Aquilla Independent School District (ISD) Superintendent Dr. David Edison has announced that the district received Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds from the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
“This was a three-year process, and we were excited to issue teachers checks this week,” Dr. Edison said. “It’s an incredible program, and I am so thankful we are able to be a part of it.”
Out of 26 teachers, half of the district’s staff received a designation and will be getting a pay increase from the allotment for the next five years.
The TEA announced that over $290 million in TIA funds has been awarded for nearly 25,000 designated Texas teachers during the 2023-24 school year. These educators make up some of Texas’ best, and they work to improve student growth and success in their classrooms.
Districts receive full approval to award teacher designations following a comprehensive application and approval process using data from classroom observations and student academic growth.
A catalyst for helping high-quality teachers remain in the classroom, TIA creates accessible pathways for teachers to earn up to six-figure salaries. A recent TEA study conducted during the 2023-24 school year showed that designated teacher retention exceeded the statewide teacher retention rate by eight percentage points.
School systems participating in TIA determine teacher designations using data from classroom observations and student growth outcomes. Designated teachers who remain in classroom teaching positions generate annual funding for teacher compensation.
Districts may include all teachers in the first year of their local designation system, or they may choose to start with a smaller number of eligible teaching assignments and expand their system over time. Next school year, approximately 600 districts will be participating in TIA.
For more information, visit http://www.tia.texas.org.
The Lakelander 