Oklahoma teachers could earn up to $10K in annual stipends

A new law signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt will change how Oklahoma recognizes and rewards high-performing teachers.

House Bill 1412, which takes effect on July 1, 2025, introduces a tiered certification system that offers annual stipends instead of permanent pay raises.

The program aims to elevate instructional quality while giving local districts flexibility in determining who qualifies.

Here’s a breakdown of the new law and what it means for teachers, schools and communities across the state.

New Designation Levels with Annual Stipends

The law introduces three new optional teacher certifications:

1. Advanced Certificate: $3,000 stipend
2. Lead Certificate: $5,000 stipend
3. Master Certificate: $10,000 stipend

These stipends are funded by Oklahoma’s state lottery and are intended to be annual, performance-based supplements, not permanent additions to base pay.

Bonuses for Teachers in Rural or High-Need Schools

Educators working in schools with 40% or more economically disadvantaged students or in districts with fewer than 1,000 students can receive extra bonuses:

1. Advanced: +$1,500
2. Lead: +$2,500
3. Master: +$5,000

This provision targets hard-to-staff districts, offering higher incentives for teachers who serve in challenging environments.

Who Decides and How Teachers Qualify

Local districts will lead the designation process and must submit evaluation plans to the State Department of Education. Each plan must include:

1. Classroom observation
2. Out-of-classroom contributions like mentorship or leadership
3. Student performance metrics

Districts may also incorporate surveys, leadership roles, peer input, and alignment with core values. Designations can be awarded twice per year, once before the start of the school year and again before the second semester.

Participation Limits and Exemptions

1. Only 10% of a district’s teachers can receive designations each year.
2. High-need Title I districts may designate an additional 10%.
3. Teachers who are designated are exempt from annual TLE evaluations.
4. Stipends do not count toward minimum salary schedules or retirement calculations.

Professional Development and Oversight

Designated teachers will be placed in professional development cohorts and offered additional training opportunities. The State Department of Education will review each district’s evaluation system every two years and release annual reports detailing participation and funding.

Funding and Emergency Clause

All stipends will be paid through the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted each school year.

Though the law officially takes effect July 1, 2025, it includes an emergency clause that activates certain administrative elements immediately, allowing districts time to prepare.