Teacher Morale

Considering all the press concerning the recent teacher shortage, I am amazed that rarely is teacher morale addressed when discussing possible solutions. Yet, it seems obvious to me that teachers encouraging other teachers would be a number one resource in recruiting good teachers to the profession. Therefore, how do you plan to make teachers feel respected and appreciated in Utah so that they will come here and/or stay?

Kristy Johansen
School Teacher
West Jordan


That is a very thought-provoking question. First, the state is not the employer of teachers. Hiring and all other labor-related issues rest with the local school boards. The state sets general guidelines - usually after hearing from parents, teachers, and boards. We also give money with emphasis on funding priorities, but we do not negotiate contracts. Each district is different.

So, the first place to address your concerns is with the local school boards. Don't let them pass the buck. No one wants the state, either the Legislature or the State Board, to run each local school. Second, most occupations are facing shortages in the future because our children are losing their willingness to take the necessary education needed to qualify to fill the positions. We, as parents, are giving our children what they want so they don't tend to worry about the future. We need to awaken our people to the price of what not caring brings. I'm out of time, but would be willing to discuss this in more detail later.

Lyle Hillyard
Utah State Senator, District 25


I think we are very concerned about our teachers' morale as they have our future and our economy in their classrooms. Although the ultimate responsibility and authority lies with the local school boards, the Utah State Legislature tries to augment the WPU every year. This year we became so concerned with the salary situation that we funded a raise and bonus pay plan for our teachers with strings attached that would make it very difficult for districts to not pass the extra "morale" pay on to teachers working in the trenches. We also funded public education at unprecedented levels and most of us hope that will continue.

Senator Michael Waddoups
Representing Taylorsville & West Jordan



Audio response from the back of the Site Visit Bus.










I think you hit the problem right on the head. Our teachers will never be happy until their morale improves. Years ago I worked for Martin Marrietta Corporation in Oregon in a management position and soon learned that until you could create good morale among the workers, there was a large turnover. Certainly money is a factor in a teacher's morale but there are also many other things needed to create morale. I am interested to hear from our teachers what some of those other factors are. Please E-mail me.

Dennis Stowell
Utah State Senator, District 28