YES Prep's commitment to teacher development is evident through various initiatives designed to support and elevate educators within the organization. One such initiative is the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, which rewards high-performing teachers and ensures they remain in the classroom where they can have the greatest impact.
Role of the Managing Director of Teacher Development
The Managing Director of Teacher Development at YES Prep plays a crucial role in overseeing the instructional strategy, teacher evaluation and professional development within the organization. This position involves designing and leading professional development experiences for teachers and instructional leaders, creating coaching tools and providing on-the-ground support. The Managing Director also oversees the Teacher Pathway, YES Prep’s evaluation system that provides development, perks and rewards based on teacher performance.
Additionally, the TIA program falls under the purview of this role, with responsibilities including maintaining, expanding, publicizing and celebrating the local designation system through TIA. The Managing Director is also responsible for the development programs for first-year teachers, including Teaching Excellence, our in-house certification program and strategy to increase the number of certified teachers within the organization.
Understanding the TIA Program
The Texas Education Agency’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program at YES Prep offers a pathway for effective teachers to earn a higher income while remaining in the classroom. This initiative is designed to incentivize high performance among teachers, particularly in subjects that have the most significant impact on student outcomes. Teachers in eligible courses can earn a TIA designation based on their students’ growth and their performance on the Instructional Excellence Rubric, the organization’s evaluation tool. The TIA program provides these teachers with an annual allotment of up to $32,000 for five years, as long as they continue teaching in an eligible course.
Celebrating teacher excellence at the Second Annual Level Up Luau
To honor the achievements of Level IV and Teacher Incentive Allotment-designated teachers, YES Prep hosts an annual celebration event. This year marked the second annual Luau, held at St. Arnold’s Brewery in August. The event featured food, drinks, swag, raffles and opportunities for teachers to connect and celebrate their accomplishments. With a great turnout, the event highlighted YES Prep’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence within its teaching community.
Level IV Teachers
Level IV teachers represent the top 14% of educators at YES Prep, identified through their performance on the Instructional Excellence Rubric, Teacher and Family Survey and Core Values Competencies Rubric. These teachers receive additional perks, including bonuses, access to specialized professional development and leadership opportunities, recognition.
Expansion of the TIA Program at YES Prep
The Teacher Incentive Allotment was first introduced at YES Prep during the 2019-2020 school year, with the Teacher Pathway launching in 2021-2022. Since its inception, YES Prep has aggressively expanded the program to incentivize teachers to excel in subjects that most significantly impact student success. Courses eligible for TIA have been broadened to include both core subjects(STAAR) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, reflecting the organization’s commitment to driving student achievement across all grade levels. (see all the designated courses here)
Importance of the TIA Designation
The TIA designation is an essential component of YES Prep’s strategy to retain high-performing teachers in the classroom. By providing a sustainable compensation boost, the program ensures that teachers who excel in their roles are recognized and rewarded for their contributions. This consistent recognition and financial incentive encourage teachers to remain in high-impact content areas, benefiting students by keeping experienced and effective educators in the classroom.
Impact of TIA-Designated Teachers on Students
TIA-designated teachers at YES Prep set a high standard of excellence within the classroom. These educators are not only experts in their content areas but also excel in building strong relationships with students, making data-driven decisions and engaging students in the learning process. The influence of these teachers extends beyond their classrooms, inspiring new teachers and serving as role models for students. Many students have been inspired by these teachers to pursue specific majors in college, return to YES Prep as educators and achieve goals they may have previously thought unattainable.
Influence of TIA on Leadership
The TIA program also significantly impacts leadership within YES Prep. Working with high-performing teachers allows leaders to engage with educators who consistently push the boundaries of what is possible in the classroom. These interactions inform and enhance teacher development and retention strategies across the organization. Additionally, leaders have the opportunity to capture and share best practices from TIA-designated teachers, helping to establish a district-wide standard of excellence.
Key Statistics on TIA and Level IV Teachers
Level IV teachers at YES Prep represent 14% of the teacher population, totaling 146 educators with an average of 5.1 years of experience within the organization.
Currently, 110 teachers hold TIA designations, with 35 earning a "recognized" designation, 46 earning an "exemplary" designation, and 29 earning a "master" designation.
Notably, 36% of Level IV teachers also hold a TIA designation, and 83% of TIA designees are Level IV teachers.
Learn More About the Teacher Incentive Allotment at YES Prep
For those interested in learning more about the TIA program and teacher development at YES Prep, additional information can be found on the organization’s website:
- Teacher Development and Evaluation at YES Prep
---
The Teacher Incentive Allotment at YES Prep is a powerful tool for recognizing and rewarding excellence in teaching. By providing incentives for high-performing teachers to remain in the classroom, the program ensures that students receive the best education from educators dedicated to their success.