Spring Independent School District recognized 567 educators for their instructional excellence and contributions to student success during its third annual Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Recognition Event on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

The celebration brought together more than 500 teachers, district leaders and guests to recognize educators whose work is making an impact in classrooms throughout the district. The event also honored 72 teachers who earned new TIA designations or advanced to higher designation levels through the state program.

The 567 designated Spring ISD teachers include 75 educators at the Recognized level, 220 at the Exemplary level and 272 at the Master level. Collectively, the educators received more than $7.6 million in financial incentive awards, with individual awards ranging from approximately $4,448.68 to $16,428.

The Teacher Incentive Allotment is a Texas education initiative designed to recognize effective teachers and provide districts with funding to reward high-performing educators. The program supports efforts to recruit, retain and recognize talented teachers while strengthening instructional quality and student outcomes.

Supporting Teacher Growth and Student Achievement

Spring ISD Board President Justine Durant and Superintendent Dr. Kregg Cuellar joined district leaders in recognizing the educators and highlighting their contributions to the district’s continued progress.

The event emphasized the importance of effective instruction, professional growth and the role teachers play in helping students build the skills and confidence needed for future success.

For Preston Jackson, a second-grade teacher at Burchett Elementary School who earned an Exemplary designation, the recognition reflects his continued commitment to providing students with quality instruction.

Jackson’s designation places him among the educators recognized for their contributions to classroom learning and student development.

Sandra Torres, a third-grade bilingual teacher at Jenkins Elementary School, also received recognition for her work supporting students. Her experience highlights the lasting influence teachers can have through everyday classroom instruction, including lessons and activities that help students connect academic concepts to memorable learning experiences.

The recognition also underscores the importance of bilingual education in serving students with different language and learning needs across the district.

Incentives Create Opportunities for Professional Development

Beyond recognizing classroom performance, the TIA program can provide educators with financial resources to pursue additional education and expand their professional expertise.

Laura Omelanczuk, a bilingual technology teacher at Marshall Elementary School, has used the program’s benefits to pursue an advanced degree in instructional design. Her goal is to contribute to bilingual curriculum development and strengthen educational opportunities for bilingual students.

With more than 10 years of experience in Spring ISD as a bilingual classroom teacher and bilingual dyslexia provider, Omelanczuk brings experience in language instruction and specialized student support to her work.

Her professional development reflects how incentive programs can support teachers’ long-term career goals while helping districts build instructional capacity.

Investing in Spring ISD Educators

Spring ISD’s recognition event highlights the district’s investment in instructional excellence, teacher retention and student achievement. Through the Teacher Incentive Allotment, the district continues to recognize effective educators while providing financial incentives that can support professional growth and strengthen classroom instruction.