How Much Do Bilingual Teachers Make in HISD?

Bilingual teachers in the Houston Independent School District (HISD) receive compensation that combines base salaries with additional stipends, reflecting the district’s commitment to multilingual education. Exact earnings may vary depending on factors such as experience, school assignment, and participation in specialized programs.

Base Salary for Bilingual Teachers
For the 2024–2025 school year, HISD has set a starting salary of $64,000, which is higher than the Texas state average of $59,000. This base salary applies to teachers working in non-NES (New Education System) schools.

Teachers assigned to NES campuses, which are part of an HISD reform initiative focused on improving education in high-need areas, receive higher compensation. For example:

• NES elementary schools: starting salary is $75,435

• NES middle schools: starting salary is $81,435

Stipends and Incentives for Bilingual Teachers
In addition to base salaries, HISD offers annual stipends of $4,000 to teachers certified in bilingual education, recognizing their specialized skills.

Teachers working directly with bilingual students at NES campuses may also receive an additional $5,000 stipend.

Total Compensation Summary
Taking base salaries and stipends into account, total annual compensation can be substantial. For instance:

• Non-NES bilingual teacher:

  • Base Salary: $64,000

  • Bilingual Stipend: $4,000

  • Total: $68,000

• NES elementary school bilingual teacher:

  • Base Salary: $75,435

  • Bilingual Stipend: $4,000

  • NES Bilingual Stipend: $5,000

  • Total: $84,435

These figures highlight HISD’s effort to offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain qualified bilingual educators.

Additional Factors Influencing Compensation
HISD uses a pay-for-performance model, particularly in NES schools, where teacher evaluations and student performance can lead to salary increases. This model aims to reward effective teaching and improve educational outcomes.

The district also provides extra incentives for teachers in high-need subject areas or those who take on added responsibilities potentially increasing overall pay.Bilingual teachers in HISD benefit from a compensation system that includes competitive base pay and targeted stipends, especially in high-need schools. This comprehensive structure underscores the district’s recognition of the critical role bilingual educators play in the academic achievement of its diverse student body.