Midland ISD Increases Teacher Designations Through Teacher Incentive Allotment

Midland ISD Increases Teacher Designations Through Teacher Incentive Allotment District reinforces a culture of excellence and continuous improvement

 

April 7, 2026 — Midland ISD continues to strengthen its commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining high-quality educators through the successful implementation and expansion of the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). This strategic effort is already making a meaningful impact on both educator retention and student outcomes across the district.

House Bill 3 (HB 3), passed by the 86th Texas Legislature in June of 2019, established TIA which created the opportunity for teachers to earn six-figure salaries. TIA, enacted by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), provides a pathway for outstanding teachers to earn additional compensation based on their effectiveness in the classroom. Through a rigorous local designation system, Midland ISD has identified and recognized teachers who demonstrate exceptional instructional practices and measurable student growth.

As the district has expanded its TIA designations, more teachers are being recognized for their impact, reinforcing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. The district began with 179 teachers earning designations and additional pay in the 2022-2023 school year, 227 in 2023-2024, 277 in 2024-2025, and this year 351 teachers are being recognized for earning designations. This work directly supports Midland ISD’s broader talent pipeline strategy by positioning the district as a destination for highly effective educators who are committed to student success.

To date, Midland ISD has distributed over $6,400,000 in Teacher Incentive Allotment payments to educators across the district, directly rewarding excellence in the classroom and reinforcing the value of high-impact teaching.

“TIA provides the opportunity to honor and invest in the incredible work happening in our classrooms every day,” said Dr. Stephanie Howard, Superintendent of Midland ISD. “By recognizing and compensating our most effective teachers, we are not only strengthening retention and attracting top talent, but most importantly, ensuring that more of our students have access to high-quality instruction that drives real results.”

By offering competitive compensation opportunities tied to performance, Midland ISD is better able to attract top teaching talent in a highly competitive market. At the same time, TIA is playing a critical role in retention, as effective teachers are incentivized to remain in the classroom and continue their work with Midland ISD students.

Equally important is the direct connection between TIA designations and student outcomes. Classrooms led by highly effective teachers lead to increased levels of student growth and achievement. By strategically placing and retaining these educators, the district is ensuring that more students have access to high-quality instruction every day.

Midland ISD remains committed to expanding its strategic compensation model and continuing to refine its approach to recognizing and rewarding excellent teaching. As the district builds on this progress, the focus remains clear: invest in teacher quality to create stronger classrooms, stronger schools, and better outcomes for every student.