as a first grade teacher.During her tenure, Mrs. Benson, was an assistant principal at an elementary school and anintermediate school. In 1997 she opened Hinojosa EC/PK, a pilot campus for early childhoodeducation. Today, Aldine ISD has four EC/PK centers modeled after Hinojosa EC/PK.Candee Wilson has 29 years of experience in public education. Mrs. Wilson hasserved as a principal for 17 years at three elementary schools, a Pre-Kinder/Kindergartenmagnet school, and an intermediate school for 5th and 6th grade students.Wilbert Johnson has 34 years of experience in the field of education with all thoseyears in Aldine ISD. Throughout his tenure, he has held positions as a teacher, assistant principal,and principal. Until recently, Mr. Johnson was Area Superintendent for the Eisenhowervertical. Mr. Johnson is an active member in the Association for Supervision and CurriculumDevelopment, the Gulf Coast Career and Technology Administrators Association, and theNorth Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce.27

Assisting YouYou are about to undertake one of themost vital and challenging careers in oursociety. You have the opportunity to affect achild’s life and make an impact that will lasta lifetime.The first year of teaching is difficult –regardless of which district you select. It’s allnew. There are new procedures, new curriculum,new kids, and new expectations. AldineISD understands these challenges and hasdeveloped a multi-tiered support system tofoster success in our newest staff members.New Induction AcademyAldine ISD offers an orientation/inductionprogram – The New Teacher InductionAcademy - to provide training and supportfor new teachers throughout their first year.Three days of district and campus orientationare provided at the beginning of each schoolyear, with 3-5 follow-up sessions throughoutthe year. The New Teacher InductionAcademy includes components and resourcesincluding: networking with other educators,resources including books, supplies, and printresources, survival tips for the first two weeksof school. Also offered throughout the threeday academy are mini courses designed togive you tools to be successful in the classroom.This past year, our first year teachersinvestigated how to plan, implement, andassess instruction. They worked in groups toexplore Aldine’s Academic Organization Plan.Together they met with principals and fieldexperts to learn key concepts in classroommanagement, and they met with HumanResources to resolve certification issues.Aldine Mentorship ProgramAll first-year teachers are provided with atrained mentor teacher. Mentors and teachersparticipate in mentoring activities and specialtraining sessions throughout the school yearwhere they explore real classroom issues. TheAldine Mentorship Program pairs new teachersin Aldine ISD with experienced teachers.Typically, these mentor teachers are in thesame grade level, same subject areas, andthe same school. Mentor teachers are handselected by the building principal. The AldineMentorship Program focuses on six primarygoals. These goals are: 1) to assist first-yearteachers in mastering and implementing district/campusmission, goals and policies; 2)to insure success in the first-year teachersby assisting them in improving all areas oftheir instructional effectiveness; 3) to assurequality instruction for students of first-yearteachers; 4) to promote the professional andpersonal well-being of first-year teachers;5) to make first-year teachers feel welcome,secure, and part of the Aldine teaching team;and 6) to increase retention of promising firstyearteachers.28

”I know what I’m expectedto teach. That’s a plus.”29

30”In Aldine, I got the job andschool I wanted.”

AboutHoustonHouston is the nation’s fourth largest city andone of its most exciting destinations to live,work and play. The Houston area is a boilingpot for opportunity in an economy that supportsa vast number of large and small businesses,and a melting pot of people and culturesfrom across the nation and around theHouston where innovation and creativity areencouraged. The city’s diversity, however,is not confined to the economy, one of thenation’s largest. Diversity is reflected in its restaurants,museums, neighborhoods, performingarts offerings and professional athletics.Diversity is also reflected in the city’s many▲NASA’s research and development efforts haveadvanced areas in medicine, communications, manufacturing,computer technology, and homelandsecurity.There are many new developments in DowntownHouston. None are more exciting than thestate-of-the-art light rail project.▲Houston’s theaters and museums are second tonone. You’ll find the finest ballets and exhibitionsright here in Houston as many work in associationwith the Society for the Performing Arts (SPA).▲world. And because the world calls Houstonhome, Houston is an international gatewayto trade and travel, and is home to one ofthe world’s largest ports, airport systems andmedical centers.Rising to prominence as a global leader in oiland gas, Houston’s economic base has diversifiedto include much, much more. NASA’sJohnson Space Center, the area’s outstandingcolleges and universities, and a growingindustrial base have brought some of thebrightest and most talented professionals torecreational opportunities. Located just anhour’s drive from the Gulf of Mexico, Houstonoffers virtually uninterrupted access to sunnybeaches, luxurious oceanliners, and some ofthe best fishing that can be found anywhere.No wonder the world calls Houston home.And Aldine ISD, located within easy accessof all that makes Houston a world-class city,invites you to make Aldine ISD your homefor professional growth in public education.Come to Houston. Come to Aldine.Professional football has a home in Houston as well.Houston has one of the world’s most beautiful skylines.31

