LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Education announced today that nearly 5,000 outstanding educators will receive up to $10,000 in merit pay through the LEARNS Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program – a total of nearly $20 million including fringe benefits. This year’s awards represent an increase of nearly 2,000 educators compared to 2024, the program’s first year.
Created under the LEARNS Act, the merit program elevates the teaching profession by rewarding excellence in the classroom. Eligible licensed educators are recognized for exceptional student growth, mentoring aspiring teachers participating in yearlong residencies, or serving in critical shortage areas.
“From day one, my administration has been committed to making Arkansas the best state in the nation to teach and learn,” said Governor Sanders. “Every student deserves a great teacher in the classroom, and every great teacher deserves to be recognized for the difference they make. Our educators are helping students reach higher standards, and this investment both rewards excellence and helps retain top talent in Arkansas.”
“The nearly 5,000 educators receiving merit pay this year represents the strength of the LEARNS Act,” said Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “High‑quality teachers are the backbone of student success, and this program is one of the ways we are elevating and celebrating the profession. We applaud the educators who go above and beyond to make sure students are ready to enlist, enroll, or be employed after high school, and we look forward to recognizing even more exceptional teachers in the years ahead.”
Eligibility includes all classroom teachers, library media specialists, and school counselors. For the 2025–2026 school year, the average bonus is around $3,300, with nearly 900 educators earning more than $5,000 and 80 receiving the maximum $10,000 award.
District superintendents have verified eligibility, and the bonuses will be available for districts to distribute by the end of the month.
The Sanders Administration has implemented the largest investment in Arkansas public schools and educators in recent history. In addition to creating the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program, Governor Sanders raised the starting teacher salary from $36,000 to $50,000 and provided 12 weeks of paid maternity leave for teachers. Because of this investment, Arkansas leads the nation in teacher morale.
Learn more about the Merit Teacher Incentive Fund Program here.
Learn more about the LEARNS Act here.
Click here to hear more from a merit pay recipient.
