The Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program is designed to reward effective teachers. Any teacher in an 087 role can receive an allotment. However, those working in rural and/or high-needs campuses can receive even higher amounts.
There are two paths to earning a designation: through your district’s local designation system or by becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). Either route requires meeting certain criteria. Here are the general steps to becoming a designated teacher through the Teacher Incentive Allotment program:
Local Designation System
The teacher meets the following eligibility requirements:
- Employed by the recommending district in a teacher role of 087, as identified in PEIMS.
- Employed by the recommending district in a teacher role (087) for at least 90 days at 100% of the day or 180 days at 50%-99% of the day.
- Not currently designated by the local designation system unless recommended for a higher designation or in the last year of a teacher designation.
Demonstrate Teacher Effectiveness: The heart of the TIA program is about recognizing and rewarding effective teachers. To become a designated teacher, you need to demonstrate your effectiveness through a combination of factors, including:
- Student growth measures, as determined by the district, may include one of several options but are not limited to the following: Student Learning Objectives (SLOs), Pre-Test/Post-Test, Portfolios, or Value-Added Measures.
- Teacher observation data based on T-TESS. A third-party rubric, such as the NIET TAP, Marzano, or Danielson rubric, is also an option.
Districts can use other factors in determining which teachers will be eligible to receive a designation, such as student surveys, teacher leadership responsibilities, teacher mentorship responsibilities, family surveys, demonstration of district core values, teacher peer surveys, and contributions to the broader school community.
Once you meet the effectiveness criteria, your school district will designate you as a Recognized, Master, or Exemplary teacher under their approved local designation system. The specific designation will depend on your level of effectiveness and the criteria set by your school district.
National Board Teacher Certification
- Teachers must hold an active National Board certification.
- The NBCT directory listing reflects Texas residency and/or employment.
- The teacher must be reported by their Texas school system in a teacher role (087) in the PEIMS system during that year’s Class Roster Winter Submission in February.
TIA Compensation
Designated teachers receive additional compensation above and beyond their salaries through the TIA program. The amount you receive depends on your designation and the specific allotment allocated to your campus. These funds are intended as incentives to recruit and retain effective teachers.
What Else Can You Do?
It’s essential to stay informed about the specific criteria and processes for the TIA program in your school district. Designation systems are determined by districts based on local needs. Different school districts often have different criteria for designating teachers and distributing TIA funds.
Work closely with your school administrators to understand your district’s TIA program requirements and expectations. They can provide guidance on how to meet the program’s criteria and help you become a designated teacher.
To maintain your designation and potentially move up the recognition ladder, it’s crucial to continue your professional development, seek opportunities for growth, and refine your teaching skills.
Remember, the TIA program may change or be updated over time, so it’s essential to stay abreast of the latest information and requirements in your school district. Additionally, the designation process and requirements may vary from district to district, so consult with your local school administration for the most accurate and up-to-date information about how to become a designated teacher through the TIA program in your specific teaching assignment.
John is an Administrative Specialist for Educator Evaluation and Leadership at ESC Region 13.
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