Eight Hempstead ISD teachers will receive between $3,000 and $32,000 through the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program.
On Wednesday, April 26, Hempstead ISD Superintendent Herbert O’Neil and administrators unloaded a school bus with the Hempstead High School drumline, balloons, and a large check. As the drumline played the halls of the school, excitement began to ring throughout the building. Eight teachers who have helped their students show major gains academically were surprised to find out that they have been recognized at the state level as TIA educators.
This program, created by the Texas Legislature as part of House Bill 3, offers an opportunity for teachers to earn six-figure salaries and for districts to attract and retain highly effective educators in traditionally hard-to-staff schools. The allotment amount per teacher is based on the level of academic growth their students attained, teacher instructional performance, and the percentage of socio-economically disadvantaged students at their school. Teachers can be recognized at three levels: Recognized, Exemplary and Master.
The teacher’s data is collected for one year, then verified by Texas Tech University and reviewed by the Texas Education Agency. The monetary awards are then dispersed the following year. In this first year of Hempstead ISD TIA payouts, eligible teachers are K-8th Grade Reading and Math teachers, 4-8th Grade Science teachers, English I, II, III, IV, Algebra I and II, Geometry, and Biology. The district is looking to add additional teaching positions based on district needs. All future plans are based on an application process that must be approved by TEA.
“These teachers have shown exceptional dedication to their students and have demonstrated their effectiveness in the classroom,” Superintendent O’Neil said. “We are proud to recognize their achievements.”
Teachers do incredible work, day in and day out, to provide quality education to students. These teachers have made a commitment to making a difference in the lives of Hempstead ISD students.
Congratulations to the following TIA recipients:
Hempstead Elementary
Geraldine Williams - Master
Kimberly Smith - Recognized
Felicia Creeks - Recognized
Martha Arredondo - Exemplary
Shelly Hazel - Exemplary
Rodolfo Martinez - Exemplary
Valerie Minor - Exemplary
Hempstead Middle School
Karen Peyton - Exemplary