Teague ISD had scheduled an early release day for a long, three-and-ahalf- day weekend on Friday, Feb. 14, for Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. The long weekend got a whole lot sweeter for 46 TISD teachers who were surprised with a total of $768,308 in Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) funds.
“Teague ISD is thrilled to announce that our Teacher Incentive Allotment data has been fully approved by TEA. We recognized 46 exceptional teachers with annual allotments up to $27,469 for five years,” TISD Superintendent Chris Skinner said. “A huge thank you to our dedicated teachers for your hard work and passion for the students at Teague ISD.”
There were a total of 19 teachers that received the Master recognition and received a check between $24,102 and $27,469. Receiving the Master level were Lisa Baggerly (THS), Mistie Broussard (TES), Tara Brown (TJH), Hillary Chandler (TES), Carrie Crutcher (TES), Lori Dugger (Lion Academy), Christpher Hair (THS), Casey Hankins (TES), Ashley Hiles (THS), Kathy Hull (TES), Sheila Lafoy (THS), Lauren McKay (TES), Theresa Minchew (TES), Cory Shaw (THS), Laura Sides (TJH), Leslie Sims (TES), Amanda Smith (THS), Edward Strange (THS), and Gina Taylor (TJH).
A check between $13,261 and $14,048 was handed out to 16 teachers for being recognized as Exemplary. Receiving the Exemplary status were Megan Ashley (THS), Cheyenne Brooke (TES), Megan Cockerham (TES), Lawrence Gullette (THS), Cory Hiles (THS), Sandra Isbell (TES), Brandon Ledgister (THS), Shaun Moore (THS), Allie Perkins (TJH), Kristin Skinner (TES), Olivia Smith (TES), Kevin Smith (THS), Derek Tyler (THS), April Welch (TJH), Keitha Whitaker (TJH), and Mykle Wright (THS).
There were a total of 11 teachers that received the Recognized recognition and received a check between $6,631 and $7,024. Receiving the Recognized status were Sarah Beaird (TES), Misty Duke-Morrow (TES), Leana Gore (THS), Shalandria Gullette (TES), Taylor Hamilton (THS), Leah Johnson (THS), LaLafarrah Moore (TES), Leslie Pickett (TES), Amy Shaw (TES), Kellie Taylor (TES), and Kimberly White (TJH).
“The designations, based on last year’s performance data, highlight the exceptional talent and dedication across Teague ISD. This milestone reflects the strength and unity of our district’s commitment to excellence in education,” Skinner said. “Our ultimate goal is to continue finding opportunities for all of our teachers to qualify for this recognition, ensuring that everyoneś hard work is celebrated and rewarded.”
A total of 46 of Teague’s 87 teachers received a check this year. Every content area was accounted for in the TIA program including reading, math, science, social studies, physical education/athletics, band, and ag.
Teachers that received a check this year will also receive another check once a year for the next four years, for a total of five checks. Skinner noted that the designations could increase for some teachers next year and that hopefully more teachers will be added to the program.
Skinner noted that TISD Chief Academic Officer and Teague Elementary School Principal Crystal Adams played a huge role in getting the funds for TISD educators by putting in countless hours into the program.
Skinner reported that teachers told him, “I want to give Mrs. Adams a huge shout out for her leadership in helping so many teachers achieve this. She not only gave us the road map, she led us the entire way. What happened today leaves me speechless in the absolute best way and I truly believe her hardwork and dedication has changed our lives. I just think today she deserves a huge shoutout.”
It has been a two-year process in order to get the money rolling into TISD.
“I know it has been an answer to so many prayers and life-changing for our teachers,” Adams said. “I was honored to be able to work to help get our teachers what they deserve.”
The Teacher Incentive Allotment elevates the education profession by providing districts with systems and funding to recruit promising new teachers, retain their best teachers, and incentivize teachers to work in high-needs schools and difficult to staff positions.
“Teague ISD is thrilled to embrace the opportunities created by Commissioner Morath and the State’s Legislature’s commitment to investing in rural educators,” Skinner said. “This initiative marks a significant step forward in closing the gap for public education in rural areas, paving the way for enhanced resources, support, and success for our students and educators alike.”
Based in the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.3521 (Local Optional Teacher Designation System) and §48.112 (Teacher Incentive Allotment), TIA is built to provide lasting funds for outstanding Texas teachers to remain in the classroom and improve student outcomes.
“We had a plan years ago to invest all of our Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds into our staff and when it ended to make sure TIA hit the next year,” Skinner said. “We are just thankful it happened the way we envisioned it.”
Skinner noted that it is his goal to support and reward the staff at TISD to make sure the district has the best teachers possible for the students at TISD. The school board also approved a $2,000 stipend back in December for all faculty and staff members as a Christmas bonus.
“This has truly been the most rewarding thing I have ever been a part of as the Superintendent of this district over the past eight years,” Skinner said.
