This memorandum clarifies the source of the annual state bonus paid to National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) in Arkansas. The Department has received questions whether local school districts in Arkansas must pay the bonus amounts specified in state law when the district hires a National Board Certified Teacher. The following information should clarify the state and local district roles in this matter.
The Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) processes all of the paperwork associated with NBCT annual state bonuses, and eligible educators now receive the bonuses directly from the state. The Department requires NBCTs to verify employment so that ADE can determine whether or not the individual continues to meet the eligibility requirements established in the law. An eligible NBCT receives a bonus of $4,000 in 2004-2005. That bonus amount rises to $5,000 in 2005-2006 and in years thereafter. When a district hires a NBCT who is new to the state, the NBCT should contact the National Board Program Adviser's office regarding state bonus eligibility.
Some local districts offer an additional bonus to NBCTs, but that is a local district decision. School district personnel may link to information about the National Board state support program in Arkansas by going to http://arkedu.state.ar.us/teachers/national_board_cert_p1.html. Questions about the National Board state support program may be directed to Barbara Patty, National Board Program Adviser, at bpatty@arkedu.k12.ar.us or 501-682-1146.