Pros
The other teachers are usually really wonderful, the kids are kids and overall amazing. Most of the parents are even pretty good. And can't beat those summers off... can't really say much else holidays, even had to work Good Friday this year. Spring break and Christmas are nice.
Cons
Your life and happiness depend entirely on your principal, and HISD has started scraping the bottle of the barrel last year. They just can't attract or retain experienced talent. The same can be said for teachers. There is absolutely no respect from the top down and they keep tossing fresh-out-of-college kids into administrative positions. Pay is (sometimes significantly) lower than other area districts. The district takes no holidays aside from the big three, Christmas, Thanksgiving and Spring Break, and they're HUGE on asking for miracles, then demanding to know why you didn't do more when you make it happen. There are plenty of other districts. Ask around. I might go back to teaching after a rest, but I will not come back to this district.
