HCISD teachers of the year present retention proposals emphasizing voice, wellness and TIA expansion

Assistant principal residents and a team of Teachers of the Year presented “Empowering Leadership: A Collaborative Approach to Teacher Retention” to the board’s Transforming Teaching and Learning committee, outlining three primary themes: teacher voice, alignment of district and campus systems, and teacher wellness.

Project leads said the committee identified three retention pillars and that Teachers of the Year selected priority areas for further development: expanding Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) eligibility to reach additional subject areas and roles; creating systems for stronger alignment between district and campus practices; and building non‑monetary wellness supports. The wellness proposals include a dedicated wellness day (or activities during back‑to‑school and midyear training), coverage to allow staff to attend their children’s school events, priority access to after‑school programs for employees’ children, campus‑based friendly competitions and expanded counseling and mental‑health programming led by the district counseling department.

Presenters described a three‑part timeline: a beginning‑of‑year survey to collect campus needs, a midyear rollout of initiatives tailored by campus, and an end‑of‑year review to assess effectiveness and continuity for subsequent years. The committee said the district is already working to expand TIA eligibility for the 2025‑26 school year and will present a draft framework next month.

Board members responded positively, thanking the Teachers of the Year and APR (assistant principal resident) leaders for stakeholder engagement. Several board members said the proposals were practical, emphasized the district’s “family first” ethos and asked staff to develop implementation steps and timelines. The presenters offered to mentor future APR residents to sustain the process.