If a district does not have a local designation system as part of the Teacher Incentive Allotment, but employs designated teachers, will the district receive allotment funds for those teachers?

Yes. Districts that employ teachers who already have an active designation or National Board Certified Teachers may receive funding for those teachers based on the TIA formula, even if the district does not have an approved designation system in place. Funding is awarded annually to the district employing the teacher as of the last Friday in February, provided the teacher remains in a teaching position and meets the creditable year of service.

For example, a district that does not have a designation system in place could employ a teacher that earned a designation in another district or a teacher who automatically earned a Recognized designation for having achieved National Board Certification. Districts need to develop a plan for how to spend allotment dollars that they receive, in accordance with the statutory requirements.