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HB 778

Teachers, Principals and School Personnel - As introduced, requires the office of research and education accountability (OREA), in the office of the comptroller of the treasury, to study and make recommendations for the implementation of an incentive program for educators who have 15 or more years' experience in education; requires OREA to report its findings and recommendations for implementation of the incentive program by December 31, 2025. - Amends TCA Title 8 and Title 49.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Sam McKenzie

Tennessee legislature orders study of incentive programs for teachers with 15+ years experience, requiring recommendations by end of 2025.

Placed on cal. Education Committee for 3/24/2026
#principalsandschoolpersonnel #teachers
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Bill Summary · HB 778

Legislative bill overview

HB 778 directs Tennessee's Office of Research and Education Accountability to study and develop recommendations for creating an incentive program specifically for experienced educators with 15+ years in the profession. The office must complete its findings and implementation recommendations by December 31, 2025, with the bill amending state education law (TCA Title 8 and 49).

Why is this important

Teacher retention and recruitment are ongoing challenges in American education, and experienced educators are critical for school stability and student outcomes. This bill signals legislative interest in retaining veteran teachers through financial or other incentives, potentially addressing workforce shortages while recognizing long-service contributions—though it only authorizes a study rather than implementing any program immediately.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill mandates a study but doesn't specify how an actual incentive program would be funded, raising questions about budget impact and competing education spending priorities
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't detail what form incentives would take (salary bonuses, benefits, retirement enhancements) or whether they apply statewide or selectively
  • Equity concerns: Focusing incentives exclusively on 15+ year veterans could create pay disparities with less-experienced teachers and potentially discourage younger educators from entering the profession

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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