Our Local Teacher Designation Pathway
A guide to honoring, celebrating, and supporting outstanding classroom leadership across our schools.
01. Our Purpose & Shared Goals
The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) was established by the Texas Legislature under House Bill 3 during the 86th session. Our local pathway is built to welcome, support, and reward outstanding teachers, creating exciting opportunities for higher salaries while ensuring our excellent educators can stay right where they shine brightest—in the classroom with our students.
02. TIA Overview in Natalia ISD
The TIA journey in Natalia ISD is a strategic path toward honoring, compensating, and supporting exceptional classroom performance. Rather than basic achievement scores, TIA measures the progress of each unique student cohort relative to their initial benchmarks, rewarding high-impact teachers for the academic growth they foster. This state-backed framework offers concrete ways to attract and keep elite talent within classrooms across Natalia ISD campuses.
03. Shared Timelines & Helpful Calibration Windows
Key administration planning windows, validation intervals, and implementation phases:
- April 2026: Develop and Submit TIA Application - Completed Year One.
- May 2026: System Application Approved - Enter Year Two: Data Capture Year.
- June 2026: Stakeholder Updates and TIA Handbook Release.
- July 2026: Leadership Planning & Evaluator Calibration.
- Friday, August 7, 2026: Beginning-of-Year Teacher Launch, T-TESS Calibration, and TIA System Refresher.
- August–December 2026: Walkthroughs and formal observations completed.
- December 2026: Second Administrator Calibration.
- January through July 2027: Final walkthroughs and data submission preparation.
- August through December 2027: Data Submission and Validation.
04. Initial Eligible Cohorts
To qualify, teachers must hold a valid state credential, maintain PEIMS Classroom Teacher Role Code 087, and complete standard T-TESS evaluations.
A. Early Childhood Foundations (Grades K–2)
Measures of Academic Progress are collected using NWEA MAP Growth Data and mCLASS Assessment Platforms.
B. Elementary & Middle School Core (Grades 3–8)
Classroom Reading and Math outcomes evaluated through STAAR.
C. Secondary Core Foundations (EOC Subjects)
Applies directly to teachers of End-of-Course tested core blocks: Algebra 1, English 1, English 2, Biology, and US History.
05. Designation Pathway & Supportive Score Thresholds
| Designation Tier | Minimum T-TESS Average | Minimum Student Growth Required |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledged | 3.5 (Dimensions 2 & 3 Instruction / Learning Env.) | 50% of Assigned Students |
| Recognized | 3.7 (Dimensions 2 & 3 Instruction / Learning Env.) | 55% of Assigned Students |
| Exemplary | 3.9 (Dimensions 2 & 3 Instruction / Learning Env.) | 60% of Assigned Students |
| Master | 4.5 (Dimensions 2 & 3 Instruction / Learning Env.) | 70% of Assigned Students |
06. Our Funding Sharing Plan (The 90/10 Allotment Model)
All TIA funds received from the Texas Education Agency must be split under standard legislation (TEC Section 48.112):
- 90% Direct Pay Component: Directed entirely to classroom instructors whose performance metrics compiled the designation. This extra compensation counts toward standard TRS retirement calculations.
- 10% District Program Support Retention: Reserved by the district to handle system calibration, data verification, technical processing costs, and professional growth programs.