Sec. 6. (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) a "recognition" stipend;
(2) an "exemplary" stipend; or
(3) an "exemplary plus" stipend.
(b) A school corporation or charter school must apply the following criteria in evaluating a teacher for a stipend designation under subsection (a):
(1) For a recognition stipend designation, whether the teacher demonstrates high performance in teaching based on student outcomes.
(2) For an exemplary stipend designation, whether the teacher:
(A) demonstrates high performance in teaching based on student outcomes; and
(B) meets one (1) of the following:
(i) Mentors or coaches another teacher to improve student outcomes, or provides instructional leadership to improve student outcomes across multiple classrooms.
(ii) Serves in a high need or geographic shortage area as determined by the department based on educator supply and demand.
(3) For an exemplary plus stipend designation, whether the teacher:
(A) demonstrates high performance in teaching based on student outcomes;
(B) mentors or coaches another teacher to improve student outcomes, or provides instructional leadership to improve student outcomes across multiple classrooms; and
(C) serves in a high need or geographic shortage area as determined by the department based on educator supply and demand.
(c) A school corporation or charter school may establish additional criteria in evaluating a teacher for a designation under subsection (a).