TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District will recognize exceptional teachers from across the district with the presentation of checks totaling nearly $2.1 million as part of the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) this fall. District administrators recognized those teachers with a series of presentations at campuses across the district on Friday (August 21).
Temple ISD administrators are recognizing a total of 162 designated teachers as part of the district’s participation in the TIA this year. Of those to be honored, 32 teachers are receiving recognized designations, 88 are achieving exemplary designations, and 42 teachers are earning master designations. Temple ISD has seen the number of teachers rewarded through the TIA program grow from 50 in the first year of district recognitions to this year’s total of 162. District administrators say that growth is a significant milestone that reflects both the dedication of TISD educators, and the district’s commitment to excellence. Since starting its participation in the program in 2020, Temple ISD has distributed more than $5 million in teacher stipends to recognized educators.
“Temple ISD believes in honoring and celebrating teachers, which is why the district did not hesitate to participate in the Teacher Incentive Allotment,” said Dr. Donna Ward, assistant superintendent of human resources for Temple schools. “While no stipend can fully capture the value of the work our educators do each day, the Teacher Incentive Allotment is one meaningful way we can recognize their impact, honor their achievements, and demonstrate our appreciation to their commitment to student success.”
The TIA was created by the Texas Legislature to provide a realistic pathway for top teachers to earn six-figure salaries and to help attract and retain highly effective teachers at traditionally hard-to-staff schools. Participating school districts develop and implement a local designation system that includes, at a minimum, a teacher observation, and a student performance component. TISD’s system includes three levels of designation with master as the highest level. Those designations are good for five years and teachers can be submitted for a higher designation each year based on performance. School districts are required to reapply for participation in the TIA program every five years, and Temple ISD intends to continue offering this opportunity to its teachers.
“Temple ISD is known as an innovative district, always looking for creative ways to celebrate and reward staff members for their commitment and excellence in service,” said Dr. Bobby Ott, superintendent of schools for Temple ISD. “Teaching is the profession that makes all others possible. Public school classrooms are one of the only places in the world that bring all walks of life together in one space to collaborate and learn. I see this daily in Temple ISD and am truly proud of our amazing teachers.”