SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers have unveiled a bill that could make teaching a six-figure profession in the state, one of many aimed at increasing teacher retention. It's just one thing.
On Wednesday, Utah House and Senate lawmakers highlighted a series of bills, including one that would identify the top 25 percent of Utah's teachers and give them bonuses of up to $20,000.
“Mid-career teachers in Utah will now know when they can start and if they succeed in this job and move up, they can make $100,000 a year and support their families,” said State Sen. Lincoln. . Fillmore (R-Salt Lake City).
The bill would cost a whopping $200 million, but if Congress passes it, it could raise teacher pay this summer.
However, compensation is only one part of the legal equation.
Another bill, sponsored by state Rep. Karen Peterson (R-Clinton), would allow student teachers to apply for scholarships to cover living expenses while working to become full-time teachers.
“We are seeing far too many student teachers deferring for a semester or a year to save money to come back and do student teaching,” the lawmaker said.
Another bill would establish a teacher hotline at the Utah State Board of Education.
“What we've found in talking to teachers is that red tape is getting in the way. They just need help navigating, and they don't have access to those resources. is not necessarily available at the school district level,” state Rep. Candice argued. Pierucci (R-Herriman).
Pierucci's bill would also create a master's degree program and require school districts to provide at least three weeks of paid maternity leave. Currently, some teachers are unable to take leave to give birth.
“This profession is primarily occupied by women, and not all teachers have the option of taking maternity leave as an option,” Pierucci said.
Lawmakers say all of these bills are part of an effort to empower teachers. The Utah Education Association, the state's largest teachers union, supports the student teacher stipend bill but has not yet taken a position on other bills.
“We want to listen, we want to lift up and we want to support these incredibly talented teachers,” said Senate President J. Stuart Adams.
