OklahomaHB 1412Oklahoma 2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Teachers; directing stipends, rather than salary increases, be provided to teachers with certain certificates; effective date; emergency.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.

More pay for advanced, lead, master teachers

Beginning July 1, 2025, the state pays annual stipends to teachers with advanced, lead, or master certificates. The amounts are $3,000 for Advanced, $5,000 for Lead, and $10,000 for Master. The money is paid through your school district and is on top of base salary. If your school has 40% or more economically disadvantaged students, or your district enrolls fewer than 1,000 students, you also get a one‑time award of $1,500, $2,500, or $5,000 based on your level.

Stipends don’t boost pension or salary base

Beginning July 1, 2025, these stipends do not count toward district or state minimum salary schedules. They also do not count when figuring contributions to or benefits from the Teachers’ Retirement System of Oklahoma. This can reduce your pension growth over time.

Extra contract days for designated teachers

Beginning July 1, 2025, advanced, lead, and master certificate teachers must work extra contract days. Advanced adds 5 days, Lead adds 10 days, and Master adds 15 days. You are paid at least the stipend amount or your district’s daily rate if that is higher. If you change districts, the new district must approve your contract terms.

Stipend fund pays out first-come

Beginning July 1, 2025, the State Department of Education uses the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund to send stipend dollars to districts. Money is allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis until the fund runs out for the school year.

Less annual evaluation for designated teachers

Beginning July 1, 2025, if your district joins the program, advanced, lead, and master teachers do not need annual TLE evaluations. The exemption applies only in districts that participate.

No union bargaining over designations or stipends

Beginning July 1, 2025, unions and districts cannot bargain over how teachers are chosen for advanced, lead, or master designations, or over the stipend amounts.

Cap on how many can be designated

Beginning July 1, 2025, a district can designate up to 10% of its teachers as advanced, lead, or master each school year. Districts in the top quartile for Title I student allotments can designate an extra 10%, but only for teachers at school sites that get those Title I funds. Districts may make designations twice a year: before the school year and before the second semester.

Renewal rules and fees for certificates

Beginning July 1, 2025, the State Board of Education sets renewal schedules and fees for advanced, lead, and master certificates. If you no longer meet the higher requirements, you can apply for a standard teaching certificate.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Ronny Johns
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Nick Archer
Republican • House
Brad Boles
Republican • House
Michelle McCane
Democratic • House
Ellen Pogemiller
Democratic • House
Adam Pugh
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 23

House vote • 5/21/2025

FOURTH READING

Yes: 78 • No: 5

Senate vote • 5/7/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 45 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

Committee vote: Education

Yes: 10 • No: 0

House vote • 3/11/2025

THIRD READING

Yes: 74 • No: 15

House vote • 3/5/2025

DO PASS

Yes: 9 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2025