AR SB555

Increases yearly incentive bonus from $2,000 to $5,000 for teachers with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification, limited to no more than 10 school years (or lifetime for recertifications obtained before January 1, 2018).

Modifies eligibility to include teachers who began the certification process before January 1, 2018, in addition to those who received certification.

Creates new bonus structure for educators receiving certification on or after January 1, 2018, offering $2,500 to $10,000 yearly bonuses based on school poverty level and position (classroom teacher, instructional facilitator, or instructional leader).

Defines "high-poverty schools," "high-poverty districts," and "high-poverty charter schools" as those where 70% or greater of students are national school lunch students.

Limits new bonus recipients to maximum 5-10 school years of payments depending on bonus tier and prevents individuals from receiving bonuses under both the old and new programs simultaneously.