Ott's Outlook

We are so excited to be this close to having students and staff filling our campuses again with the start of the new school year. I hope that each of you had a relaxing summer and is recharged and ready for an outstanding 2026-2027 school year.

It has been a busy summer for many of our teachers and staff as they prepare for the upcoming year and we are in the final days of professional development, facility cleaning and preparation, and planning for a successful and smooth start to the year.

One of Temple ISD’s main focuses each year is to put the most qualified, talented, and experienced teachers in our classrooms. One of the ways we are able to do that is by retaining the outstanding teachers we already have on staff. This year, I am proud to announce that TISD has a projected teacher retention rate of 84%, a total that reflects our continued commitment to investing in our greatest asset – our people. This marks a retention rate above the state average.

In a time when school districts across Texas and the nation continue to face teacher shortages and increased turnover, Temple ISD has remained focused on creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, and career advancement. This intentional approach has helped foster a culture where educators feel valued, supported, and empowered to build long-term careers in Temple ISD.

Teacher retention doesn’t happen by accident. It is the result of deliberate investment in our employees, providing pathways for growth, recognizing excellence, and creating an environment where educators know they are making a difference.

TISD’s commitment to growing its own talent is evident through several innovative initiatives. The Certification Academy for Temple Teachers, or CATT program, provides paraprofessionals or other aspiring educators with the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification while remaining employed by the district. The Aspiring Leadership Academy allows teachers and campus staff interested in expanding their leadership skills to participate in a structured program designed to prepare future instructional and campus leaders. The Principal Pipeline provides assistant principals with intentional coaching, mentorship, and professional learning experiences to prepare them for future campus leadership positions. No matter where you start in TISD, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow with colleagues.

Temple ISD also continues to recognize and reward outstanding classroom instruction through our participation in the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). Since joining the program, the district has distributed $5.5 million (of state funds) in performance-based stipends to highly effective educators. We also have created several teacher and staff recognition programs to recognize those educators who go above and beyond on their campuses and in the community. Celebrating the hard work of staff is a staple in Temple ISD and the fabric of our culture.

These efforts are reflected not only in our teacher retention rate, but also in employee feedback. According to recent staff survey results, 95% of Temple ISD employees report they are proud to work for the district. These results were anonymous and reflect a survey participation rate of over 84% of our staff.

Our goal is to cultivate educators and leaders who choose to stay, grow, and make a lasting impact on students and our community. We believe that by investing in our people today, we are building a stronger future for students, schools, and the entire Temple community. This is just another reason our staff is recognized across the state and Temple ISD is a destination district.

Sincerely,

Bobby Ott

Temple ISD has a long history of excellence and we have had many, many graduates who have gone on to exemplify our vision to become influential and impactful leaders in their local communities and beyond. Temple ISD Alumni Spotlight will feature alumnus and alumna that have represented our community and our district in a positive way.

To nominate yourself or a Temple ISD graduate, please complete our online Alumni Spotlight Nomination Form. Nominations will be reviewed and candidates selected by the Temple ISD Board of Trustees Policy Committee