📺WATCH📺: our teachers' reactions when they learned they would need to get bigger wallets.
Not just a little extra cash.
But a very deserving additional compensation that will truly make a difference in their lives.
In every aspect, it was worth the wait.
During the 2022-23 school year, Arp ISD submitted applications for many of our educators to the Texas Education Agency for their Teacher Incentive Allotment program. TIA rewards outstanding teachers across the state for excellence in the classroom, and student growth.
Fast forward to the spring of 2025, when 17 Arp ISD faculty members learned they had been approved to receive the Teacher Incentive Allotment for their efforts during the 2023-24 school year.
Each of them received a level of designation from TEA through which they would be awarded accordingly. Recognized is the first level allotment, Exemplary is second level and a higher allotment, while Master receives the highest level allotment.
Below are our inaugural group of TIA recipients.
Arp Elementary:
Charyln Black, Dyslexia Coordinator - Exemplary (Was 1st grade teacher when she earned designation)
Teresa Bryant, 2nd grade teacher - Master
LeAnn Curry, 2nd grade teacher - Exemplary
Jennifer Deck, 2nd grade teacher - Exemplary
Cristi Flowers, 4th grade teacher - Recognized
Taylor Haskins, kindergarten teacher - Recognized
Kayla Holley, 3rd grade teacher - Exemplary
Lezli Jacobs, 1st grade teacher - Master
Sherri Kain, 5th grade teacher - Master
Lindsey Schminkey, 4th grade teacher - Master
Arp Jr. High:
Arethra Garrett, math/life skills teacher - Master (Designation earned as math lab teacher)
Crystal Hopson, English teacher - Recognized
Valerie Jimmerson, math teacher - Exemplary
Arp High School:
Jennifer Arrington, math teacher - Master
Kitty Marshall, English teacher - Recognized
Ann McKee, math teacher - Exemplary
Nancy Spain, English teacher - Exemplary
On the last day of school, after fulfilling all of their TIA requirements, these fabulous ladies received their checks.
"I want to thank all of you for the great work you do here at Arp ISD," said superintendent Shannon Arrington when he gave the group the fantastic news. "Each of you did the work in your classrooms to receive these designations. Job well done."
"I am thrilled for these 17 teachers," added Arp ISD Assistant Superintendent Stephanie Schminkey. "An incredible recognition for their hard work, dedication, and impact on students in the classroom."
The teachers received 90 percent of their respective allotments, while the school district was awarded the other 10 percent. That allocation for Arp ISD was $25,084.50.
Those funds will be used to support the TIA initiative at the district level so Arp ISD can continue to reward excellent educators.
This precedent required the help of many individuals throughout the district. A TIA committee was formed and made up of teachers, principals, business office personnel, and Arp ISD assistant superintendent Stephanie Schminkey who was in charge of overseeing the entire process.
Arrington is extremely thankful for her tireless contributions to this endeavor. "I know you are all aware of just how awesome she is. Thank you Stephanie. You are the best of the best," he stated.
As a TIA fully approved local designation system school district, Arp ISD will have access to state funding to recruit and hire quality educators, provide meaningful difference making incentives to be able to keep its best teachers, and incentivize individuals for difficult to staff positions.
Our award recipients that received Recognized, or Exemplary designations have the opportunity to raise their level of designation for the 2024-25 school year.
Award recipients and any new designations for the recently completed school year will be announced during the 2026 spring semester.