What is the Teacher Incentive Allotment?

HB 3 established the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to recognize effective teachers on three different levels: recognized, exemplary, and master. These teacher designations generate additional teacher-focused allotment funding for districts in order for them to reward their top performers.

Teachers earn designations through two different routes. First, National Board Certified teachers are eligible to earn a Recognized designation. Second, districts may designate their effective teachers when they are approved for a local teacher designation system. The approval process is multi-step and includes the submission of a system application to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and then a data validation process through Texas Tech University.

The 3-minute guide to the Teacher Incentive Allotment

Why did Rio Grande City Grulla I.S.D. decide to participate?

Rio Grande City Grulla ISD has decided to participate in the Teacher Incentive Allotment program to create attainable pathways so that teachers may be able to earn salaries with 6 digit figures in an effort to improve the recruitment and retention of highly effective teachers. We are committed to fulfill all the criteria components of the Teacher Incentive Allotment as established by the Texas Education Agency. The rigorous process requires districts to gain approval for TIA funding. The RGCGISD design takes into consideration teacher evaluations, observations, and student data. Our goal is to have a design that provides equitable opportunity to all teachers, improve student achievement, and create a culture of excellence while being open and transparent about the process and taking into consideration all evaluations. The design includes carefully planned rigorous training and calibration of the teacher evaluation process for all school administrators using T-TESS.

Allotment: $3,000–$9,000

Average Recognized allotment is $6,181.

Allotment: $6,000–$18,000

Average Exemplary allotment is $12,576.

Allotment: $12,000–$32,000

Average Master allotment is $22,537.

Keypoints

Key Points

Cohort E Timeline

Stakeholder Input

TIA Handbook

Click here to access the Teacher Incentive Allotment 2024-2025 Updated Information

TIA Teacher Meetings 2024-2025

Teacher Informational Presentation

Spending Plan

TIA Statutory Spending Requirements

The System Application requires the district to outline how and when they spend the allotment, plan for contingencies when designated teachers move, and set a timeline for school board approval.

Districts must spend 90% or more of the allotment on designated teachers or on teacher compensation on the campus where the designated teacher works. Up to 10% of the allotment may be used by the district to support the local designation system or to support teachers in earning designations. Districts must spend all TIA funds generated for the previous school year and submit certification to TEA by August 31, 2024.

Teacher Payout

RGCGISD will distribute 90% of the allotment to designated teachers inclusive of fringe benefits keeping in mind the district goal of retaining and attracting highly qualified teachers. Allotment funds will not replace the current district salary schedule. Allotment funds are separate (additional) to work in conjunction with the current district salary schedule. The allotment will be given in the form of supplemental pay and in a lump sum no later than August 31th based on the April notification for designations via Direct Deposit. If a designated teacher resigns or retires at the end of the school year with notification given to the district by May 30, the allotment will be paid in full no later than August 31th. If the teacher leaves after the winter PEIMS submission and before the last day of school, the district will evenly distribute the 90% allotment generated by the designated teacher to all other 087 teachers in the campus where the designated teacher was.

District Reserve

RGCGISD will reserve 10% of the funds at the district-level to support the implementation of TIA and provide staff development to teachers and administrators. These funds will be spent by August 31st of each year, including the first year and subsequent years. All actions must be reflective of the specifications in the approved TIA Application as per stakeholde recommendations.

Allowable Spending for Up to 10% of the Allotment (Not all the allowable below were included in the approved application).

Professional development for teachers

TIA assessment costs

Rubric costs, appraiser rater training, or certification

Other student growth costs

Central supports, such as funding for TIA coordinator or HR needs

Compensation for staff associated with TIA needs or with professional development, such as school leaders or instructional coaches

Recruitment, such as job fairs

Benefits and retirement contributions for teachers

Prohibited Spending for Up to 10% of the Allotment

General administrative expenses

Compensation for staff not associated with TIA needs nor with professional development.

For more information, please contact the TIA Leadership Team:

Julio Eguia

Discipline Management & Student Relations Administrator

jeguia001@rgccisd.org

Nydia I. Bentez

Director of Talent Management & Strategic Staffing

nbenitez107@rgccisd.org

Lillian K. Jones

District Master Scheduling Administrator

ljones042@rgccisd.org