On Monday, Rep. Ronny Johns of Ada and Sen. Adam Pugh of Edmond led a joint interim study in Oklahoma City. The study examined new incentive pay models for teachers. The focus was on voluntary, performance-based compensation systems. These systems aim to improve teacher recruitment, retention, and student achievement in Oklahoma.
Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin presented data from the State Department of Education. He also compared Oklahoma to other states with similar programs. Hamlin said that teacher quality is a key factor in student success. He noted that incentive pay models in Texas and Arkansas have provided annual bonuses to teachers. These bonuses range from $3,000 to $32,000 and are based on student growth and classroom effectiveness.
Oklahoma’s current Teacher Empowerment Program (OTEP) began in 2022. It rewards teachers who take on leadership and mentoring roles. For the 2024-2025 school year, 89 districts participated. More than 1,100 teachers received an average bonus of $7,750. Sen. Pugh reported increased interest in the program, with teachers from 67 districts asking about participation…