OK SB554

Establishes three advanced teaching certificate levels—advanced, lead, and master—with corresponding annual stipends of $3,000, $5,000, and $10,000 respectively, funded through state lottery dollars

Changes compensation terminology from "salary increases" to "stipends" and specifies these stipends are excluded from calculations for minimum salary schedules and Teachers' Retirement System contributions or benefits

Provides additional one-time awards for teachers in high-need schools (40%+ economically disadvantaged students or districts under 1,000 students): $1,500 for advanced, $2,500 for lead, and $5,000 for master certificates

Limits designations to no more than 10% of a district's teachers annually, requires districts to submit evaluation plans to the State Department of Education, and allocates funding on a first-come, first-served basis from the Teacher Empowerment Revolving Fund

Takes effect July 1, 2025 with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage