Texas HB 3 Teacher Incentive Allotment
Eligibility
Teachers who receive formal designations through their district's TEA-approved evaluation system qualify. Districts must apply to TEA to participate in the TIA program. Once approved, they can designate teachers at three levels: Recognized, Exemplary, and Masters. Computer science and STEM teachers are eligible.
- Eligible: Teachers at TEA-approved TIA districts who receive formal designations
- Three designation levels: Recognized, Exemplary, and Masters
- High-need school placements receive larger allotments
- Districts must apply to participate in TIA through TEA
Program Goals
Texas House Bill 3, passed in 2019, created the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), one of the largest teacher compensation programs in the country. The TIA awards additional annual stipends to teachers with high effectiveness designations. The program aims to attract and retain high-quality teachers in high-need schools.
HB 3 also included expanded funding that districts can direct toward instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and content-area development - including computer science and AI literacy programs.
Funding Distribution
Stipends range from roughly $3,000 for Recognized teachers to over $32,000 for Masters-level teachers placed in high-need schools. The total allotment flows through the Foundation School Program formula. Districts that participate in TIA see significantly increased state funding when teachers earn higher designations.
How HB 3 Supports STEM Staffing
HB 3 also included new compensatory education weights and expanded funding that districts can direct toward instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and content-area development. Districts building or growing a computer science or AI literacy program can use these funds to hire or develop dedicated CS specialists and coding coaches.
Using HB 3 Funds for STEM Programs
TIA funds flow through the district and can support teacher development programs that help CS and STEM teachers earn higher designation levels.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
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Forward Education Teacher Training
Professional development for CS and STEM teachers. Higher-quality instruction, supported by good curriculum and training, drives the student outcomes that support higher TIA designations. -
micro:bit Classroom Kits
Classroom tools that support effective, engaging instruction in physical computing. Teachers with strong tools are better positioned to demonstrate the instructional quality TIA designations require. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Curriculum-included AI literacy tools that reduce teacher prep burden and improve instructional consistency - supporting the kind of outcomes TIA evaluation systems measure.
Keep in Mind
Individual teachers can't access TIA independently. Their district must apply to TEA to participate in the TIA program and establish an approved evaluation system. Check if your district is already a TIA participant.
Computer science and STEM teachers are fully eligible for TIA designations. If your district has CS teachers, make sure they are included in the TIA evaluation process.
Teachers in high-need schools receive the largest TIA stipends. If your district has high-need campuses, directing effective CS teachers there maximizes both the incentive and the impact.
When investing in teacher training, align it with your district's TIA evaluation criteria. Help teachers understand what they need to demonstrate to earn higher designations.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents - TEKS and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing - classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support - documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence - ready-to-use program outlines
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