Looking for a meaningful career in South Texas? La Joya Independent School District offers hundreds of job opportunities every year. This guide explains everything you need to know about finding and landing a job with one of the Rio Grande Valley’s largest employers.
Looking for a meaningful career in South Texas? La Joya Independent School District offers hundreds of job opportunities every year.
Why Choose La Joya ISD Jobs?
La Joya ISD serves over 30,000 students across western Hidalgo County. Working here means joining a team dedicated to helping every student succeed. You’ll find competitive pay, excellent benefits, and real opportunities to grow your career.
Types of Jobs Available at La Joya ISD
Teaching and Education Jobs
| Position Type | What You’ll Do | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom Teacher | Teach subjects like math, science, English, or history | Bachelor’s degree + Texas teaching license |
| Special Education Teacher | Work with students who need extra support | Bachelor’s degree + Special Ed certification |
| Bilingual Teacher | Teach in both English and Spanish | Bachelor’s degree + Bilingual certification |
| School Counselor | Help students with academic and personal goals | Master’s degree + Counselor certification |
| Librarian | Manage school library and teach research skills | Bachelor’s degree + Librarian certification |
School Leadership Positions
| Job Title | Main Responsibilities | Education Required |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Lead an entire school campus | Master’s degree + Principal certification |
| Assistant Principal | Support principal and manage student discipline | Master’s degree + Principal certification |
| Department Director | Oversee specific programs district-wide | Master’s degree + relevant experience |
| Instructional Coach | Help teachers improve their teaching methods | Master’s degree + coaching certification |
Support Staff Opportunities
| Position | Daily Tasks | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Assistant | Help teachers in the classroom | High school diploma + 48 college credits OR pass paraprofessional test |
| Bus Driver | Safely transport students to and from school | High school diploma + Commercial Driver’s License |
| Custodian | Keep school buildings clean and maintained | High school diploma |
| Cafeteria Worker | Prepare and serve meals to students | High school diploma + Food Handler’s permit |
| Office Secretary | Answer phones, greet visitors, handle paperwork | High school diploma + office skills |
| Security Officer | Keep students and staff safe on campus | High school diploma + security training |
La Joya ISD Salary Information
Teacher Pay Rates
La Joya ISD pays teachers competitively compared to other Valley districts:
| Experience Level | Approximate Starting Salary |
|---|---|
| First-year teacher | $56,000 – $58,000 |
| 5 years experience | $60,000 – $65,000 |
| 10 years experience | $68,000 – $75,000 |
| 20+ years experience | $80,000+ |
According to the Texas Education Agency, La Joya ISD offers pay that’s competitive across South Texas..
Extra Pay Opportunities
| Bonus Type | Extra Annual Pay |
|---|---|
| Bilingual Education | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Special Education | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Coaching sports teams | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| National Board Certification | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Department chair | $2,500 – $4,000 |
Support Staff Pay
| Position | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Teacher Assistant | $14 – $18/hour |
| Bus Driver | $16 – $22/hour |
| Custodian | $13 – $17/hour |
| Cafeteria Worker | $12 – $15/hour |
| Office Staff | $15 – $20/hour |
Employee Benefits Package
Health and Wellness
- Medical Insurance: Multiple health plan options for you and your family
- Dental Coverage: Regular checkups and major dental work covered
- Vision Insurance: Eye exams and glasses/contacts allowance
- Life Insurance: Basic coverage provided at no cost to you
Financial Security
- Retirement Plan: Automatic enrollment in Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
- Disability Insurance: Protection if you can’t work due to illness or injury
- Flexible Spending: Save money on medical and dependent care expenses
Time Off Benefits
| Type of Leave | Days Per Year |
|---|---|
| Personal/Sick Days | 5 local + 5 state = 10 days |
| Winter Break | 2 weeks (paid) |
| Spring Break | 1 week (paid) |
| Summer (Teachers) | 8-10 weeks |
Professional Growth
- Free Training: Workshops and courses to improve your skills
- Tuition Assistance: Help paying for additional college degrees
- Career Advancement: Clear paths to move up to leadership roles
- You must hold a valid Texas teaching certificate for your subject or grade level.
How to Apply for La Joya ISD Jobs
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the La Joya ISD website and find the “Employment” or “Careers” section. All applications must be submitted online.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Register on their job portal by providing:
- Your full name and contact information
- Email address (check it regularly!)
