No, remember TIA is currently designed to identify the top 30% of teachers in the state. While we hope TIA continues to expand to include a larger percentage, only teachers who are in an 087 role, and who are included in their districts' TIA teaching categories, are eligible to potentially receive funds.

No, there is no set cap. However, the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) is designed to recognize approximately the top 30% of teachers statewide. This means most local designation systems are expected to reflect that average.

Districts can designate more than 30% of their teachers, but they must have strong data to support those designations. If a district over-designates without sufficient evidence, their system could be at risk of not being approved—meaning no teachers would receive funds.

The reason behind this is to ensure consistency and fairness across the state. For example, an “A” district with strong student outcomes might reasonably have a higher percentage of high-performing teachers. In contrast, a “D” district might be expected to designate fewer teachers based on statewide performance comparisons. The goal is to ensure the designations truly reflect teacher excellence.

No, teachers cannot choose to opt out of TIA. All teachers in eligible teaching categories will have student growth collected and be appraised. 

Yes! This is the amazing part. Since TIA is focused on student growth, NOT achievement, every student's growth targets will vary. 

No, TIA is set up as incentive-based allotment awarded to the highest performing teachers at a district. 

No. Don't forget to check out National Board Certification! All teachers who earn their certification will earn the Recognized allotment value for their district regardless of student growth and teacher observation scores. 

No, TIA student growth measures can be designed for any course. However, your district must include the course in the application. 

A designation is earned by a teacher after their data is validated. It’s a formal title—Recognized, Exemplary, or Master—that appears as a badge on their teaching certificate. An allotment, on the other hand, is funding earned by the district for each teacher with a designation. While teachers earn the title, districts earn the money. Each district’s TIA plan outlines how allotment funds are distributed to support teacher compensation and campus goals. 

It depends. Districts decide how the money generated from allotments will be disbursed to teachers. It's important to know and understand the spending plan for how money will flow to teachers. 

It's most important to know that taxes and retirement will be subtracted from your take home amount. Best advice? Don't spend the money before it hits the bank. 

If you are in an eligible teaching category, you will be observed every year. 

Find out here on the TIA Funding Map.

See all the amazing teachers already earning money through TIA here. 

No, you will earn the higher of the two designations if you receive both. 

Once you certify in December, you will receive $1,900 AND the recognized allotment amount through your district from the state by the spring.