With the Longview Incentive for Teachers program giving out over $2.4 million last month to achieving teachers, another possible pay incentive is in sight thanks to House Bill 3 that was passed last year by the 86th Legislature.
The program could see teachers earning up to an additional $32,000 a year from the state-funded program.
John York, LISD Director of Elementary Education, said the legislation's intended purpose 'is to have a pathway for a teacher to earn $100,000 a year and to keep the most effective teachers in the classroom.'
“It also provides incentives to our teachers to teach at some of our most challenged campuses,' he said. 'The whole idea is to have an equitable distribution of the most effective teachers in the district.”
Longview ISD is set to submit a letter of intent to the Texas Education Agency by Jan. 24. If approved, the board of trustees will then decide if the district shall join the program.
'Our board is always looking for ways to better support and advocate on behalf of our extremely hard-working and high-achieving employees,' said Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox. 'This is just another way that Longview ISD is pursuing innovative and pro-active approaches to take care of those who take care of us: our teachers.'
Currently a decision has not been as to whether the district will keep LIFT and join the Teacher Incentive Allotment at the same time. However, if LISD does join the TIA program, that does not mean that teachers will no longer be able to get the LIFT bonuses as well.
There are 3 different levels that affect the extra amount given. Recognized can earn between $3,000 and $9,000; exemplary can earn between $6,000 and $18,000; and teachers at the top level can get between $12,000 and $32,000.
Both poverty levels of the students and whether the district is urban or rural affects the amounts that each level can pay.