- Create a secure password
Step 3: Build Your Profile
Fill in these important sections:
- Work history (list all relevant jobs)
- Education (schools you attended and degrees earned)
- Certifications and licenses
- Skills and qualifications
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
For Teaching Jobs:
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter explaining why you want to work at La Joya ISD
- College transcripts (unofficial copies accepted initially)
- Copy of your Texas teaching certificate
- Three professional references with phone numbers and emails
For Support Staff Jobs:
- Resume
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Any special licenses (CDL, food handler’s permit, etc.)
- At least two work references
Step 5: Search and Apply
- Use the search feature to find jobs that match your skills
- Read job descriptions carefully
- Click “Apply” for positions you’re interested in
- You can apply to multiple jobs at once
Step 6: Prepare for the Interview
If selected, you’ll be contacted by email or phone. Interviews may include:
- Phone screening (15-30 minutes)
- In-person interview with a panel
- Teaching demonstration (for teacher positions)
- Skills assessment (for some support roles)
Application Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Application review | 1-2 weeks |
| First interview | 2-3 weeks after applying |
| Second interview (if needed) | 1 week after first interview |
| Job offer | 3-6 weeks total process |
| Background check | 1-2 weeks |
| Start date | Varies by position and time of year |
Tips to Get Hired at La Joya ISD
Make Your Application Stand Out
- Customize your cover letter: Mention specific La Joya ISD schools or programs you’re excited about
- Use keywords: Include words from the job description in your resume
- Show your passion: Explain why you want to work with Valley students
- Highlight bilingual skills: Spanish language ability is valuable here
- Proofread everything: Spelling and grammar errors hurt your chances
What Hiring Managers Look For
- Commitment to student success: Show you care about helping kids learn
- Team player attitude: Schools need people who work well together
- Cultural awareness: Understanding the Rio Grande Valley community
- Reliability: Consistent attendance and dependability
- Continuous learning: Willingness to grow and improve
Minimum Job Requirements
For Teachers
✓ Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
✓ Valid Texas teaching certificate for your subject/grade level
✓ Pass background check and fingerprinting
✓ Strong classroom management skills
✓ Bilingual ability preferred (not always required)
For School Leaders
✓ Master’s degree or higher
✓ Texas Principal or Superintendent certification
✓ Minimum 3-5 years teaching or leadership experience
✓ Pass background check
✓ Demonstrated success in previous roles
For Teacher Assistants
✓ High school diploma or GED
✓ Complete 48 college credits OR pass ParaPro Assessment test
✓ Pass background check
✓ Experience working with children (helpful but not required)
For Other Support Staff
✓ High school diploma or GED
✓ Specific license if required (CDL, food handler’s, etc.)
✓ Pass background check and drug screening
✓ Reliable transportation to work
Contact Information
La Joya ISD Human Capital & Talent Development
📞 Phone: (956) 323-2600
📍 Address: 200 W. Expressway 83, La Joya, TX 78560
🌐 Website: Visit the official La Joya ISD employment portal
⏰ Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to apply?
A: For teaching jobs, apply between January and May for positions starting in August. Support staff positions are often available year-round.
Q: Do I need to speak Spanish to work here?
A: Not for all positions, but it’s very helpful. Many students and families speak Spanish, so bilingual employees are preferred for most roles.
Q: Can I work at La Joya ISD without a college degree?
A: Yes! Many support staff positions only require a high school diploma, including custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers.
Q: How soon will I hear back after applying?
A: If your qualifications match the position, you should hear within 2-3 weeks. However, this varies by position and time of year.
Q: Are there part-time jobs available?
A: Some positions, especially in food service and as substitute teachers, are available part-time or on an as-needed basis.
Q: What happens if I don’t have my teaching certificate yet?
A: You may be eligible for an intern certificate if you’re currently completing your teaching program. Contact Human Capital to discuss options.
Why La Joya ISD Is a Great Place to Work
Strong Community Connection
Working at La Joya ISD means serving your neighbors and helping local families. Many employees grew up in the Valley and give back to their community through their work.
Career Growth Opportunities
The district promotes from within. Many principals started as teachers, and district leaders often began as campus administrators. Your career can grow here.
Cultural Richness
The Rio Grande Valley has unique traditions, food, and culture. Working here means being part of a vibrant, bilingual community with strong family values.
Job Stability
As one of the largest employers in Hidalgo County, La Joya ISD offers secure, stable employment with predictable schedules and annual contracts for certified staff.
Start Your La Joya ISD Career Today
La Joya ISD jobs offer more than a paycheck—they provide purpose, community, and opportunity. Whether you want to shape young minds as a teacher, keep schools running as support staff, or lead as an administrator, there’s a place for you here.
Visit the La Joya ISD employment website today to see current openings and start your application. Your new career in education awaits!