Utah Still Working on "Qualified Teacher" Plan for Federal Department

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Utah is still not compliant with federal standards of teacher quality, but Associate Superintendent Ray Timothy says the state is working on a plan.

"We've had several focus groups and we're getting input on what we need to do to get quality teachers in every classroom," says Timothy. "We're making progress and will have that document to the Department of Ed by October 1st."

Recently the U.S. Department of Education gave Utah tacit acknowledgement of that plan. The State Board of Education Friday will review the quality of Utah's teachers at length, including a three-point plan to attract and retain the best instructors. Timothy says its includes better training for principals, more mentors for teachers, and of course, more money:

"What are we doing with those entry level salaries, what are we doing for long-term career earnings?" says Timothy. "What are we doing to incent teachers to accept positions in hard-to-staff schools? Is there some way we could provide an incentive for someone to go into math, science, technology or special education where have shortages?"

The State Board of Education is poised to implement two new programs that give incentives to teachers with students who excel on standardized tests and offer grants for teachers obtaining additional certification.

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