Teachers; provide $2,000 annual salary supplement to those employed in designated geographically critical teacher shortage area.

HB 1138 would provide licensed teachers in Mississippi public schools with an annual $2,000 salary supplement if they work in areas designated by the State Board of Education as having critical teacher shortages. The supplement would apply to teachers in designated "geographically critical teacher shortage areas" starting with the 2025-2026 school year. Teachers already receiving salary supplements for National Board Certification would still be eligible for this new $2,000 supplement. This bill amends Mississippi's teacher salary schedule to include this additional compensation for educators in shortage areas.