The Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) was created by the Texas Legislature as part of House Bill 3 to help recruit, retain, and reward effective educators in the classroom at high-needs campuses. TIA provides additional funding to eligible teachers who earn designations through this allotment system.

Designations are distinctions awarded to highly effective teachers. TIA established four levels of designation: Acknowledged, Recognized, Exemplary, and Master. Designations are awarded to teachers either through their district’s local designation system or by achieving National Board Certification. Teachers with an active National Board certification may be designated as Recognized by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).