Spring ISD Teachers are used to doing whatever it takes to ensure that they deliver a high-quality education to all of their students, and now the state of Texas is bringing a substantial pay incentive to hundreds of them for their efforts.

The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) is a program from the Texas Education Agency that 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.

At Spring ISD, the TIA ranked 66 teachers as Recognized, 182 as Exemplary, and 172 at the Masters Level. These teachers are receiving pay incentives through this state program that range from $3,912 to more than $28,000. Over 5.8 million dollars in total were awarded to these teachers. 

“I was grateful, I was blessed and I was excited to see how many teachers are being recognized not only by us here in Spring ISD, but by the state,” said Dr. Lupita Hinojosa, Superintendent of Spring ISD. “It’s that caring heart that you have to have to ensure that all of your students are learning,” she said.

About 200 teachers were able to celebrate with the district’s board of trustees, as they walked across the stage at Dekaney’s Star Theater with hugs, handshakes and applause. 

Spring ISD Board President Justine Durant addressed the group at the beginning of the evening, saying “As trustees, we know that great schools are built by great teachers…You are not just educators, you are mentors and role models who inspire students to reach their highest potential.”

TEA Commissioner of Education Mike Morath was unable to attend the celebration at Dekaney High School, but felt so strongly about the program that he sent a video message to the awardees. 

“It takes expertise, and this is what our designated teachers do. They walk in with preparation and intentionality, and they get results. On behalf of the State of Texas, thank you for all of your outstanding work for our kids,” said Morath.

Angela Calderon teaches second grade bilingual at Burchett Elementary and she knows all about the preparation to get those results. She received the designation of Master Level from the TEA.

“It was kind of a dream come true after a lot of hard work and dedication,” said Calderon, adding, “I think that to be in Spring ISD is an honor and this is a beautiful recognition of that hard work.”

One of the primary purposes of the TIA is to retain and attract teachers to the profession. That may already be working according to Calderon, whose family had accompanied her to the celebration. 

“My daughter, she is eight, and she wants to be a teacher too,” said Calderon.