Houston AreaAttractions32Whether you’re looking for excitement,adventure, cultural experiences, an outingwith the family, a lesson in history, or a worldclasssporting event, Houston has it all.Downtown Aquarium713-223-3474Enjoy a meal or spend some time beingentertained in this three story entertainmentcomplex in downtown Houston. More than500,000 gallons of water are home to 200species of marine life from around the world.Houston Theatre DistrictMore than 2 million people gather eachyear in this seventeen block section of down-town Houston. World renowned performingarts organizations call this district homeincluding opera, ballet, music, and theatre!Cruise TerminalsEvery week, thousands of guests convergeon Houston as cruise ships from RoyalCaribbean (RCI), Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL),Carnival, Celebrity Cruise Lines and PrincessCruise Lines depart from terminals in Galvestonand Houston. Board a ship for a 3, 4, 7, or 11night journey to the Caribbean or PanamaCanal. Ports including Cozumel, Roatan, Belize,Cancun, Grand Cayman Islands, Jamaca, andKey West are just a skip away.Sports VenuesHouston was the first city in the nationto offer three new state-of-the-arts sportsvenues in under ten years – Minute Maid Park(Baseball), Toyota Center (Basketball), andReliant Stadium (Football).Gulf Greyhound Par and Sam HoustonRace Park800-275-2946 / 281-807-8700The world’s largest and top greyhoundracing operation offers live dog racing yearround.Or, step up to Thoroughbred andAmerican Quarter Horse racing at SamHouston Race Park, open daily throughoutthe year.Houston Museum DistrictLocated along the METRORail in midtown,more than 16 museums and institutionsattract more than six million visitorsyearly. The Houston Museum of NaturalScience, Burke Baker Planetarium, WorthamIMAZ, Holocaust Museum, Police Museum,Contemporary Arts Museum, Children’sMuseum, Lone Star Flight Museum, and theMuseum of Fine Arts are just a few of theinstitutions that make up one of the best collectionsof museums in the nation!San Jacinto Monument and Museum281-479-2431Artifacts and documents pertaining toTexas History dot this popular park. Not interestedin documents – board the USS Texas fora hands on experience.Houston Zoo713-533-6500More than 3,000 animals can be foundin the world-class Houston Zoo. Join the zoothroughout the year for interactive lessonsand events.Kemah Boardwalk281-334-9880This waterfront destination features worldclassrestaurants, stores, gaming, and boardwalkattractions including a Ferris wheel anda custom built speed boat to whisk guestsout into the bay for a rip-roaring good time!Take an evening sail on the bay, slip into yourbest formal attire and enjoy a dinner cruise, orgive your luck a try at one of the game boothsalong the board-walk. Don’t worry if you don’tget it all in the first trip, you will be back!

Moody Gardens800-582-4673This tropical destination on GalvestonIsland offers an array of attractions, all situatedin glass pyramids! Enjoy marine life fromevery major ocean in one of the most impressiveaquariums in the world. Or, sit back andenjoy a lazy day on the Colonel Paddlewheel.Discover life in the rainforest in the ten storyrainforest pyramid, or relax in Palm Bach.Space Center Houston281-244-2100Visit the official visitors’ center for NASA’sJohnson Space Center. From the IMAX tothe behind-the scenes tours, Space CenterHouston will amaze you.San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, CorpusChristi, Galveston, and MexicoJust 45 minutes from downtown isGalveston Island, where you can relax in thesun on one of many public beaches, take inthe historic Strand and Peanut Butter district,or enjoy a meal and adventure in theRainforest Café. Not sure if a day on thebeach is for you, enjoy the railroad museum,train museum, Lone Star Flight museum, oroffshore oil platform museum. Still not excited,take a tour back in history at one of sixrestored homes on the island, including thehistoric Moody Mansion.Three hours northwest of Houston isAustin, home of the South by Southwestmusic festival and home to many budding artists.A little further north, the wealth of oil andsmell of leather can be found in the stockadesof Fort Wxorth and ranches of Dallas.Just South of Houston you can spend aweekend relaxing on the beaches of CorpusChristi, Brownsville, and South Padre Island.Or, take a day-trip down to Mexico for somegreat food and entertainment!Just three hours west of Houston is SanAntonio where you can learn about Texashistory on the Mission Trail (three missionsdating back to the 1700’s) or you can take inTexas along the world famous river-walk. Tryyour hand at spelunking in the nearby caves,or enjoy a safari in Central Texas.33

