Killeen ISD Celebrates 220 Teachers Designated As Teacher Incentive Allotment Awardees

A select group of 220 Killeen Independent School District teachers were recognized Monday for their excellence in the classroom – and they were rewarded in a big way. 

The teachers will receive a pay raise ranging from $3,500 to $28,000 as part of the Teacher Incentive Allotment program. They earned the designation based on their teacher evaluation and students’ educational growth.

“We are thrilled to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts of our teachers,” said Susan Buckley, assistant superintendent of administrative services for KISD. “These designations reflect their commitment to excellence in teaching and their significant impact on student growth and achievement. Our teachers are the heart of our educational system, and this incentive program is one way we can show our appreciation for their hard work.”

 The Teacher Incentive Allotment program was created by the Texas Legislature in 2019, as part of House Bill 3, to provide a realistic pathway for top teachers to earn six-figure salaries and help attract and retain highly effective teachers. The program categorizes teachers into three tiers: Recognized, Exemplary, and Master, each associated with increased pay levels.  

This year, KISD awarded just under $4.1 million in incentives, 90 percent of which will be directly awarded to the teachers. Ten percent of the incentive funds will be allocated to Professional Learning Communities or campus professional development, depending on overall student performance, ensuring a broad impact on educational quality throughout the district.

The new or elevated designations bring KISD’s total number of designated teachers to 441.

Jerome Ciesiolka, KISD’s director of Teacher Incentive Allotment, expressed gratitude for the teachers' contributions.

“Our teachers have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, and the TIA designations are a testament to their commitment to student success,” he said. “We look forward to celebrating their achievements and continuing to support their professional development.”

Killeen ISD is dedicated to fostering an environment where teachers can thrive and where students can achieve their full potential. To learn more about open positions, visit www.killeenisd.org/jobs.