Understanding Designation & Allotments

What is a Designation?

A TIA designation is a prestigious status placed directly on a teacher’s State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) certificate.

· Validity: Once earned, a designation is valid for five years.

· Portability: The designation is general and not tied to a specific grade, subject, or campus. If a teacher moves to another district or changes their teaching assignment, they maintain their designation.

· No Revocation: A designation cannot be revoked or lowered by a district during its five-year term.

· Advancement: Teachers can move to a higher designation level during the five-year period if their performance qualifies them, which restarts the five-year clock.

Designation Levels & Performance Standards

The state has designed TIA to recognize approximately the top 50% of teachers across Texas. These levels are based on performance standards for teacher observations and student growth:

· Master: Commensurate with the top 5% of teachers statewide.

· Exemplary: Commensurate with the top 20% of teachers statewide.

· Recognized: Commensurate with the top 33% of teachers statewide.

· Acknowledged: Commensurate with the top 50% of teachers statewide.

Funding Overview: Potential Annual Allotments

Katy ISD receives an annual allotment for every designated teacher it employs. The amount is determined by the teacher's designation level and the specific campus where they work.

Designation Level	Base Allotment Amount	Maximum Allotment (High-Needs/Rural)
Master	$12,000	Up to $36,000
Exemplary	$9,000	Up to $25,000
Recognized	$5,000	Up to $15,000
Acknowledged	$3,000	Up to $9,000

 

• Factors for Increase: The base amount increases significantly based on high-needs and rural factors calculated annually by the TEA.

• Campus-Specific Funding: The Commissioner of Education provides a list each year with projected allotment amounts for every campus.
  • TEA Allotment Map : Use this official state tool to view projected allotment amounts for specific Katy ISD campuses.

• Using the Allotment Map: Click into the map, or search by any of the following filters:

  • Search by School (e.g., Katy H S)

  • Search by District (Katy ISD)

  • Search by Region (Region 04)

• Spending Plan: Transparency on how the district distributes the allotment (e.g., the 90/10 split lump-sum payments in August).
  • Learn more about how allotments are calculated on our How Funding Works page. Be sure to check out the “Funding FAQ” section for more information regarding designated teachers who move campuses from one school year to the next.
  •  Spending Plan Summary: A one-page guide explaining the 90/10 split (90% to teacher compensation, 10 % for district administration) and the August lump-sum payment timeline.
    • The district will utilize 10% of the funds to support the implementation of the TIA plan. These funds may be used for activities such as: (1) paying a third-party to calculate designations; (2) teacher professional development to assist teachers in growing their practice to help them reach a designation; and (3) teacher training to implement new valid and reliable student growth measures in their classrooms.