Events and Festivalsin Houston34Wondering if there is anything to do inHouston? You can find a parade, festival, orcelebration just about every weekend. Take alook at just a sampling our events. The questionis not “Is there something to do?” Thequestion is “Do I have time to do it all?”January➜ Chevron Houston MarathonGeorge R. Brown Convention Center281-340-7777Join nearly 15,000 participants and more than200,000 spectators in a marathon to raisefunds for Houston charities.➜ Sounds of Texas Music SeriesCrighton Theatre, Conroe936-539-4167Held each January through May, this concertseries features a star-filled lineup of Texasmusicians.February➜ Mardi Gras! GalvestonStrand Historic District – Galveston Island888-425-4753More than half a million people gather on theisland to celebrate one of the largest MardiGras events in America. Live music, greatfood, and parades are just a start of what youwill experience.March➜ Houston Livestock Showand RodeoReliant Park832-667-1000Be a part of the world’s largest livestockshow and rodeo as Houston celebrates itshistory with three weeks of livestock shows,amusements, world championship cook-offs,and lots of entertainment. Each day is cappedoff with a rodeo and concert featuring today’sbest country and pop / rock names.➜ Bayou City Art FestivalMemorial Park713-521-0133More than 300 Houston artists displaytheir work and discuss their techniques in aHouston landmark park.April➜ Shell Houston OpenGold TournamentRedstone Golf Club281-454-7000Sit back and relax as more than 150 professionalgolfers compete in the annual PGATour event.➜ Houston International FestivalDowntown713-654-8808For one week, downtown Houston becomesthe center of attention as the InternationalFestival takes over City Hall, Tranquility Park,Sam Houston Park, and many downtownstreets. Enjoy the culture, music, and food ofthe world without ever leaving town!➜ Texas Crawfish FestivalOld Town SpringEnjoy music, family entertainment, arts andcrafts, and a carnival at the largest crawfishfestival outside Louisiana.May➜ Cinco de MayoMiller Outdoor Theatre713-247-3500A celebration featuring a parade, artists, folklore,and lots of music!➜ Art Car Weekend and ParadeAllen Parkway713-926-6368They come in all shapes, sizes, looks, colors,and textures – but they all have one thing incommon, they used to be cars! Hundreds ofartists across America converge on Houstonevery may to show their latest art creation,their cars.

