Retaining Effective Teachers Policy
Utah supports differential pay by which a teacher can earn additional compensation by teaching certain subjects. Teachers of mathematics and science, subjects deemed as "critical shortage areas" by the state are eligible for an annual salary supplement of $4,100. Due to financial constraints, teachers are no longer eligible for signing bonuses and reimbursement for advanced degrees.
Utah does not support differential pay for those teaching in high-needs schools, even though the state does not have regulatory language preventing districts from providing such differential pay.
Support differential pay for teachers in high-needs schools.
Utah should encourage districts to link compensation to district needs. Such policies can help districts achieve a more equitable distribution of teachers.
Utah recognized the factual accuracy of our analysis.