Department Contact:
Tammy Dwomo
Director of Teacher Incentive Allotment
(682) 867-7303
TIA@arlingtonisd.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)?
TIA was established with the goal of providing outstanding teachers an accessible pathway to a six-figure salary. Unlike previous education programs, the Teacher Incentive Allotment is not a grant.
Has TIA been approved by the Arlington ISD school board?
Yes, it was approved by the school board March 12, 2026.
Is TIA a teacher pay raise for Texas teachers?
No. TIA is set up as an incentive-based compensation awarded to the highest performing teachers within a district.
Is TIA the only way for teachers to earn more money?
No. Don't forget to check out the pathway of National Board Certification! All teachers who earn their certification will earn the recognized allotment value for their campus regardless of student growth and teacher observation scores.
When is the earliest a teacher might see payment from TIA?
Once the district passes TEA's data validation check, the earliest a teacher could see a payment is Summer 2028 (2-year process).
Can a teacher opt-out of TIA?
No. Teachers cannot choose to opt-out of TIA. All teachers in the eligible teaching categories will have a formal observation and their students' growth data collected.
What teaching assigments are included for the first year of TIA?
Pre-Kindergarten, K-6 Math and Reading, 6-8 Math and Reading, Algebra I, and English I.
How is student growth measured?
The current growth measures include STAAR, NWEA MAP, Circle, and mCLASS.
Will student growth be based individually, for each student?
Yes, this is the amazing part! TIA is focused on student growth, NOT achievement. Therefore, every student's growth targets will vary.
What is the difference between a designation and an allotment?
A designation is earned by a teacher after the district's data is validated. There are 4 designation levels - Acknowledged, Recognized, Exemplary, or Master. The designation appears as a badge on a teacher's teaching certificate. An allotment is state funding earned by the district for each teacher who has earned a designation. Teachers earn the designation, and the district receives the corresponding state funding, which is then used to support teacher compensation and district priorities.
What support will I receive?
You will be provided with professional development, as well as clear and comprehensive guidance regarding performance metrics and the overall TIA process.