June➜ Sand Castle CompetitionEast Beach – Galveston IslandBe a part of something big, and sandy! Skilleddesigners compete in this annual sculptingevent.➜ Juneteenth Freedom FestivalMiller Outdoor Theatre713-247-3500Celebrate this annual festival with music,dancing, food, and lots of entertainment.July➜ Freedom Over TexasRed White and Hot FestivalGalveston Island July CelebrationDowntown HoustonThe WoodlandsGalveston IslandThe official celebration of Houston, Galveston,The Woodlands, and our entire community!Join more than 1 million of your neighbors aswe celebrate our nation’s birth. Concerts, livemusic, a kids zone, and plenty of fireworkscap off the event.August➜ Ballunar LiftoffJohnson Space Center281-448-7676Enjoy a fun-filled weekend on the grounds ofJohnson Space Center as more than 100 balloonstake to the air. As dusk falls, you will beamazed as more than 30 specially designedballoons glow to life!September➜ Hot Sauce FestivalHouston Farm and Ranch Club281-558-3518Only in Houston! More than 20,000 bravethe hottest, most interesting hot sauces anywherein this unique competition.October➜ Texas Renaissance Festival21778 F.M. 1774 – Plantersviile800-458-3435One of the largest, most acclaimed renaissanceparks in the country recreates a 16thcentury village. Spend the day with more than200 performers on 21 stages.➜ Wings Over HoustonEllington Field713-266-4492One of the five largest events of it’s kind,more than 150 historical and modern aircraftconverge on Houston.November➜ Moody Gardens Festival of LightsOne Hope Blvd – Galveston800-582-4673One of the most acclaimed light festivals inthe nation, grab a cup of hot cider and enjoythe ocean views as you stroll through millionsof lights in a music and animated display ofthe holiday.➜ Thanksgiving Day ParadeDowntown HoustonThis televised annual parade features spectacularfloats, bands, and lots of balloons!December➜ Christmas Boat ParadeLeague City281-488-7676More than 100 decorated lighted boats journeythrough Clear Lake and out to GalvestonBay!➜ Dickens on the StrandThe Strand – Galveston IslandThis Victorian Christmas festival is filled withcostumes, excitement, street vendors andplenty of food. Slip into some Victorian eraclothes and join the fun!➜ Winter Wild FestivalHouston Zoo713-533-6500Enjoy a holiday event at the Houston Zoo!Sit on Safari Santa’s lap, decorate cookies,and dance to some merry music as you strollamong the lights and animals at night. WinterWild is just one of many festivals, includingZoo Boo! sponsored by the Houston Zoo!35

36Local ContactsSocial Security5414 Aldine Mail Rd.Houston, TX 770391-800-772-1213TTY: 1-800-325-0778Mon.-Fri. 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.Driver License Office in Humble7710 Will Clayton ParkwayHumble, TX 77338-5801281-446-3391Driver License Office at Beltway 815403 Vantage Pkwy. E. Ste. 300Houston, TX 77032281-449-2685 Ext. 102Driver License Office in Conroe2 Hilbig StreetConroe, TX 77301-1406General Information 936-442-2810Holiday Inn Express Hotel1330 North Sam Houston PkwyHouston, Texas 77032281-372-1000www.holiday-inn.comApartment Locator ServicesNan Krafka3300 Chimney Rock, Suite 104Houston, Texas 770561-800-798-3778nkrafka@houston-apartments.comwww.houston-apartments.comAldine Employee DaycareC/O Hall Center for Education15012 Aldine Westfield RoadHouston, Texas 77032281-985-6476Power: Reliant Energy713-207-22221-866-222-7100Telephone Service: Southwestern Bell1-800-464-7928(Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.)Airport:George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)IAH.HoustonAirportSystem.org2800 North Terminal Rd.Houston, TX 77032281-230-3100Relocatingto HoustonOne Month Prior to Moving• Fill out a change of address form from thePost Office.• Fill out IRS change of address form.• Make arrangements with moving companyor reserve a moving truck.• Make travel arrangements, if necessary,with airlines, buses, car rental agencies andhotels.• Transfer memberships in churches, clubsand civic organizations.• Obtain prescription histories, medical anddental records. Ask doctor and dentist forreferrals and transfer prescriptions.• Set up a bank account in new city.• Take inventory of your belongings beforethey’re packed, in the event you need to filean insurance claim later. If possible, take picturesor video tape your belongings. Recordserial numbers of electronic equipment.• Make arrangements for transporting pets.• Start using-up food items, so that there isless to pack and possibly spoil.• Secure your apartment or home. If renting,confirm your move in date and schedulean appointment to complete all leasingpaperwork. If you completed the paperworkprior to the move, be sure to get gatecodes and keys.• Call Aldine ISD Human ResourcesDepartment and verify contracts, references,criminal background checks and otherpertinent documents have been received.One Week Prior to Moving• Switch utility services to new address.Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper,magazine subscriptions, telephone andcable companies of your move.• Arrange for help on moving day.• Confirm travel reservations.• Clean rugs and clothing and have themwrapped for moving.• Close bank accounts and have your fundswired to your new bank. Before closingbe sure there are no outstanding checksor automatic payments that haven’t beenprocessed.• Collect valuables from safe-deposit box.Make copies of any important documentsbefore mailing or hand carry them to yournew address.• Check with your insurance agent to ensureyou’ll be covered through your homeowner’sor renter’s policy during the move.• Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Placedeodorizer inside to control odors.• Give a close friend or relative your travelroute and schedule so you may be reachedif needed.• Call the Aldine ISD Human ResourcesDepartment and verify all paperwork hasbeen completed.Moving Date• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, atticand garage to be sure they are empty.First Week of Move• Renew your drivers license, auto registrationand tags.• Shop around for new insurance policies,especially auto coverage.• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarianand fire stations near your home.• Check in with Aldine ISD Human ResourcesDepartment.• Schedule a visit to your new school ordepartment.Houston has it all.

