Public Education
Utah is leading the way in education outcomes, proudly ranked #2 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and backed by some of the finest schools and educators. A strong education system means a brighter future for Utah’s families, offering students the skills and opportunities they need to succeed and strengthening our communities in the process. We’re working to help cultivate the best learning environment for children while preserving local control, enhancing school choice and supporting Utah’s teachers.
From 2015 to 2025, we have increased public education funding by $3.1 billion—a 112% increase—demonstrating our commitment to education and its role in shaping a prosperous future for all.
Over the past five years, we have strengthened this commitment to educators and students by improving and investing in public education:
- $7,400 direct compensation raises for teachers
- $1,000 bonus for education support professionals
- Four additional teacher preparation days each year
- Up to $500 stipend for classroom supplies
- Expanded paid maternity leave
- $6,000 stipend for student teachers
- Funding for two cohorts of new teachers through the Grow Your Own Educator program
- Additional compensation for high-performing teachers
- Simplified teacher evaluations
- Salary bonuses for teachers in high-poverty schools
- $80 million for educators to help at-risk students
- Funding for optional full-day Kindergarten statewide
- MASTER teacher program, allowing teachers to earn more while staying in the classroom.
- Ensuring teachers aren’t penalized for chronically absent students
- Helping families facing food insecurity by providing free lunch for eligible students
- Limiting cell phone use in the classroom
We are committed to policies that enhance learning outcomes for students and provide meaningful support for teachers.
To continue improving outcomes, we are working to address a major classroom distraction— cellphones. With 97% of students using cellphones during school hours and 72% of high school teachers identifying cellphone distraction as a major issue, it’s clear that the current approach isn’t working.
The solution is straightforward: shift the baseline cellphone policy in schools to prohibit use during school hours, while still allowing districts the flexibility to craft their own rules. By redefining the standard, we can help students stay focused, relieve teachers of unnecessary burdens and maintain local control.