A United Independent School District (UISD) educator was among the select group invited to testify before the The Texas Senate Education K-16 Committee as lawmakers voted unanimously to advance a bill aimed at raising teacher salaries and expanding the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) to rural areas.
Dr. Imelda De La Rosa, a Science Pathfinder teacher at Salvador Garcia Middle school, appeared before the committee Thursday to discuss the key legislation. As a Teach Plus Texas Policy Fellow, Dr. De La Rosa plays a pivotal role in shaping education policy in the 89th Texas legislature.
In her testimony on Senate Bill (SB) 26, she shared her personal journey and more than two decades of experience in education, emphasizing the importance of expanding TIA to rural communities. “I grew up in Rio Bravo, Texas, from the age of 5 until I graduated from college at age 22,” said Dr. De La Rosa. “Growing up here, I always aspired to make a difference by expanding academic opportunities for children, similar to those available in the neighboring city of Laredo.” She is a proud product of UISD where she was among the first graduating Magnet Health & Science class from J.B. Alexander High School in 1998.
Dr. De La Rosa also highlighted the positive impact of the Teacher Incentive Allotment on student achievement and teacher retention. “TIA has been a transformative experience for me as an educator and for my students in a high-needs campus,” she explained. “It has not only recognized my dedication to high-quality teaching but also reinforced my ability to make a measurable impact on my students’ outcomes.”
She stressed that like herself, while many teachers do not come into the profession for money, increased compensation and incentives to work at high-need campuses are essential to attracting and retaining quality educators. “The investment in effective educators—particularly in rural, high-need areas—ensures all students receive the education they deserve, regardless of location and oftentimes socioeconomic status,” Dr. De La Rosa said. “In addition, it helps retain teachers in areas where they are needed most.” "We are proud to have Dr. De La Rosa representing Salvador Garcia Middle School as an advocate before the Senate K-16 Education Committee,” said Dr. Jonathan Martinez, Salvador Garcia Middle School principal. "The Teacher Incentive Allotment program is a great opportunity to reward great educators, and I believe her testimony had a positive impact to continue providing this incentive.”
Dr. De La Rosa pictured in the center during testimony before the Senate Education Committee.
Amid the ongoing debate over the future of public education and proposed school vouchers, her testimony resonated with state lawmakers. “What an incredible example of the talent we have here in Texas,” said Senator Jose Menendéz following Dr. De La Rosa’s testimony. “It’s evident that the public school system in TX is not broken.”
Dr. De La Rosa looks forward to continuing making a difference by advocating for student success while also strengthening the teacher workforce across the Lone Star State.
“Any opportunity I have that I can advocate for students in high needs campuses or educators. I will take the opportunity and represent United ISD and my campus, Salvador Garcia Middle,” exclaimed Dr. De La Rosa. “I am very passionate about that.”
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