Texas Teachers Collaborative
Investing in Teachers. Transforming Communities. Elevating Texas Education.
The application for Cohort 2 of the Texas Teachers Collaborative (TTC), a Charles Butt Foundation initiative designed to strengthen the teacher pathway in rural Texas by supporting educators on the journey to National Board Certification, is now open.
TTC partners with rural Texas school districts to elevate accomplished teaching, build district capacity, and connect teachers to the Texas Incentive Allotment — a retention pathway that rewards accomplished teaching with meaningful, ongoing compensation.
TTC is built on a simple belief: rural teachers should not have to leave their communities to grow their careers. When they are supported with rigorous professional learning, a strong network of peers, and the financial recognition their expertise deserves, they stay — and their students, schools, and districts thrive.
Through a 24-month cohort-based model, TTC guides classroom teachers through the four components of National Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching profession, while building sustainable, district-embedded support systems that outlast the cohort itself.
National Board Certification is one of the most rigorous credentials a teacher can earn. Of more than 380,000 teachers in Texas, fewer than 1,200 hold it. Helping teachers reach that bar not only elevates the profession, it also strengthens our students and communities.
Dr. Amber Lynn DiazSenior Director of Programs
Selected teachers participate in a 24-month professional learning journey that pairs a national-caliber credentialing process with a close-knit community of rural Texas peers. Cohort 2 includes:
A multi-day institute that launches teachers into the National Board journey through deep engagement with the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching, the Five Core Propositions, and certificate-specific standards. Participants work side-by-side with TTC Mentors, peers from across rural Texas, and representatives from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Every month, virtual professional learning sessions are hosted which includes guided personalized learning approaches and interactive discovery activities.
Every teacher is paired with a National Board Certified Mentor who provides personalized guidance, component feedback, and sustained support through successful portfolio submission and beyond.
Designed and facilitated by National Board Certified TTC Mentors, Professional Learning Days are structured around NBC Components and specific submission requirements. Professional Learning Days provide time to unpack components, analyze practice, and collaborate with fellow candidates.
Each participating district names a dedicated District Coordinator who protects teacher work time, coordinates substitute coverage, and builds local capacity to sustain National Board support long after Cohort 2 ends. This role is essential to the TTC model.
Cohort 2 is designed for classroom teachers serving in rural Texas public school districts who are ready to pursue National Board Certification and who teach in a district prepared to invest alongside them.
District Base Grant to support local implementation and long-term sustainability.
District Coordinator Stipend to support district identified cohort 2 teachers and effective district implementation.
Teacher Stipend recognizing the significant time and effort required to complete the National Board Certification portfolio.
Monthly Virtual Meetings to unpack the National Board Components and submission expectations at no cost to participating teachers.
One-on-one Mentorship from a National Board Certified Teacher, provided to every participant at no cost through the Charles Butt Foundation. Each mentor guides their teacher through Components 1–4, offers feedback on portfolio entries, and walks alongside them from summer kickoff through certification results.
Once certified, teachers in participating rural Texas districts become eligible for the Texas Incentive Allotment, which can generate $3,000–$12,000 per year per teacher — $15,000 to $60,000 over five years — in additional compensation for accomplished teaching.
Step 1: Attend an Information Session
Rural Texas district leaders are invited to join an upcoming virtual Information Session. Sessions include an overview of the program, a walkthrough of district and teacher commitments, and time for questions. Sign up for an Information Session.
Step 2: Submit a District Application
Districts ready to move forward will complete a short application describing their commitment to National Board Certification, and District Coordinator capacity. Accepted districts sign a Memorandum of Understanding outlining shared responsibilities.
Step 3: Confirm Teacher Participants
Approved districts work with TTC Program Leadership to identify and confirm their cohort teachers, up to 10. We believe that district leaders know their educators best, and the selection process is designed to honor that local knowledge.
The application timeline will be provided soon.
Questions? Contact: Dr. Amber Lynn Diaz, aldiaz@charlesbuttfdn.org
Senior Director of Programs
Check out our other statewide programs