TEA approves teacher incentive program

The Weatherford Independent School District got welcome news recently when it received word from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that one of its programs has been validated and approved.  

The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designation system was created by the 86th Texas Legislature to assist districts with recruiting, supporting and retaining “highly effective teachers” in all schools as part of House Bill 3. When passed, a special emphasis on high-needs and rural schools was one of the goals.  

“I am so proud of our staff for their perseverance throughout Weatherford ISD’s three-year process to become a TIA designated district," said Dr. Beau Rees, Superintendent of Schools at Weatherford ISD. "While all Texas school districts have the option to participate in the TIA, it is not a requirement.” 

A total of 79 teachers earned a designation through WISD’s TIA system. Designations are awarded for five years and noted on the teacher’s certificate. The amount of funding a designated teacher earns varies by campus based on their designation and the socioeconomic needs of the teacher’s campus. 

“[We are] honored to receive this validation and approval from TEA,” Rees said. “It is great to receive additional compensation for educators, fully paid for by the State of Texas, for going above and beyond to help our students grow academically.”  

TIA funding is a Tier 1 allotment through the Foundation School Program, the system the state provides funding to districts with that is grounded in the Texas Education Code, and has no cap.  

The allotment for Weatherford ISD TIA designees will range from $3,354 to $18,131, according to TEA’s allotment formula for the 2023-2024 school year. The formula takes three factors into account: teacher designation level, campus socioeconomic level and campus rural status. Teacher designations each have a base allotment amount and a multiplier rate that may result in a higher allotment for the district.  

By mid-May, TEA will notify the school district and teachers that have been identified as earning one of three designations: recognized, master or exemplary.  

“[This] validation advances the district’s commitment to recruit, reward and retain teachers who provide an exceptional learning environment for our students,” said Mike Guest, President of the WISD Board of Trustees.  

Districts are required to spend 90 percent or more of the allotment on teacher compensation at the campus where the designated teacher works. Up to 10 percent may be used to support teachers in earning designations.  

In addition, instructional staff at campuses with a designated teacher will also benefit from this allotment. Based on the approved WISD spending plan, TIA allotment funds will be distributed to those who qualify on the June 25 paycheck.