Aldine ISD Celebrates Teachers Earning TIA Designations, $7.6 Million in Incentives

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More than 750 teachers recognized; Master-level educators average $27,000 in bonuses.

Aldine ISD honored 279 teachers during its annual Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Reception on May 29, recognizing educators across the district who earned a new or higher designation this school year through the state’s TIA program.

This year, Aldine ISD generated more than $8.4 million through the TIA, with more than $7.6 million allocated directly to teachers. Teachers were celebrated for their impact on student achievement and instructional excellence: 152 earned the Recognized designation, 84 were named Exemplary, and 43 reached the highest designation, Master.

Through the state’s TIA program, these educators are now eligible for multi-year salary incentives. In Aldine, Master teachers average $27,000 in additional pay.

Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney praises the honorees at the Aldine ISD 2025 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Reception.

Launched under House Bill 3 in 2019, the TIA program rewards Texas educators for exceptional performance, especially in high-needs schools. Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney emphasized that Aldine ISD is among a small number of districts that includes 98% of its teaching staff — STAAR and non-STAAR teachers alike — in the program’s evaluation system.

“Many said it couldn’t be done,” Goffney told the honorees. “But we believe every teacher deserves the opportunity to earn a designation and to be recognized for the difference they make. Because of your work, we are growing, and most importantly, our students are growing.”

The TIA program is part of a statewide initiative aimed at attracting and retaining highly effective teachers, particularly in high-need schools. Teachers can earn designations based on performance evaluations and student growth outcomes, which are valid for five years as long as they remain in qualifying teaching assignments.

Aldine ISD’s participation in the program has grown steadily since it launched three years ago. In its first year, 370 teachers were designated, with $3.2 million in compensation awarded to them. That number grew to 590 teachers and $5.6 million in teacher payouts in Year 2, and 754 designated teachers with this year’s payout. In 2025, 79 campuses had at least one designated teacher.

Master-level teacher Egaine Cruz González of Griggs EC/PreK/K School shares her story.

The district’s TIA program utilizes the T-TESS evaluation system, providing educators with regular observations, actionable feedback, and professional development to help them improve or advance their designation level.

“This celebration honors the hard work and impact of our teachers,” Goffney said. “It also shows our ongoing commitment to equitable access to excellent educators. This is what’s possible when we have great teachers,” Goffney said. “You are leading the way, and our students are reaping the benefits.”

One standout honoree was Egaine Cruz González of Griggs EC/PreK/K School, who began her career at Aldine ISD as a substitute teacher in 2010; two years later, she earned her certification through a partnership between Aldine ISD and the University of Houston. This year, she achieved Master-level designation, representing a powerful example of growth, dedication, and leadership.

Roshunda Jones (center) poses with Chief Human Resources Officer Marcia Herrera and Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney (far right)

Several honorees shared personal reflections during the event. Tiffany Buckholts, a Recognized-level ESL and English 2 teacher at Nimitz High School, called the designation a meaningful validation of her work.

“Being recognized through TIA shows my effectiveness and student growth,” Buckholts said. “It’s another affirmation that my impact in the classroom is real, measurable, and respected.”

Roshunda Jones, head theater director at Carver High School and newly designated as a Master teacher, spoke about the importance of fostering creativity and confidence in students.

“The Teacher Incentive Allotment program doesn’t just reward effort — it honors student growth and the impact we have on learning,” said Jones, a veteran educator with more than 20 years in Aldine ISD. “It’s a powerful reminder that the work we do matters.”

All newly designated teachers were recognized during the celebration, and Master teachers received commemorative plaques in a special award presentation. A slideshow featured honorees, and a few teachers were invited to share personal reflections.

According to district officials, many teachers shared that the incentive funds helped them pay off debt, support their families, or pursue graduate degrees and certifications. Others said the designation renewed their motivation and commitment to remain in the classroom.

“Our students benefit when great teachers stay,” Goffney said. “This is how we build a culture of excellence — by celebrating, supporting, and investing in our educators.”

District leaders also used the event to highlight new leadership opportunities for high-performing teachers, including upcoming roles at Caraway Elementary School, which will adopt the Accelerating Campus Excellence (ACE) model in the fall of 2025, as well as targeted stipends for middle school math teachers, funded by a grant from the Gates Foundation.

As teachers took to the stage to be honored — one message rang clear: their excellence is helping shape the district’s future.