Frequently Asked Questions

Silsbee ISD has some great teachers that are showing fantastic student growth. As a district and as a profession, it’s important that we retain these terrific teachers in the classroom.  Additionally, in order for the district to remain competitive in recruiting talented teachers, the district must be able to offer competitive compensation packages. Finally, the program and process of TIA serve as an incentive for teachers to grow professionally and focus on student growth.

Funding for the Teacher Incentive Allotment comes completely from the State of Texas as required by HB3 of the 86th Texas Legislature.

Funding for each TIA designated teacher (Recognized, Exemplary, Master) on a campus is determined by a combination of the percentage of at-risk students on a campus and the campus’ rural or non-rural status.  See the following link for more information from TEA: https://tiatexas.org/about-teacher-incentive-allotment/allotments/

Per Teacher Incentive Allotment rules, 90% of the allotment money must go to teachers on the campus where the allotment was earned.  Ten percent of the allotment money can go to support the TIA designation process in a district.  Silsbee ISD has opted to pay the full 90% to the teacher that earned the designation and use the remaining 10% to support the Student Growth Measure data collection process and increased professional development for teachers.

This amount is only ever meant to be an additional payment for teachers through TIA and would not replace or diminish the district’s salary for teachers.

The district goal in 3-5 years is for all classroom teachers to have the opportunity to participate in the Teacher Incentive Allotment.  In our initial, Phase 1 application, we are including the following:

• K-12 English Teachers
• K-12 Math Teachers
• 6-8 Science Teachers
• Biology Teachers

If we are approved, we will have the opportunity to apply to expand the grade levels and/or content areas the following year.  In order to involve more teachers and expand the reach of the TIA, the district will continue to look for additional ways to accurately and reliably track student growth measures such as using Pre/Post Tests and Student Learning Objectives.  Additionally, any National Board Certified teachers will automatically receive a minimum of Recognized status for TIA and be eligible for the allotment.

As mentioned previously, the Teacher Incentive Allotment Plan for Silsbee ISD  will be phased-in over a period of a few years.  This innovative approach is designed to direct additional pay to teachers who qualify for the three tiers: 

• Master – Top 5% of the state 
• Exemplary – Top 20% of the state 
• Recognized / National Board Certification – Top 1/3 of the state

The goal of the statewide TIA program is to “provide a realistic pathway for top teachers to earn six-figure salaries and retain highly effective teachers at traditionally hard-to-staff schools. 

With that in mind, these are the current allotment amounts for Silsbee ISD as determined by TEA.  This amount is only ever meant to be an additional payment for teachers through TIA and would not replace or diminish the district’s salary for teachers.

During the 2020-2021 school year, data will be collected for an overall rating. The two data components used for the overall rating are: T-Tess Observation Ratings- 40% and Student Growth Measures – 60%.  Once the data is compiled and submitted, teachers will be ranked in comparison to other teachers in the state. Teachers who fall into at least the top 1/3 in the state will be given a designation and funds will be awarded during the 2022-2023 school year.

The lead contact for district is:

Jeff Burnthorn – Executive Director of Secondary and School Services

jeffrey.burnthorn@silsbeeisd.org

You can also contact your campus TIA liaison and committee members found on this page.