Mo. House panel backs bonuses for teachers

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A House committee approves a plan for about $50 million in bonuses to teachers.

Almost half of that would be distributed to teachers based on the performance of their students.

Longtime teachers also would get a one-time bonus. Anyone who has taught for at least 20 years and makes less than $50,000 could receive a check of $2,500 from the state.

Other bonuses would target teachers in school districts lacking full state accreditation or that are financially poor. Teachers could receive $2,500 recruitment bonuses for joining those districts and $2,500 retention bonuses for remaining there.

But the legislation abandons a plan by the Missouri State Teachers Association to increase the base salary of teachers.