In summary, Local Education Agencies (LEAs), if they choose, can designate high performing teachers as Master, Exemplary, or Recognized based on statewide performance descriptors for these designations. The designation requires teacher observation and consideration of the performance of a teacher’s students. Other evidence of teacher performance may be considered, such as teacher leadership and students surveys. National Board Certified Teachers will automatically earn a Recognized designation.
The LEA can receive $3,000 – $32,000 per year for every designated teacher they employ. LEAs receive greater funding for designated teachers who work on rural and/or high-needs campuses. At least 90% of the Teacher Incentive Allotment funds must be used on teacher compensation on the campus where the designated teacher works. The remaining funds could be used for costs associated with implementing the local designation system or to support teachers in obtaining designations. There will be fees associated with the designation system (and there are fees currently for teachers to obtain National Board Certification). All fees are now reimbursed out of the Foundation School Program.
The LEA funding per designation is listed below. The exact dollar amount an LEA would receive for a designated teacher depends on the level of designation, whether the school at which the teacher works is rural, and the level of socio-economic need at the school. The webinar referenced above provides step-by-step examples of how to calculate an allotment.
- Recognized: $3,000 – $9,000
- Exemplary: $6,000 – $18,000
- Master: $12,000 – $32,000
If you have any questions related to the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) under HB 3, please contact the Division of Instructional Support at TIA@tea.texas.gov or HB3info@tea.texas.gov. The TEA letter regarding the TIA can be found here.