From Odessa American, May 14, 2026
Ector County ISD on Thursday handed out big checks to teachers who earned a designation in the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program. This year 532 ECISD teachers were designated by the state, including 175 who are newly designated and 85 who improved their designation. The total amount of TIA money earned by ECISD teachers this year is $6.387 million, up from $4.6 million one year ago.
This year the teachers represent 42 ECISD schools and their individual awards range from $3,393 to $22,825.80. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Keeley Boyer hosted an afternoon press conference at Sam Houston Elementary where 9 teachers were recognized, 3 of them having earned the highest designation, Master level.
“This is what we call ‘Big Check Day’ in ECISD,” Boyer said. “It’s so fun to see our teachers celebrated and recognized for their hard work. This check is because of their academic growth last year with their students so they have also been waiting on this day.”
Cindy Almance is a 4th-grade Bilingual Multi-Classroom Leader at Sam Houston Elementary. She leveled up her designation, rising from Exemplary to Master, and her incentive checked topped $20,500. She described the award ceremony as emotional.
“It’s a great feeling,” Almance said, adding the students keep her motivated. “I want every child to know that they can go to college and that they can reach all their dreams and everything is possible. [And] for my children, as well. I want them to have a good role model as a mom.”
The Teacher Incentive Allotment 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 to help attract and retain highly effective teachers at traditionally hard-to-staff schools. The allotment amount per teacher is based on the level of academic growth their students attained, teacher instructional performance, and the percentage of socio-economically disadvantaged students at their school.
“This is not a gift,” Boyer added. “This is something these teachers earned with their hard work and dedication and the check goes directly to them. This year 64 ECISD teachers will make more than $100,000 and TIA is a big part of that. Our teachers continue to get better; our students continue to learn and grow.”