Mesquite ISD · 2026–2027

Great Teaching Deserves to Be Rewarded.

We're recognizing outstanding teachers at Smith, Achziger, and Gentry Elementary with cash bonuses of up to $5,000 based on student achievement on STAAR.

$1,000
Bonus
$2,500
Bonus
$5,000
Bonus
See the Bonus CriteriaHow the Program Works

Eligible teachers: Grades 3–5 | Smith, Achziger & Gentry Elementary

An elementary school teacher helping two students with classroom work

Up to $5,000 in direct cash bonuses

Awarded on Meets and Masters STAAR performance.

Why this program exists

Rewarding the People Who Make the Difference

Every day, teachers invest their time, energy, creativity, and expertise into helping students succeed.

The Teacher Achievement Bonus Program provides direct financial rewards to teachers whose students demonstrate exceptional academic achievement.

  • Recognize outstanding teaching

    Celebrate the educators whose classrooms consistently produce exceptional results.

  • Encourage ambitious academic outcomes

    Set a high bar for student achievement and give teachers a clear, meaningful goal.

  • Reward teachers directly for student success

    Deliver bonuses straight to the teachers responsible for the growth students make.

Bonus criteria

Earn Up to $5,000

Bonuses are based on the percentage of eligible students achieving Meets Grade Level or Above and Masters Grade Level on STAAR.

$1,000

Achievement Bonus

Teacher's eligible students achieve:

  • 60%+ Meets Grade Level or Above
  • and
    20%+ Masters Grade Level
Bonus$1,000
Excellence
$2,500

Excellence Bonus

Teacher's eligible students achieve:

  • 70%+ Meets Grade Level or Above
  • and
    30%+ Masters Grade Level
Bonus$2,500
Distinguished Achievement
$5,000

Distinguished Achievement Bonus

Teacher's eligible students achieve:

  • 80%+ Meets Grade Level or Above
  • and
    40%+ Masters Grade Level
Bonus$5,000

Teachers receive the highest bonus level for which they qualify. Bonuses are not cumulative. Final eligibility and calculation methodology are subject to official program guidelines.

The process

How It Works

Four straightforward steps from the classroom to your bonus.

  1. 1

    Teach

    Continue doing what you do best: helping students learn, grow, and succeed.

  2. 2

    Students Take STAAR

    Eligible grade 3–5 students complete their applicable STAAR assessments.

  3. 3

    Results Are Calculated

    The percentage of students achieving Meets and Masters is compared with the program benchmarks.

  4. 4

    Earn Your Bonus

    Teachers who reach an achievement tier receive the corresponding cash bonus.

Applies to grades 3–5 teachers at participating campuses.

Eligibility

Who Can Participate?

The program is designed for eligible teachers responsible for STAAR-tested students and subjects in grades 3 through 5 at participating campuses.

  • Smith Elementary

    Grades 3–5

  • Achziger Elementary

    Grades 3–5

  • Gentry Elementary

    Grades 3–5

Final teacher, subject, student attribution, testing, and employment eligibility will follow official program rules.

A teacher celebrating with elementary students in a bright classroom

Your Students Achieve. You Share in the Success.

$1,000
Achievement
$2,500
Excellence
$5,000
Distinguished Achievement

These are direct cash bonuses designed to recognize exceptional student outcomes and the teachers helping make them possible.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Expected payment timeline: [Payment timeline to be confirmed by program administration]

Set the Bar High. Help Students Reach It. Get Rewarded.

Great outcomes begin with great teachers. This program is an opportunity to recognize the educators driving exceptional student achievement across Smith, Achziger, and Gentry Elementary.

View Bonus Criteria

Questions about the program?

Contact Program Administration

Made possible by

The Huffines Foundation