The district’s application for Phase 2 of the TIA program was approved by the Texas Education Agency, according to a district news release. Phase 2 of the program added educators in courses not tested through STAAR as well as career and technology courses and fine arts, the release stated.
“This expansion of our TIA program recognizes even more of Frisco ISD’s hard-working educators, putting cash in their pockets,” Superintendent Mike Waldrip said in the release. “We couldn’t be prouder of their dedication. This is just the beginning as we hope to recognize more of our outstanding teachers in the years to come.”
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Over 200 FISD educators earned stipends when Phase 1 of the district’s program was approved last February. Phase 1 was for teachers of 4-8 grade math and reading, algebra 1, and English 2.
The background
House Bill 3 was passed by the 86th Texas Legislature in June 2019 and created the TIA program with the goal of creating a six-figure salary for teachers who prioritize teaching in high-need areas and rural district campuses, according to the TEA. The program is optional for districts to participate in and is intended to be a state-funded pathway for educators to earn higher salaries, per FISD’s website.
FISD has worked to receive additional funding for teachers since 2019 through the program, the release states.
Stipend amounts vary based on five indicators and three designation categories: recognized, exemplary and master. A higher designation results in a higher stipend, according to FISD.
The standards for designations take into account a teacher’s ability to grow students academically through state tests, such as the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness. Non-tested subjects will be evaluated through a portfolio method, according to FISD.
Looking ahead
Phase 3 and all future phases are in the planning process as the district adds eligible courses. FISD will learn if those courses are approved in the spring 2026 semester.
