Teacher Incentive Allotment

What is TIA?

The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) was established during the 86th legislative session through House Bill (HB) 3 to recruit, retain, and reward effective educators in the classroom. TIA is built for Texas school districts to designate and reward top-performing teachers. The TIA provides additional funding to eligible teachers who earn local designations through this allotment system.

School systems receive an annual allotment for each eligible designated teacher they employ and may use TIA funds to incentivize effective teachers to remain in the classroom and prioritize high-needs campuses. Teachers can earn designations through two pathways: one through districts developing a Local Designation System (LDS), and the other through National Board Certification.

Key Things to Know About TIA

Designations

Designations are distinctions awarded to highly effective teachers through a local designation system or an active National Board certification.

Local Designation Systems

A local designation system allows districts to identify their top-performing teachers based on student growth, classroom observation, and optional local criteria.

Designated Teachers

Designated teachers who remain in the classroom generate annual allotment funds for their district based on their level of designation, the socioeconomic needs of their campus, and the campus rural status.

Funding Source

TIA has sustainable funding built into the Texas school funding formula, the Foundation School Program, and is not a grant like some previous incentive programs. As a Tier 1 foundation entitlement, TIA provides funding to districts through the Foundation School Program

Allotments

Districts receive an annual allotment for each eligible designated teacher they employ. Allotments are based on the teacher’s designation level and campus of employment, with greater funding for high-needs and rural campuses.