A team of administrators and educators from Yorktown Independent School District took center stage at the 2025 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) Conference, held June 9–11 in San Antonio.
The annual conference brought together more than 700 participants— including district leaders, classroom teachers, and state education officials— from across Texas to collaborate on innovative strategies that support high-performing educators and improve student outcomes.
The TIA program, launched by the Texas Education Agency, is designed to recognize and retain exceptional teachers, particularly in high-needs areas, by providing a path to significant compensation without requiring educators to leave the classroom.
From left, Yorktown ISD Superintendent Gerald Nixon, Katherine Chavez, Leslie Preslar, Elementary Assistant Principal Autumn Kiser, Chief Academic Officer Laura Patek, Federal, State and Student Programs Director Ashley Chandler, Val Acree, High School Principal Michael Hanum attended the TIA Conference held June 9-11, in San Antonio. PHOTO BY MICHAEL MILLER/TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE
Representing Yorktown ISD were Superintendent Gerald Nixon; Director of Federal, State and Student Programs Dr. Ashley Chandler; Chief Academic Officer Laura Patek; High School Principal Michael Hannum; Elementary Assistant Principal Autumn Kiser; high school teachers Val Acree and Leslie Preslar; and elementary teacher Katherine Chavez.
Over the course of three days, attendees participated in a wide range of sessions aimed at increasing the number of TIA-designated educators, aligning TIA systems with strategic compensation plans, and enhancing teacher retention through sustainable district practices.
On the final day of the conference, Yorktown ISD’s team led a well-attended session titled “Navigating the TIA Journey,” which drew nearly 90 participants. The presentation outlined the district’s multi-year effort to implement the TIA system and detailed how these efforts have contributed to notable academic improvements. Among the highlights: Yorktown Elementary improved its state accountability rating from an F in 2019 to a B in 2022; the junior high advanced from a D in 2022 to a B in 2023; and the high school has maintained a steady B rating throughout the process.
“Professional learning communities are being established across our district, fostering an environment where educators can share best practices, discuss challenges, and support one another. This enhances not only teacher effectiveness but also enriches the overall educational experience for our students. By working together, we are building a stronger community of educators dedicated to our students’ success,” said Patek, who co-led the session with Chandler and was supported by Kiser, Acree, Chavez, and Preslar.
Superintendent Nixon added, “I believe it says a lot about Yorktown ISD that other districts are looking to us for guidance on how to make meaningful, sustainable improvements. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our educators.”
Yorktown ISD’s participation and leadership at the TIA Conference reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to teacher excellence and student success.
