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.
Designation Policies Expiry Dates and Multiple Designations
Designations issued through a local designation system are valid for five school years. Once the designation expires, the teacher may be issued a new designation if they continue to work in a district with an approved designation system and meet the district’s performance criteria.
Teachers may only have one active designation at a time. Designated teachers working in a district with a local designation system may be put forth for a higher designation within the five-year window if they meet the district’s performance criteria. In these cases, the higher designation replaces the lower designation, and the five-year clock restarts. Teachers may not be put forth by a district for a lower or equal designation.
Designations for National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) expire in the summer following expiration of the National Board certificate. If an NBCT renews or maintains their certificate, TEA adjusts the designation expiry date accordingly.
NBCTs may also earn a designation through their district’s local designation system. If they earn a higher designation, the higher designation takes precedence, and the Recognized designation becomes inactive. If they are put forth for a Recognized designation, the designation defaults to the later expiry date.
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
Designated 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 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 if a designated teacher’s performance level changes within the five-year period? Can their designation level change?
Teacher designations are valid for five years. Within the five-year period, teachers may be put forth for a higher designation if their performance qualifies them, but they cannot be submitted for a lower designation. Some district spending plans may include variability based on continued performance levels.
What happens after the five-year designation expires?
Designated teachers who meet performance standards and district qualifications can be put forth for a new designation in the fall after the designation expires. The new designation will be retroactive to the beginning of the school year. Once the designation expires, it will be removed from the SBEC certificate (if applicable) and allotment funding will no longer be generated.
What deductions can be taken from teacher payouts?
Like other income, TIA teacher payouts may be subject to taxes and retirement contributions. All compensation from TIA is TRS eligible. Districts may pay employee and employer contributions from the 90% portion of the allotment or from the 10%, as those benefit payments are considered to be included in overall compensation. See our TIA Guidance for District Business Offices for more details around how districts can issue payouts.