Allotments What Happens Next
Designated teachers generate an annual allotment for their employing school district if they meet TEA eligibility requirements. Districts create their own spending plans based on local needs; the percentage awarded to the designated teacher varies by school district. Some districts award TIA compensation through single or multiple stipends, whereas other districts incorporate TIA funds into an elevated salary schedule for teachers.
The amount awarded to designated teachers varies based on their designation, their campus level of socioeconomic need and rural status, and the spending plan created by the district.
For questions regarding their district’s local designation system or spending plan for allotment funds, teachers are encouraged to contact their district directly for answers.
TIA FundingAnnual Allotment Requirements TIA Funding
Districts receive an annual allotment for each eligible designated teacher they employ. Districts must spend 90% or more of the allotment on teacher compensation on the campus where the designated teacher works by August 31 each school year. Note, based on local TIA spending plans, districts can choose to reward other instructional staff at the campus where the allotment was generated.
Note: payouts to teachers may be subject to deductions including retirement contributions and taxes.
TEA will verify funding eligibility each school year in April. Designated teachers must meet the following criteria to generate an annual allotment for their employing district.
- Maintain an active designation
- The designation has not yet expired
- The designation was not revoked due to a certificate sanction or Do Not Hire
- Is employed as a teacher (087 PEIMS StaffClassification (formerly Role ID)) as of the last Friday in February
- Met or will meet the creditable year of service requirement by the end of the school year with the district employing them on the last Friday in February.
A creditable year of service requires that the teacher was employed and compensated (or will be by the end of the school year) in a teaching role for 50% or more of the day for a minimum of 180 days; or, 100% of the day for a minimum of 90 days, or the equivalent of one semester. Districts with a calendar of less than 180 working days may use the semester equivalent.
Expiry Dates and Multiple DesignationsDesignation Policies Expiry Dates and Multiple Designations
Designations issued through a local designation system are valid for five school years. Teachers may qualify for a new designation and continue generating annual funds through one of the following pathways:
Before the Designation Expires
Higher designation
Acknowledged, Recognized, and Exemplary teachers may be put forth for a higher designation within the five-year window if they meet the district’s performance criteria. The higher designation will replace the lower designation and restart the five-year clock.
Early same-level redesignation
Teachers entering their fifth and final year of designation may be submitted for an early redesignation if their performance in year 4 qualifies at the same level based on their district’s local criteria. The redesignation is held in an inactive status until the original designation expires, and then the five-year clock restarts.
Teachers cannot be submitted for a lower designation within the five-year active window.
After the Designation ExpiresAfter the Designation Expires
Teachers who do not requalify at the same level or higher within the five-year window can be submitted for a new designation at any level once the original designation expires.
If the teacher is submitted during the first school year after expiration, the teacher will not hold an active designation from August through May. However, annual funding will continue without interruption if the new designation is approved.
National Board Certified TeachersNational Board Certified Teachers
Teachers currently designated as Nationally Board Certified may also earn a designation through their district’s local designation system. If they earn a designation through their district, the Nationally Board Certified designation becomes inactive. If an NBCT fails to maintain their National Board certification, TEA will remove the Nationally Board Certified designation at the end of the same school year.
What Happens When Designated Teachers TransferMoving Districts What Happens When Designated Teachers Transfer
Once awarded, designations are valid until they expire. Each year, TEA verifies each designated teacher’s district, campus, and eligibility as of the last Friday in February. Allotment funds are awarded to the district employing the designated teacher as of the last Friday in February. Allotments are recalculated annually. Funds do not follow teachers in real time. If a teacher moves between school years, funding may be awarded to their new district the following year.
Districts may choose whether or not to forward funds to designated teachers who leave the district or move to a non-teaching position prior to the August 31 spending deadline. This depends on the district’s local spending plan. Designated teachers are encouraged to reach out to their district prior to moving to determine if they will still receive allotment funds.
Movement of Teachers
Learn About PASS Parent Access to Supplemental Supports
PASS is a Texas Education Agency program that provides eligible families with a $400 grant to access approved literacy tutoring services. TIA-designated teachers are eligible to serve as PASS providers, helping students strengthen foundational literacy skills while expanding access to high-quality tutoring across Texas. Approved providers are compensated for tutoring services delivered through the program, offering an opportunity to earn additional income outside of regular school duties and contracted work hours. To learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, provider opportunities, and available resources, visit the PASS webpage.
Designated Teachers FAQDesignated Teachers FAQ
If a designated teacher moves campuses from one school year to the next, will the allotment that teacher generates be recalculated? What if a teacher leaves in the middle of the year?
While designations are tied to the teacher and not their employing district or campus, allotment funds are awarded to the district where the teacher was employed as of the last Friday in February. For teachers who meet eligibility criteria, the district employing the teacher as of the last Friday in February will receive funds for that school year and must spend the allotment funds by August 31. The percentage of allotment awarded to the designated teacher varies by district. Districts are not required to forward funds if the teacher resigns or retires before August 31. If a designated teacher moves to a new district or campus between school years, the allotment for the next school year will be recalculated in April based on the new campus’ rural status and level of socioeconomic need.
What if a designated teacher moves to a non-teaching role, such as instructional coach, counselor, or administrator?
Designated teachers who move to a StaffClassification (formerly Role ID) other than 087 will maintain their designation. However, they will not generate annual allotment funding if they are not in a 087 teaching role. Teachers who move to a non-teaching position prior to formally earning a designation relinquish eligibility.
Are designations attached to a particular grade level or subject area?
Unlike certificates, designations are general. The designation is placed on the teacher’s SBEC certificate and does not specify a certification area, subject, or grade level. A teacher may change teaching assignments and will still generate allotment funding. The same applies to National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs).
What happens after the five-year designation expires?
If a teacher does not re-qualify for a new or higher designation before the current designation expires, it will be removed from the SBEC certificate (if applicable) and allotment funding will no longer be generated.