The Teacher Incentive Allotment is a state program that aims to enhance the teaching profession by acknowledging and rewarding outstanding teachers to stay in the classroom while fostering improved student outcomes. Districts utilize TIA funds to retain top educators, attract promising new teachers, and incentivize teaching in high-needs schools and challenging positions.
CISD participation in TIA was initiated during the 2023-24 school year by a steering committee composed of district staff, campus administrators, and teachers. District-wide teacher feedback was instrumental in developing a plan that provides a pathway to financially recognize our teaching staff. Our application to the Texas Education Agency was approved in August 2024.
Participation in TIA fulfills the priority of employee recruitment and retention in our district Collaborative Vision. The opportunity to financially recognize teachers beyond the current pay structure helps CISD attract, hire, and retain high-quality staff.
Teachers are automatically considered for a TIA designation if they teach a TIA approved eligible course, complete a summative teacher observation (T-TESS), and earn a student growth percentage from an approved assessment. The teacher must be coded 087 (Teacher) per the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) description of codes for 90 days at 100% of the day (equivalent to four and one-half months or a full semester) or 180 days required at 50-99% of the day and compensated for that employment.
Designations are distinctions awarded to highly effective teachers. TIA established three levels of designation: Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Designations are awarded through our local designation system or by achieving National Board Certification.
To receive a designation, a teacher's T-TESS and Student Growth measures will be evaluated based upon state performance standards. Texas Tech University will verify the process of collection and the validity of the district’s data. If approved, that teacher will receive one of the three ratings listed above, along with the additional state determined compensation for that campus. Also, the designation will be placed on their teaching certificate.
A teacher's designation is valid for five years, at which time that teacher will be re-evaluated. Based on performance during the 5-year designation, a teacher can be recommended for a higher designation but not a lower designation.
Once a teacher has been approved by TEA to receive a designation, the state will release an allotment to the district. The allotment amount is based on the level of the teacher’s designation as well as the rurality and demographics of the campus where the teacher works. TIA requires teachers to receive 90% of the allotment and the district will use the remaining 10% towards district costs associated with TIA. These funds will be paid prior to August 31st.
