Spring ISD celebrated the dedication, excellence and impact of its 567 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designated educators during the district’s third annual TIA Recognition Event on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

The celebration brought together teachers, district leaders and guests to honor educators whose commitment to student success continues to make a difference in classrooms across Spring ISD.  With over 500 guests in attendance, the evening also included a special recognition for 72 teachers who earned new designations or advanced to higher levels through the state’s TIA program.

Chief of Human Resource Services Dr. Terrell King kicked off the celebration by welcoming attendees and highlighting the district’s growing number of TIA designated educators.

“This year, 567 Spring ISD teachers earned a TIA designation, including 75 at the Recognized level, 220 at the Exemplary level, and 272 at the Master level,” King said. “ Together, these educators received more than $7.6 million in financial incentives awards, with individual awards averaging approximately from $4,448.68 to $16,428.”

Following King’s remarks,  Board President Justine Durant and Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar praised and encouraged the honorees for going the extra degree for students every day and helping shape The New Spring ISD.

“You are educators, mentors, advocates, and leaders,” Durant said. “You inspire students to dream bigger, work harder and believe in what is possible.”

Durant emphasized that the designations represent more than professional achievements, reflecting educators’ continued commitment to instructional excellence and student success.

Cuellar acknowledged the growing demands placed on educators and praised their perseverance, adaptability and dedication to students despite challenges inside and outside the classroom.

“The Teacher Incentive Allotment is more than a designation,” Cuellar emphasized. “It is an acknowledgment of the expertise, dedication, and impact that outstanding teachers bring to their classrooms every single day.”

For the teachers being celebrated, the recognition provided an opportunity to reflect on their professional growth and the lasting impact they hope to make on students.

Preston Jackson, a second-grade teacher at Burchett Elementary School who earned an Exemplary designation, said the recognition reinforced his commitment to giving students his best.

“It makes me feel appreciated to see that my hard work is actually paying off, and then for the district to notice it as well,” Jackson shared.

Jackson also encouraged fellow educators to remain committed to their work, even when the challenges of teaching become difficult.

For Sandra Torres, a third-grade bilingual teacher at Jenkins Elementary School, the recognition was especially meaningful because much of a teacher’s daily work happens beyond public view.

“It feels great because I feel like teachers do so much for the students,” Torres said. “And there’s a lot that families and even administration sometimes don’t see because we are in our classrooms with our kids every day.”

Torres said some of her most rewarding moments come when former students return to share memories of lessons they learned in her classroom, including an activity using Oreo cookies to demonstrate the phases of the moon. Those experiences, she said, serve as reminders that the lessons teachers deliver can stay with students long after they leave the classroom.

Beyond recognizing classroom excellence, TIA also provides opportunities for educators to invest in their own professional growth.

For Laura Omelanczuk, a Bilingual Technology Teacher at Marshall ES, the financial incentive helped her pursue an advanced degree and expand her impact and  contributions to bilingual education. 

“The TIA has afforded me to obtain a masters degree in Instructional Design to achieve my goals as a bilingual curriculum writer for bilingual education,”  Omelanczuk shared.  “I have taught in bilingual classrooms and as a bilingual dyslexia provider for over 10 years in Spring ISD and I look forward to bringing my knowledge and expertise to help further develop bilingual education.”

As Spring ISD continues its focus on strengthening instructional excellence and student achievement, the district remains committed to recognizing educators whose work is helping drive its progress.

Cuellar reinforced that message during his remarks by emphasizing the importance of educators who are willing to lead, grow and continue believing in their students’ potential.

“The impact of your work reaches far beyond your classroom. Every day, you make a difference in the lives of our students, and that impact is moving our entire district forward,” Cuellar said. “Spring ISD would not be recognized as one of the most improved school districts in Texas without you. As we continue building The New Spring ISD, I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, that I see you, I value you, and I am deeply grateful for all that you do.”