There is an old adage that causes particular upset amongst educators across the nation. “Those who can’t do, teach.” There’s no shortage of problems with this fallacy, but the primary issue with it comes from the fact that teaching is really, really hard work. It tends to be a thankless job, and it certainly doesn’t get anybody rich.
In spite of all of that, one group of Connally ISD educators have been given the acknowledgement and financial incentive that their hard work deserves.
On Friday, December 1, 18 teachers from multiple campuses around the district were congratulated in full game show fashion for being named recipients of funds from the Teacher Incentive Allotment Program. The program utilizes data from student test results and teacher observations to reward exceptional educators with financial compensation annually for a period of five years.
“We were absolutely blown away by the figures that the data demonstrated,” CISD Superintendent Jill Bottelberghe said. “It was an absolutely welcomed surprise to see that an objective metric would support what we have always known: Connally teachers are some of the best of the best.”
Of the 18 faculty members that received awards, seven were labeled as “RECOGNIZED” and eleven were labeled as “EXEMPLARY”. Three CISD campuses - the Early Childhood Center, the Primary, and the High School - had teachers that were recipients of the funds.
“I am incredibly proud of all of our teachers and students that worked so hard to reach this accomplishment,” Bottelberghe said. “I am even more excited to hear all of the eager murmurings coming from other staff members. I’ve had tons of staff members reach out and ask what they need to do to receive TIA funds. It shows that our teachers are motivated about this opportunity.”
In order to qualify for recognition from the TIA program, teachers’ are evaluated by administrators utilizing the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). The data generated from these evaluations are then coupled with student performance growth on Circle and/or MAP examinations to determine whether or not the teachers meets the criteria for TIA funds.
“I love that the TIA system rewards qualitative student growth and quantitative teacher observation growth,” CISD Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Sandra Hancock said. “The design of T-TESS is all around growing professionals. Collaborative post-conferences were created to spark conversations on areas of strength and further refinement. Ideally, teachers are able to make strides in areas they receive feedback on that are evident in both future observations as well as ultimately in student growth.”
In order to maintain the highest degree of objectivity when evaluating teachers, campus and district administrators attended numerous trainings and seminars on how to effectively utilize the T-TESS evaluation rubric. The results of each teacher’s evaluation were then turned into mathematical data that could be used by the TIA program.
“The key for the T-TESS system to work is the calibration among administrators on scoring,” Hancock said. “It’s incredibly important that we, as leaders, ground our feedback in the T-TESS rubric, which is designed around best practice. By keeping focused on the descriptors, we are better equipped to make sound decisions with a higher degree of reliability.”
The district’s current TIA plan allows for individuals who teach English Language Arts or Mathematics to qualify for evaluation. Teachers who teach something outside of those disciplines can apply for benefits from the TIA program by reaching National Board certification.
“We are very appreciative of all of the opportunities that the TIA program provides for our teachers to receive additional compensation,” CISD Chief Executive Officer of Human Resources Keith Hannah said. “As we move forward, we hope to find targeted, measurable ways to help expand the program to other subject areas such as Social Studies and Science. We want as many people to have access to the program as possible.”
While official notification will not come from the Texas Education Agency until the late spring, preliminary data analysis conducted through the Texas Education Excellence Management System indicates that CISD teachers will be awarded approximately $192,931.00 dollars from the fund. The individual awards vary from individual to individual.
“We know that we have some amazing teachers here at Connally,” CISD Assistant Superintendent of Business and Support David Timmons said. “The TIA program allows for individuals who have displayed excellence in the classroom to receive additional state-provided funds to thank them for all that they do for our students. It’s a great way to celebrate them.”
With annual awards ranging from $6,390.00 to $14,600.00, receiving TIA distinction provides a significant financial reward to this group of educators who work tirelessly to serve their students. Those funds will be awarded to recipients annually for the next five years, making even the giant cardboard checks that recipients were given seem small.
“It was so exciting to find out that I had received an award from the TIA,” high school math teacher Lindsay Gummelt said. “Honestly, I’m just so proud of the kids for all the hard work that they put in to improve. They did the bulk of the heavy lifting.”