As a Texas educator, I’ve poured my heart into every classroom I’ve taught in—regardless of the district, the content, or the challenges. But the truth is, under the current Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) system, where and what you teach can determine whether you’re eligible for a raise—not the heart, effort, or growth you bring to your students each day.

I’ve changed districts to grow in my career and pursue new opportunities. Each time, I’ve risked or forfeited eligibility for a TIA bonus because not all districts—or even all campuses—participate equally. I have friends who’ve turned down promotions, coaching roles, and even leadership positions outside the classroom because the loss of TIA funding would mean losing thousands of dollars from their paycheck.

They stay—not because they don’t have dreams—but because they can’t afford to leave.

TIA was designed to reward excellence, but in practice, it has created a system that ties teachers’ financial futures to inconsistent district decisions. It restricts mobility. It punishes ambition. It leaves out amazing teachers in positions that don’t fit the TIA mold.

We teach because we love our students—but love doesn’t pay the bills. Fair pay shouldn’t be a gamble. It’s time to go beyond the bonus and fund the front lines—for every Texas teacher.