For Tessa Stern, a third-grade teacher at Landry Elementary, the motivation to teach has always come from her students—not the paycheck. But thanks to Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD’s commitment to the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) program, her dedication to the profession is being recognized with more than just a thank you.

As the TIA ambassador for her campus, Stern is a leading voice for the state-funded initiative aimed at keeping the best educators in the classroom. Established by Texas House Bill 3, TIA provides districts with funding to reward top-performing teachers with annual salary increases ranging from $3,000 to more than $32,000. For some, this can mean earning a six-figure salary. For the 2024-25 school year, CFBISD had 411 TIA designations, with a total allotment of over $4 million; the projection for the 2025-26 school year will be around 557 teachers. 

Stern recently earned the "Master" designation—the highest level possible—for the upcoming school year. While TIA is a state initiative, CFBISD has built a robust internal network to help guide teachers through the process. By assigning a specialized ambassador to each campus, the district ensures teachers have the support and clarity they need to succeed.

“The TIA program has transformed my perspective on how professional goal-setting and hard work can result in life-changing rewards,” Stern said. “It feels great to be recognized in such a unique way, and receiving extra compensation for student growth is incredibly motivating.”

The district’s support of the TIA program helps keep campuses like Landry Elementary—where Stern has spent her entire career in CFBISD—competitive and vibrant. As a STEAM Academy, the campus offers a high-tech environment where Stern pushes the boundaries of traditional instruction. Her students engage in hands-on projects, such as building weather-resistant structures with VEX Robotics and designing theme parks to master area and perimeter.

This innovation is bolstered by Stern’s deep connection to her students. She has had the rare opportunity to "loop" with her current class, teaching the same group from first through third grade.

“My students' excitement and curiosity inspire me every day,” Stern said. “I’m incredibly grateful to teach at a school where our staff feels like family, and every student is given the space to explore their unique talents.”

For educators considering a TIA designation, Stern encourages persistence and self-reflection.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “We pour so much of ourselves into our classrooms, often without realizing how much of an impact we’re truly making. Stay the course and keep believing in your craft, because any year can be your designation year.”

To learn more about the program, visit CFBISD’s TIA webpage.