(a) As used in this section, "teacher" means a full-time employee of the C-Step Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program, or both:

(1) Who is compelled by law to secure a license from the State Board of Education as a condition precedent to employment in a position in or related to grades prekindergarten through twelve (preK-12); and

(2) Who is:

(A) Engaged directly in instruction with students in a classroom setting, including the administration and preparation requirements for instruction, for more than seventy percent (70%) of the contracted time;

(B) A guidance counselor; or

(C) A librarian or media specialist.

(b)

(1) To the extent that funds are specifically appropriated by the General Assembly, a teacher employed by the C-Step Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program, or both, shall be paid no less than the minimum amounts under § 6-17-2403.

(2) The budget of the Arkansas National Guard shall include the calculation of teacher salaries for teachers in the C-Step Program and the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program based on § 6-17-2403.

(c) The C-Step Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program may be designated by the Department of Education as a low-income school, and receive the benefits of such designation if the C-Step Program or the Arkansas National Guard Youth Challenge Program meets the low-income school criteria.

(d) This section does not require a school district to pay the salary of a teacher who is not an employee of the school district or require that teachers be paid from any state funds other than as appropriated by the General Assembly.