The New Caney Independent School District (NCISD) is taking significant steps to enhance its bilingual education programs by aiming to certify an additional 129 teachers in bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses by March 2024. This initiative aligns with state requirements and anticipates an increase in the number of students needing language support as the district continues to grow.
State laws mandate that teachers who work with bilingual and ESL students must hold appropriate certifications. According to Erika Gutierrez, director of Multilingual/Migrant/Title III for NCISD, the district currently has 6,581 bilingual/ESL students enrolled as of November 6, 2023. To adequately serve these students, NCISD identified the need for 129 certified teachers across its schools, as stated by Scott Powers, executive director of public relations for NCISD.
Current Situation and Future Projections
The 2024-25 school year saw 22 teachers successfully file for exemptions from bilingual/ESL certification requirements. However, projections for the 2025-26 school year indicate that 135 waivers will be necessary, according to the district’s 2025-26 bilingual/ESL Program Evaluation report, which received approval from the district’s trustees on October 20, 2023.
The demand for bilingual and ESL courses at NCISD has remained stable in recent years. Yet, with enrollment expected to rise significantly—by up to approximately 11,200 students over the next decade—there is a strong likelihood that more students requiring bilingual and ESL services will enroll. Gutierrez noted that the increase in teachers seeking ESL certification reflects ongoing state requirements and campus needs rather than an abrupt change in demand.
Supporting Teachers and Students
NCISD currently serves about 20,030 students, with bilingual and ESL learners constituting approximately 32.9% of the total student population. The previous school year ended with 6,830 bilingual/ESL students, which represented about 35.2% of the district’s total enrollment of 19,420, according to earlier reports.
The district remains committed to supporting its teachers in obtaining the necessary certifications, aiming to equip them with the tools needed to effectively serve their students. Gutierrez emphasized, “Our district continues to support teachers in obtaining these certifications so they can effectively serve their students.”
For a deeper understanding of the district’s plans and progress, the full 2025-26 bilingual/ESL Program Evaluation report is available for review. The ongoing efforts by NCISD signify a proactive approach in addressing the linguistic needs of its diverse student body as it prepares for future growth.
