Midland ISD Expands Teacher Incentive Program, Boosting Designations

The district has paid over $6.4 million to educators through the state's Teacher Incentive Allotment program.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:34pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeated pattern of a teacher's coffee mug in neon pink, yellow, and blue, conceptually representing the district's investment in its top teaching talent.Midland ISD's expanded Teacher Incentive Allotment program celebrates the district's most effective educators through competitive compensation opportunities.Midland Today

Midland Independent School District has expanded its use of the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment program, increasing the number of teachers who have earned performance-based designations and higher pay. The district says the program supports teacher recruitment and retention by offering competitive compensation tied to classroom effectiveness and student growth.

Why it matters

The Teacher Incentive Allotment provides a pathway for Texas teachers to earn six-figure salaries, which helps districts like Midland ISD attract and retain top teaching talent in a competitive market. By strategically placing highly effective educators, the district aims to ensure more students have access to high-quality instruction that drives academic achievement.

The details

Through its local designation system, Midland ISD has identified teachers who demonstrate strong instructional practices and measurable student growth. The number of teachers earning TIA designations and additional pay has grown from 179 in 2022-23 to 351 in the current 2025-26 school year. The district says the program supports its broader talent pipeline strategy by positioning MISD as a destination for top educators committed to student success.

  • The Texas Legislature established the Teacher Incentive Allotment program in June 2019 through House Bill 3.
  • Midland ISD began implementing the TIA program in the 2022-23 school year.
  • The number of MISD teachers earning TIA designations has increased from 179 in 2022-23 to 351 in the current 2025-26 school year.

The players

Midland Independent School District

A public school district serving the city of Midland, Texas.

Stephanie Howard

The superintendent of Midland Independent School District.

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What they’re saying

“TIA provides the opportunity to honor and invest in the incredible work happening in our classrooms every day. By recognizing and compensating our most effective teachers, we are not only strengthening retention and attracting top talent, but most importantly ensuring that more of our students have access to high-quality instruction that drives real results.”

— Stephanie Howard, Superintendent, Midland Independent School District

The takeaway

Midland ISD's expansion of the Teacher Incentive Allotment program demonstrates how districts can leverage performance-based compensation to recruit and retain top teaching talent, ultimately benefiting students through increased access to high-quality instruction and improved academic outcomes.