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.
2025 Legislation Highlights
- S.B. 178 Devices in Public Schools addresses the growing concern of cell phone distractions in classrooms. Studies show 97% of students use their phones during school hours, impacting focus and academic performance. This bill establishes a baseline policy to restrict device use during classroom hours while allowing school districts the flexibility to create their own policies, ensuring they can meet the unique needs of their students.
- H.B. 100 Food Security Amendments ensures low-income students have access to nutritious school meals through the National School Lunch Program, helping them stay focused and succeed in the classroom. The bill also protects students from stigma by prohibiting public identification of those who cannot afford meals and requiring meal debt communication to go directly to parents or guardians.
- H.B. 204 Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program Amendments ensures the Stipends for Future Educators Grant Program, which offers a $6,000 stipend to student teachers during their semester of full-time student teaching, is available to all student teachers, regardless of the institution they are enrolled in. By supporting Utah’s aspiring teachers, this bill aims to attract and retain qualified educators, addressing the teacher shortage and strengthening the state’s education system.
- H.B. 447 Statewide Catalyst Campus Model expands hands-on, career-focused learning opportunities for students across Utah. The bill establishes a $65 million grant program to help schools create their own catalyst programs, increasing access to work-based learning throughout the state. Through these programs, students gain valuable real-world skills via advanced training, industry partnerships and hands-on learning experiences.