TIA was established with the goal of providing outstanding teachers an accessible pathway to a six-figure salary. Unlike previous education programs, the Teacher Incentive Allotment is not a grant. Through approved local designation systems, districts can identify and designate outstanding teachers based on student growth and classroom observation. Employing designated teachers generates extra funding for districts to reward top performers.
Who is TIA for?
Serving Texas Districts & Teachers
TIA is built for Texas school districts to designate and reward top-performing teachers. Teachers can earn one of three levels of designation – Recognized, Exemplary, or Master. Teachers with a National Board certification may be designated as Recognized.
Districts receive an annual allotment for each eligible designated teacher they employ and may use TIA funds to incentivize effective teachers to remain in the classroom and prioritize high-needs campuses.
A local designation system allows districts to identify their top-performing teachers based on student growth, classroom observation, and optional local criteria.
Designated teachers who remain in the classroom generate annual allotment funds for their district based on their level of designation, the socioeconomic needs of their campus, and the campus rural status.
TIA has sustainable funding built into the Texas school funding formula, the Foundation School Program, and is not a grant like some previous incentive programs. As a Tier 1 foundation entitlement, TIA provides funding to districts through the Foundation School Program.
Districts receive an annual allotment for each eligible designated teacher they employ. Allotments are based on the teacher’s designation level and campus of employment, with greater funding for high-needs and rural campuses.
The TIA team provides training, ensures districts are well-supported throughout the process of developing a local designation system, and is available to answer any of your questions. For general questions, contact the team at tia@tea.texas.gov.
Implementation Timeline
Process for Implementing a Local Designation System
Creating a local designation system takes thoughtful planning and stakeholder engagement. Districts can expect a three year minimum timeline from development to full approval.
Districts work with stakeholders to design a local designation system.
Application Year
Districts attend TIA technical assistance sessions as they continue to outline details of their proposed designation system and submit a formal application to TEA.
System Implementation & Data Capture Year
Districts implement their system as outlined in their accepted application and collect teacher performance data.
Data Submission & Validation
Districts identify which teachers qualify for each level of designation using prior year performance data. They submit teacher designations and performance data for all teachers in eligible assignments to Texas Tech University for data validation. TEA conducts a final holistic review of systems for approval.
Designations and Allotments Awarded for Approved Systems
Districts are notified if the system and designations are approved or denied. TEA processes new and higher designations for approved districts and notifies districts of the annual allotment.
Issue New and Higher Designations; Monitor System Implementation
Approved districts may submit new designations and teacher performance data annually.
Districts administer TIA Annual Evaluation Surveys and complete the Annual Program Submission. Fully Approved Districts that plan to continue designating teachers must apply for renewal in the fourth year to ensure continuity of timelines the year prior to their expiration date.