Midland ISD awards $3.8 million to 387 teachers during campus tour

May 8-Midland ISD held a TIA Big Check Tour on Friday, visiting campuses to deliver checks to teachers who earned the Teacher Incentive Allotment designation.

The school district recognized 387 teachers, awarding a total of $3.8 million for their effectiveness and performance.

House Bill 3, passed by the 86th Texas Legislature in June 2019, established the Teacher Incentive Allotment and created an opportunity for teachers to earn six-figure salaries.

The program allows teachers to earn additional compensation based on their effectiveness in the classroom.

Through its local designation system, MISD identifies teachers who demonstrate strong instructional practices and measurable student growth.

Superintendent Stephanie Howard said about 29% of the district's teachers are receiving TIA payments.

"For years, we've paid teachers based on years of experience versus based on effectiveness," Howard said. "These teachers are highly effective and therefore earning more money."

Before the announcement, the district had more than 60 teachers who were earning more than $100,000, Howard said. That number will increase after the new designations are announced.

Howard said TIA designations help retain highly effective teachers because they are given the opportunity to earn more money.

The TIA Big Check Tour was held at the campuses of teachers who were being recognized. District officials split up and took three different routes to ensure the tour was completed in one day.

Students at Henderson Elementary gathered in the gym and cheered on their teachers as they were recognized.

"I think people just don't see how much the teachers mean to their students," Howard said.

"Just as much as our teachers are cheering their students on when they show up every day and take the test at the end of the year, our students are just as proud of their teachers when they're being recognized earning this money."

Checks were distributed from the smallest amount to the largest during the presentation.

"We held up a $17,000 check today, and the students' eyes got really big," Howard said. "They're cheering because to see their teachers earning that kind of money is exciting to them."

Howard said celebrating 387 teachers during the tour was a great way to wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week.

"I want to thank our parents, our campus PTAs and our business and community partners because all week, we've seen the great things they've done for our teachers from breakfast, lunch, prizes and snacks," Howard said.

"We appreciate them taking the opportunity to recognize their teachers."

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