The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) has been a profoundly positive experience. Strong support from administration and the TIA team was crucial, making the process clear and manageable. This program directly enabled me to cultivate a more student-led classroom, where my students are now actively engaged in their learning, setting goals, and even leading discussions. TIA has not only elevated student ownership and performance but has also significantly affirmed and energized my professional growth. It's a powerful tool for recognizing and investing in effective teaching.

Nora Elia Gamboa

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my 5th-grade team at Kennedy-Zapata Elementary, as well as to my colleagues, administrators, and staff at United ISD. It is a privilege to work alongside such exceptional individuals every day. Teaching is a challenging profession that requires dedication and passion; if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. I would especially like to thank each student who has entered my classroom over the years. Your dedication and perseverance are truly admirable. We celebrate your success together. When asked how to achieve TIA, my response is to fully commit to prioritizing our students. Thank you to everyone who makes TIA possible!

Daniel G. Diaz

I am honored to share my experience as an Exemplary designated teacher via the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). I have just completed my 22nd year as an educator and I currently serve as an 8th grade Science teacher at Salvador Garcia Middle School, a rural campus located in Rio Bravo. Getting to keep my TIA designation at this campus played a key role in deciding to accept the Science Pathfinder position in the community I grew up in. I lived in Rio Bravo from the age of 5 when I entered kindergarten, through the age of 22 when I graduated from college. Growing up here, I yearned to make a difference by expanding academic opportunities for children with similar backgrounds to mine. The Teacher Incentive Allotment has been a transformative experience for me as an educator and for my students in a high needs campus. It has not only recognized my dedication to high-quality teaching but also reinforced my ability to make a measurable impact on student outcomes. Our students deserve nothing less than great teaching, and great teaching requires a great investment. Furthermore, the investment in effective educators—particularly in high-needs areas, like Salvador Garcia—ensures that all students receive the education they deserve, regardless of location and oftentimes socioeconomic status. Additionally, it helps retain teachers in areas where they are mostly needed. Important to note is that having a TIA designation has been one factor that has helped in being selected for two highly selective fellowships, the Teach Plus Texas Fellowship & the TEA Leadership Fellowship. Furthermore, because of my TIA designation and being an educator in a rural setting, I have been invited twice by Senator Creighton, Chairman of the Senate K-16 Education Committee, to give verbal testimony on Texas SB26 and HB2, bills dealing with school funding and teacher raises.

Dr. Imelda De La Rosa

Teaching has always been a source of inspiration and intellectual curiosity for me. From an early age, I felt a strong desire to give back to the community that helped shape who I am today. As I celebrate my tenth year in education, I can say with confidence that no other profession offers the same sense of purpose and fulfillment as teaching. It is both a calling and a privilege—one that allows me to serve others while continuing to grow personally and professionally. Salvador Garcia Middle School has been instrumental in my development as both an educator and individual. I am profoundly grateful to the dedicated administrative teams who have supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. Their mentorship has been invaluable to my growth. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is helping students connect English language skills to real-world applications. Whether I’m guiding them in public speaking or supporting them as they write persuasive papers, I know I am playing a role in shaping confident, articulate, and thoughtful individuals. Above all, I strive to nurture a lifelong love of learning in every student I teach. The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, combined with the ongoing encouragement of my mentors and students, has only deepened my passion for this profession. My goal is to continue sharing the gift of knowledge and to inspire others to experience the profound impact of teaching. I extend my sincere thanks to my principal, Dr. Martinez, and assistant principal, G. Hernandez, for their unwavering guidance and support. I look forward to continuing my journey in education and to empowering fellow educators through the TIA program, just as I have been empowered by those who believed in me.

Angela Bautista

My career has been defined by a commitment to data-driven instruction, effective classroom management, and technology integration. This dedication led to my Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Designation as an Exemplary Teacher. This honor reflects my students' academic growth and my dedication to implementing the best instructional practices. Furthermore, data-driven instruction helps me see exactly what my students need to learn and where they might be struggling. This way, I can adjust my lessons to fit them better and continue to show progress. Effective classroom management creates a safe, respectful, and motivating environment, maximizing instructional time. Finally, technology integration enhances engagement and provides personalized learning experiences.

Esmeralda Livas

Receiving the Teacher Incentive Allotment was a meaningful acknowledgment of my students' achievements. As a resource mathematics teacher at a Title I campus, I am honored to receive this distinction. Teaching with the heart has always been at the core of my approach, and this recognition affirms the importance of dedication and care in supporting my students' growth. Coming to UISD was the best decision I could’ve made, as it has given me the opportunity to work with incredible students and colleagues in a community that truly values education. I believe this award will not only motivate me further but also encourage fellow resource teachers to continue fostering a positive impact on their students’ learning experiences and growth. Sharing this success with my students and colleagues through celebrations, announcements, and mentorship will help spread the inspiration and reinforce our commitment to teaching with heart and purpose.

Yuliana Campos

I am honored to have received Exemplary status, which places me at the top 20% of educators in the state of Texas. Truly, this honor belongs not only to me, but the many students who have inspired me throughout my 21 years of teaching. I am looking forward to reaching more students as the years go by.

Mary Theresa Dorothy Montemayor

I am a 4th grade teacher at Veterans Memorial Elementary. I was honored to receive an Exemplary designation through the Teacher Incentive Allotment. It was a real encouragement for the work I do every day in the classroom.I’m grateful to be part of a system that values hard work and student success.

Cecilia Castillo

Teaching is not just my profession, it is my calling. I’ve been especially drawn to working with students with special needs. While this work comes with unique challenges, it is also among the most fulfilling parts of my life. Each day, I pour my heart into creating a classroom where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. The journey is rarely easy. But in every small step forward, whether it’s a breakthrough in learning, a moment of trust, or a spark of self-confidence, I find purpose and pride. Knowing I’ve made even a small difference in a student’s life is the greatest reward I could ask for. This award is more than a personal recognition. It symbolizes the resilience, courage, and brilliance of the students I have the privilege to teach. We rise together, and together, we build a brighter future. Thank you for this extraordinary honor.

Jessica Garcia