TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District recognized and rewarded exceptional teachers from across the district with the presentation of checks totaling almost a half a million dollars as part of the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) on Thursday (August 24).
Temple ISD administrators presented TIA checks totaling $495,570 to 50 teachers across the district on Thursday. Of those honored, 26 teachers received recognized designations, 19 achieved exemplary designations and five others reached master designations. The teachers recognized this year were all part of TIA’s Cohort D, which includes reading, math and special education teachers who teach resource/inclusion classrooms. TISD is currently examining data collected last school year as part of Cohort E, which includes courses from Cohort D, as well as science and social studies courses.
“The district is excited to participate in the Teacher Incentive Allotment to recognize and reward our teachers for excellence in the classroom,” said Dr. Donna Ward, assistant superintendent of human resources for Temple schools. “The TIA is a great way to not only acknowledge the great things happening in our classrooms, but also provide extra support monetarily. We are proud of all of their hard work and look forward to handing out more money next school year!”
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. Temple ISD is one of fewer than 180 districts across the state of Texas to have a fully approved local designation system.
“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. “I am without words to the emotion experienced today when delivering these checks. The highlight of the day was seeing students rally around teachers and teachers pass credit to their students. This represents a selfless environment grounded in service to others. This is Temple ISD!”