Houston HousingFinding a home in the Houston area canbe exciting and fun because of the varietyof home styles, communities, apartment andcondominium options and prices. Newcomersand Houstonians can find housing optionsthat not only meet their individual pricedemands, but also meet their lifestyle preferences.From waterfront properties on LakeConroe, to ocean front beach homes onGalveston, from single family homes in establishedcommunities to large, secluded acreagein the woods, from fast-paced apartments tosophisticated lofts in downtown, Houston hasa housing option for everyone!HomesIn 2003, more than 33,000 new homeswere built in the Houston market with anadditional 72,000 homes listed on the resalemarket. The median price for a single-familyhome in Houston is $135,000. There are anumber of large master planned communitiesnear Aldine ISD with prices ranging from thelow 100’s to the millions. These communitiesare all conveniently located within fifteen totwenty minutes from most Aldine schools. Formore information visit their websites at:Kingwood (www.kingwoodonline.com)The Woodlands (www.thewoodlands.com)Windrose (www.visitwindrose.com)Imperial Oaks (www.imperialoaks.com)Spring Trails (www.springtrails.com)The Heights (www.houstonheights.org)mid-town or central Houston will add about20% to the total cost of renting.Many complexes have amenities such asfitness centers, tennis courts, volleyball courts,basketball courts, video rentals, movie theaters,spas, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, laundryfacilities, limited-access gates and parking,lush landscaping, covered parking, clubhouses,business centers and playgrounds. Mostcomplexes publish monthly newsletters andhold events such as holiday parties, breakfastservices, and other community events. Stovesand refrigerators are standard in most apartmentunits. Basic cable, dishwashers, microwaves,icemakers, washing/drying machines,alarm systems, telephone systems, fireplaces,balconies, garden tubs, 9 foot ceilings, walkinclosets, built in bookshelves, storage space,and crown molding are often available ineach complex. Special amenities may includeaerobic classes, convenience stores, conciergestations, maid services, shuttle services, valettrash pick-up, and on-site personal trainersare offered at some properties.ApartmentsIf home ownership is not on your list ofliving arrangements, Houston has an apartmentor loft to fit your needs. The averagecost of a 1,000 square foot two bedroom,two bathroom apartment in the Houstonmetro area is $728. Selecting an apartment in37

38”I like the diversity in myclassroom and Houston.”

Please remove this form fromthe booklet, fold, staple, affixpostage and return to AldineISD when all of the items on thechecklist have been completed.Aldine Independent School DistrictDepartment of Human Resources15010 Aldine Westfield Rd.Houston, TX 77032Fold here.Fold here.PlaceStamphere.Aldine Independent School DistrictDepartment of Human Resources15010 Aldine Westfield Rd.Houston, TX 7703239

ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT15010 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston, Texas 77032-3099, (281) 985-6310, www.aldine.k12.tx.usAPPLICATION CHECK-LISTAfter you have completed each of the following steps, please fold this form and return it to the Aldine ISD HumanResources Department for final processing. We appreciate your interest in Aldine ISD.▼ Personal InformationLast Name First Name Middle InitialAddressCity State ZIP Code Job Fair Location (City / University)Primary Phone Number Secondary Phone Number E-Mail AddressI am or will be certified to teach (subject and Grade level):State❏ Application has been completed and was submitted.❏ Current Resume has been submitted❏ Initial Interview with Human Resources has been completed.Date of initial interview: ______________________District Interviewer: _________________________❏ Transcripts have been sent to Aldine ISD. Date sent: _______________❏ Copies of certification (if available) have been sent to Aldine ISD. Date sent: _______________❏ Copies of service records (if available) have been sent to Aldine ISD.APPLICATION PROCESSAldine Independent School District is searching for highly qualified teachers with diverse backgrounds to help our students continue to achieveat high levels. If you share our commitment to dynamic, quality education and leadership, we encourage you to apply for a position on ourteam!To be considered for a position in Aldine ISD, all applicants must complete the application. The application may be found at www.aldine.k12.tx.us.It is very important that all sections of the application be completed. We cannot consider you for employment if the application is not complete.All applicants are also required to complete an initial interview with the Human Resources Department. This can be completed at the job fair, atthe university, or, you may schedule a time to interview with us in our offices. If you are interviewing with us in our offices, a completed applicationmust be on-file prior to starting the interview. This requirement is waived if interviewing at a job fair or university.After the application has been submitted and you have completed your interview with Human Resources, your name will be given to principalsin our district. As positions become available, the principals will contact you if your skill set and their needs are aligned. If you plan on makinga trip to Aldine ISD, please contact the Human Resources Department. They will work with you to setup a series of campus visits where openingsare expected.40

ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT15010 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston, Texas 77032-3099, (281) 985-6310, www.aldine.k12.tx.usINTERVIEW FORM▼ Personal InformationLast Name First Name Middle InitialAddressCity State ZIP Code Job Fair Location (City / University)Primary Phone Number Secondary Phone Number E-Mail Address▼ Certification ProfileDegree Teaching Experience Certification❏ Bachelor’s ❏ No Experience ❏ Texas ❏ ACP❏ Master’s ❏ Student Teaching ❏ Out of State ___ ❏ Out of Country / H1-B❏ Doctorate ❏ 1-4 Years ❏ Deficiency Plan ❏ Do not have❏ 5 or more YearsI am or will be certified to teach (subject and grade level):▼ Educational BackgroundLast College Attended Location (City) Major Grad. DateStudent Teaching School District Location (City) Grade(s)/Subject Dates▼ Educational Employment Background (Last 3)School District / School Location (City) Grade(s)/Subject DatesRecruiter’s NotesEC SCR Action(s)Schools: _____________________________________________________For Aldine ISD Use OnlyRecruitment Sticker41

INTERVIEW FORM (This Side is for Office Use Only)▼ Applicant InformationApplicant Name City, State UniversityCertification Position Preference Event Name▼ For Office Use OnlyACTION DM SCR Interviever DateDomain 1PhilosophyDomain 2InstructionalDomain 3AssessmentDomain 4Classroom EnvironmentDomain 5Classroom ManagementDomain 6Professionalism and Collaboration42

OurTeamNadine KujawaSuperintendent of SchoolsPhone: 281-985-6200nkujawa@aldine.k12.tx.usDr. Archie BlansonDeputy SuperintendentPhone: 281-985-6315ablanson@aldine.k12.tx.usGloria CavazosAssistant Superintendentof Human ResourcesPhone: 281-985-6204gcavazos@aldine.k12.tx.usCarrie DurleyExecutive Director of HumanResources (High Schools)Phone: 281-985-7107cdurley@aldine.k12.tx.usDr. Nathan BoughtonDirector of Benefits(Recruitment and Benefits)Phone: 281-985-6221nboughton@aldine.k12.tx.usJeff McCannaDirector of Human Resources(Middle/Intermediate)Phone: 281-985-6309jmccanna@aldine.k12.tx.usRoselia SalinasDirector of Human Resources(Elementary)Phone: 281-985-6651rsalinas@aldine.k12.tx.usPete StewartDirector of Human Resources(Auxiliary and Paraprofessional)Phone: 281-985-7571pstewart@aldine.k12.tx.usJeannette RossRecruiter / InterviewerPhone: 281-985-6304JRoss2@aldine.k12.tx.usSue WootenUniversity Supervisorand HR Staffscwooten@aldine.k12.tx.usJohn AmshoffUniversity Supervisorand HR Staffjbamshoff@aldine.k12.tx.usKitty SpenceHR StaffEarline WilliamsHR Staff43

To set up an interview, please contact Aldine ISDHuman Resources at 281-985-6307.Aldine Independent School DistrictDepartment of Human Resources15010 Aldine Westfield Road · Houston, TX 77032Phone 281-985-6310 · Fax 281-985-6474Internet: www.aldine.k12.tx.us