The state recently gave the green light to Frisco ISD's Phase 1 application for the teacher incentive allotment. As a result, selected FISD teachers are set to receive a state stipend ranging from $2,700 to $14,000.
Since 2019, Frisco ISD pursued this extra funding for its teachers. The state stipend serves as a means for educators to increase their salaries, entice and retain skilled teachers and offer incentives for teaching at the most demanding campuses.
“I am incredibly proud of the designated teachers and know they are more than deserving of the state-funded stipend,” Superintendent Dr. Mike Waldrip said in a statement. “The district will continue to work hard supporting teachers in the upcoming phases in the hope that more will benefit in the near future.”
Due to the extensive range of subjects taught within Frisco ISD, the district is implementing a phased approach to designate select groups of teachers. Phase 1 encompasses teachers of 4-8 math and reading, algebra 1 and English 2.
Phase 2, slated for the 2023-24 school year, will expand to include additional core areas and a few others, with a decision on FISD's designation system expected in spring 2025. Planning for phase 3 and subsequent phases is underway to include more eligible courses.
To earn a designation, a teacher must meet the criteria set by the Texas Education Agency for top performance. There are three levels of designation: recognized, exemplary and master. The stipend awarded depends on both the designation level and five additional indicators. Frisco ISD sends data to the TEA for review with each phase.
Nationally board-certified teachers will automatically receive a recognized designation and a state stipend. Once a certification is earned, TEA will reimburse $1,900 to cover the fees paid while seeking certification.
Distribution is not mandated by state law. Frisco ISD's local designation system imposes no limit on the number of teachers eligible for designations, and there is no hierarchical ranking among them. The designation of one teacher does not impede another teacher's opportunity to obtain one. If a teacher's data aligns with the established criteria, they will be designated accordingly.
