SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — State Sen. Lincoln Fillmore (R-South Jordan) announced a plan to incentivize Utah teachers with the goal of increasing their salaries to $100,000 a year.
“Teachers need to know that there are opportunities for advancement when they enter the profession,” Fillmore said. “We want all teachers to know that teaching is a six-figure job.”
His proposal, SB 173, released Wednesday, proposes giving “high-performing” educators in “high-poverty schools” bonuses of up to $20,000 a year. However, most teachers did not appear to receive these incentives under the plan.
When asked who would decide on the top performers, Fillmore said the principal would decide based on district policy. To avoid favoritism, a “third party” will set standards for each district.
The Utah Education Association was in no rush to endorse the plan, but said it was considering it.
“We want to ensure that everyone is playing on a level playing field,” said UEA president Lenny Pinckney. “Standards must be reliable and valid if they are to be properly applied.”
The small Utah Federation of Teachers said bonuses have been given for several years to retain teachers in areas where hiring is difficult.
More from Capitol Hill
“Uncertified teachers are certainly frustrated,” AFT President Brad Asay said. “We have expressed these concerns to lawmakers.”
Mr. Fillmore said even good teachers may receive less bonuses if they haven't reached top-performing status.
The measure calls for a “one-time” $200 million funding for the program from the “Public Education Economic Stabilization Restriction Account.”
