1. (a) Grant amounts distributed to a teacher described in section 5 of this chapter must meet the criteria as set forth in this section for:

   1. (1) a "recognition" stipend;
   2. (2) an "exemplary" stipend; or
   3. (3) an "exemplary plus" stipend.

2. (b) A school corporation or charter school must apply the following criteria in evaluating a teacher for a stipend designation under subsection (a):

   1. (1) For a recognition stipend designation, whether the teacher demonstrates high performance in teaching based on student outcomes.

   2. (2) For an exemplary stipend designation, whether the teacher:

      1. (A) demonstrates high performance in teaching based on student outcomes; and

      2. (B) meets one (1) of the following:

         1. (i) Mentors or coaches another teacher to improve student outcomes, or provides instructional leadership to improve student outcomes across multiple classrooms.
         2. (ii) Serves in a high need or geographic shortage area as determined by the department based on educator supply and demand.

   3. (3) For an exemplary plus stipend designation, whether the teacher:

      1. (A) demonstrates high performance in teaching based on student outcomes;
      2. (B) mentors or coaches another teacher to improve student outcomes, or provides instructional leadership to improve student outcomes across multiple classrooms; and
      3. (C) serves in a high need or geographic shortage area as determined by the department based on educator supply and demand.
3. (c) A school corporation or charter school may establish additional criteria in evaluating a teacher for a designation under subsection (a).

As added by P.L.213-2025, SEC.198.