Sanders Announces Merit Bonuses for More Than 4,200 Arkansas Teachers

A 1,300 increase from last year

LITTLE ROCK, AR - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Education today announced that more than 4,200 of Arkansas’ educators - up from 3,000 the previous year - will receive up to $10,000 bonuses through the LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program.
 
Arkansas is committed to recruiting, retaining, and supporting outstanding educators because great teachers mean a great education. Thanks to the LEARNS Act and the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, teachers are finally being recognized and rewarded for going above and beyond in the classroom, and the numbers prove that Arkansas’ strategy is working.

“Behind every successful student is a dedicated teacher,” said Governor Sanders. “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 increase in the number of educators receiving merit pay this year demonstrates the positive impact LEARNS has had on education in Arkansas,” Arkansas Department of Education 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.”

Several teachers who received merit bonuses last year offered their thoughts on the program:

“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,” said one Little Rock area teacher. “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!”

“I’ve been an educator for 16 years. I, like many teachers, have spent countless hours planning, teaching, and studying data from my classroom,” said one Southeast Arkansas educator. “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!”

“Being recognized through the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program meant a lot to me,” said one Mountainburg public school teacher. “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.”

Bonuses are given to Arkansas educators who have demonstrably improved students’ performance, spent time mentoring aspiring teachers, or chosen to teach in a shortage area. For the 2024-2025 school year, over 800 educators are receiving more than $5,000 bonuses, and more than 70 will receive $10,000.

To learn more about the program, visit https://dese.link/Merit-Pay-2025. To learn more about the LEARNS Act, visit https://learns.ade.arkansas.gov/.