Little Rock, Arkansas – In a continued effort to support Arkansas’ educators, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Department of Education, revealed that over 4,200 teachers will receive merit-based bonuses through the LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program. This marks an increase from 3,000 teachers who received similar rewards in the previous year, highlighting the state’s growing commitment to rewarding outstanding educators for their hard work.
These bonuses, ranging up to $10,000, come as part of the LEARNS Act, a comprehensive education initiative designed to attract, retain, and support top-tier educators across Arkansas. The initiative reflects a belief that exceptional teachers play a pivotal role in providing a high-quality education to students, with direct ties to the state’s vision for improving its educational system.
Governor Sanders expressed the significance of these bonuses, stating, “Behind every successful student is a dedicated teacher. LEARNS not only raised starting teacher pay from $36,000 to $50,000 a year, but 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 merit-based bonuses are distributed to educators who demonstrate a meaningful impact on student learning. This includes teachers who have shown substantial improvements in student performance, taken on additional responsibilities like mentoring new teachers, or worked in areas facing teacher shortages. The program’s expansion is a direct result of the LEARNS Act, which continues to garner positive feedback from both educators and administrators across the state.
Arkansas Department of Education Secretary Jacob Oliva emphasized the positive effect of the LEARNS Act on education in Arkansas. He noted, “The increase in the number of educators receiving merit pay this year demonstrates the positive impact LEARNS has had on education in Arkansas. 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.”
The increase in merit pay recipients underscores the program’s success and its growing influence. For the 2024-2025 school year, over 800 educators will receive bonuses of more than $5,000, with more than 70 teachers qualifying for the maximum $10,000 award. The bonuses are not only a financial recognition of teachers’ efforts but also a powerful statement of appreciation for the dedication educators exhibit in shaping the future of Arkansas’ students.
One teacher from the Little Rock area shared her experience of receiving the merit bonus last year, reflecting on the meaningful recognition. “Being recognized through the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program was deeply rewarding for me as a STEM Coach and middle school science teacher at a STEM-focused charter school,” she said. “I strive every day to inspire curiosity and a love for learning in my students. Receiving this recognition affirmed that my efforts to engage and challenge my students are making a real difference. It was a great honor!”
A Southeast Arkansas educator, with 16 years of experience, also expressed her gratitude. “I’ve been an educator for 16 years. I, like many teachers, have spent countless hours planning, teaching, and studying data from my classroom. It seems like core subject areas require more time in these areas than other disciplines. When I learned I was receiving merit pay, I felt as though all of my extra time—before, after school, and weekend hours—was worth it. I was very grateful for the acknowledgement!”
The impact of the program goes beyond the financial rewards, as many teachers expressed how the recognition has positively influenced their motivation to continue improving their practice. One teacher from Mountainburg shared her thoughts: “Being recognized through the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program meant a lot to me. It showed that the hard work I put into teaching is making a difference, which made me feel proud and appreciated. It also motivated me to keep trying new ways to help my students learn and succeed. This recognition was a reminder that what I do in the classroom matters, and it encouraged me to keep growing as a teacher.”
The program’s reach is vast, and its importance cannot be overstated. In addition to financial rewards, the LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program aims to ensure that the educators who are shaping the future of Arkansas are acknowledged for their efforts in fostering student growth and excellence.
To learn more about the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, visit the Arkansas Department of Education’s official page. For further information on the LEARNS Act, including its goals and initiatives, visit the dedicated LEARNS portal.
As the 2024-2025 school year progresses, the continued success and expansion of programs like the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program reflect the state’s unwavering commitment to education. With recognition and support, Arkansas is taking steps to ensure that the state’s students continue to receive the best possible education, driven by passionate and dedicated educators.
