Dallas ISD TEI Teacher Excellence Initiative
Developed by Dallas Independent School District and launched for the 2014-2015 school year, the Teacher Excellence Initiative (TEI) replaced the state-mandated PDAS system with a performance-based evaluation model that links teacher compensation directly to effectiveness ratings. Now in its 2025-2026 edition (Rulebook v10.0), TEI evaluates teachers across four domains using a four-level rating scale (Unsatisfactory, Progressing, Proficient, Exemplary), and has served as the blueprint for the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) - a statewide program now adopted by over 800 Texas school systems.
Used by Dallas ISD for its nearly 10,000 teachers, and served as the foundational model for the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), which is now active in over 800 Texas school systems - representing approximately two-thirds of all districts and charter schools in the state.
How Observation Copilot Helps
AI-powered Dallas ISD TEI feedback in seconds
Paste your observation notes. Copilot maps your evidence to the right Dallas ISD TEI domains and drafts structured, rubric-aligned feedback - ready to review and share.
- Maps observation notes to Dallas ISD TEI domains automatically
- Generates evidence-based summaries for each TEI domain
- Suggests ratings aligned to the four-level TEI scale from Unsatisfactory to Exemplary
- Creates targeted next steps tied to specific TEI indicators
- Reduces post-observation write-up time for Dallas ISD principals from hours to minutes
Framework Domains
Dallas ISD TEI at a Glance
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
Demonstrating content expertise, planning with a student-focused lens, designing assessments, and structuring lesson activities and lesson flow for effective learning.
Domain 2: Instructional Delivery
Ensuring alignment between instruction and learning goals, building student mastery, delivering instruction skillfully, and maintaining appropriate levels of cognitive demand.
Domain 3: Learning Environment
Establishing and maintaining efficient classroom procedures and systems, setting clear behavioral expectations, and cultivating a positive climate and culture for learning.
Domain 4: Professionalism and Collaboration
Demonstrating professional attendance and compliance, engaging in ongoing professional learning, building effective professional partnerships, and maintaining clear communication with colleagues and families.
Rating Scale
Dallas ISD TEI Rating Levels
Used In
States Using Dallas ISD TEI
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