More than 1 in 4 Frisco ISD teachers are now eligible for a stipend from the state, according to a district news release.
The Teacher Incentive Allotment is intended to attract and retain top teachers, according to the Texas Education Agency. After approval of the district's program, 679 FISD teachers gained new or higher designations, the release states. Now, over 1,300 FISD teachers are eligible for state stipends.
“Recognizing and rewarding great teaching matters," Superintendent Mike Waldrip said in the release. "This expansion reflects the exceptional work happening in classrooms across Frisco ISD and ensures even more of our educators see that impact reflected in a state stipend. But the work doesn’t end here; we’re committed to expanding opportunities so even more teachers can benefit in the years ahead.”
The gist
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.
Teachers must must be identified as top-performing through data validation performed by Texas Tech University and TEA, the release states. Texas Tech acts as an independent data validation partner for the TIA programs, per the TEA.
Looking back
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.
FISD’s application for Phase 1 of the TIA program was approved by the TEA in spring 2024 and included teachers of fourth through eighth grade math and reading, Algebra 1, and English 2. The district's Phase 2 was approved in 2025 and expanded the program to over 700 teachers.
