MS HB1072

Requires the State Department of Education to pay salary supplements to licensed teachers in critical shortage subject areas employed by school districts with accountability ratings of D or F, effective July 1, 2021.

Salary supplements for qualified teachers are determined by the local school district and cannot exceed $15,000 annually, with consideration given to years of experience, educational attainment, and professional certifications.

State Department of Education pays supplements directly to school districts as additions to adequate education program allotments, and districts cannot reduce local supplements to participating teachers.

Supplements awarded under this provision are in addition to other compensation, including existing $6,000 supplements for teachers with National Board Master Teacher certificates.

School districts must identify which subject areas have critical teacher shortages to determine teacher eligibility for the supplements.