Little Rock, Arkansas – In a major step to reward exceptional teaching performance and enhance educational outcomes across Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Education have announced that more than 4,200 educators will receive merit bonuses of up to $10,000 through the LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program for the 2024-2025 school year. This marks a significant rise from the 3,000 educators awarded bonuses last year, signaling the growing impact of Arkansas’ efforts to retain and reward dedicated teachers.
The LEARNS (Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking, and School Safety) Act has fundamentally reshaped the state’s educational landscape. One of its hallmark initiatives is the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, which recognizes educators for going above and beyond—whether by significantly boosting student performance, mentoring new teachers, or serving in hard-to-fill teaching positions. Bonuses range up to $10,000, depending on impact.
“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.”
Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva echoed that sentiment, highlighting how the increasing number of recipients is proof of progress. “The increase in the number of educators receiving merit pay this year demonstrates the positive impact LEARNS has had on education in Arkansas,” Oliva stated. “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.”
Educators Share Their Gratitude and Motivation
Several educators who received merit pay last year shared emotional reactions to the acknowledgment, expressing both gratitude and renewed motivation to continue excelling in the classroom.
“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,” shared one teacher from the Little Rock area. “Receiving this recognition affirmed that my efforts to engage and challenge my students are making a real difference.”
Another educator from Southeast Arkansas spoke about the years of dedication that led to this reward. “I’ve been an educator for 16 years… 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!”
A teacher from Mountainburg Public Schools emphasized the value of feeling seen and appreciated. “It showed that the hard work I put into teaching is making a difference… This recognition was a reminder that what I do in the classroom matters, and it encouraged me to keep growing as a teacher.”
More Than Just Bonuses
This year, more than 800 educators will receive bonuses exceeding $5,000, while over 70 will earn the full $10,000 reward. The program not only recognizes strong student outcomes, but also celebrates mentorship and service in high-need areas—encouraging teachers to invest even more into their roles as classroom leaders.
The LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program continues to be a cornerstone in Arkansas’ broader mission to build a strong, resilient, and student-centered education system.
For more information about the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, visit https://dese.link/Merit-Pay-2025. For more on the LEARNS Act, go to https://learns.ade.arkansas.gov.
