LITTLE ROCK — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Education are pleased to announce that more than 4,200 outstanding educators will receive up to $10,000 in merit pay through the LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program. This is an increase of more than 1,300 educators from last year, which marked the first year of the program.
The LEARNS Act created the merit program to elevate the teaching profession and reward excellent teachers. Awards are given to licensed educators who demonstrate outstanding growth in student performance, serve as a mentor to aspiring teachers who participated in yearlong residencies, or are employed in a shortage area.
“Behind every successful student is a dedicated teacher,” Governor Sanders said. “LEARNS not only raised starting teacher pay from $36,000 to $50,000 a year, but it also created the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program to continue rewarding teachers for their hard work. Our students deserve the best, and our best deserve incentives that match the influence they have on learning.”
“The increase in the number of educators receiving merit pay this year demonstrates the positive impact LEARNS has had on education in Arkansas,” ADE Secretary Jacob Oliva said. “Through the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, educators are rewarded for having a significant impact on student learning, their schools, and their communities. We congratulate them and look forward to recognizing others in the future.”
Eligibility categories include all classroom teachers, library media specialists, and school counselors. The average incentive bonus for 2024-2025 is approximately $3,300, with more than 800 educators receiving bonuses greater than $5,000 (an increase from approximately 500 last year) and more than 70 receiving $10,000 (an increase from more than 40 last year).
School district superintendents have verified eligibility of the teachers, with the department sending bonuses and fringe benefits to districts for payment to educators by June 30.
