Become a Teacher in Utah (2024)

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Teaching in Utah Snapshot

$61,050

Secondary School Teacher Salary

$ 60,660

Elementary School Teacher Salary

$ 7,179

Public School Spending Per Student

All career and salary information pulled from theBureau of Labor Statistics2019 pupil expenditure information was provided byGoverning

UTAH STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

250 East 500 South
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200
(801) 538-7500

Become a Teacher in Utah (1)

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Rossier School of Education

info

Master of Arts in Teaching online

The Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares aspiring teachers for diverse and high-needs educational settings and can be completed in as few as 12 months.

  • Fieldwork placement
  • Complete in 12-36 months
  • GRE scores not required

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Steps to Becoming a Teacher in Utah

Important Note: Education licensure requirements, statistics and other information are subject to change. Teach.com makes its best effort to keep content accurate; however, the official sources are the state education departments. Please confirm licensing requirements with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. (Last update: 02/21/2019)

1

Prerequisite Coursework in Utah

As in most states, teacher education programs in Utah are comprised of a combination of curricula and fieldwork. Coursework often includes instruction on foundational knowledge, skills, and teaching methodology, as well as preparation in researching, designing and implementing learning experiences in various fields of study. Fieldwork includes classroom observation, student teaching, or internships.

Generally, a bachelor’s degree isthe minimum requirement for teachers to become certified. Some specialty areas do require teachers to complete a specific number of hours in particular courses. A full list of the requirements to add a license area of concentration to an existing teaching license are hosted on theUtah State Board of Education website.

2

Utah Teacher Certification Programs

To teach in Utah, individuals can complete a teacher education program from an accredited college or university. A list of accredited teacher preparation programs in Utah can be found on theUtah State Board of Education website.

3

Required Tests for Utah

For initial licensure, Utah requires applicants to pass the Praxis tests related to their certification area. A full list of the tests required by the certification area is available onthe website of ETS, which administers the Praxis examinations. In addition, educators moving from a Level 1 certification to Level 2 must pass at least one Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching test as part of the Early Years Enhancement program (this requirement may change with the new 2020 licensing structure).

You can learn more about the Praxis exams by visiting Teach.coms’Ultimate Guide to the Praxis Examsandread more about teacher certification tests on Teach.com.

Initial Teaching Certifications

Utah is updating its licensing structure in July of 2020. What were previously known as level 1, 2 , or 3 standard licenses will now be a Professional Educator License. There will be an Associate Educator License instead of an Academic Pathway to Teaching license.

Variousareas of concentration can be added to the license based on the grade level and/or population with which you will be working. If you already possess a valid teaching credential from another state, you may be able to earn your Utah teaching credential through interstate reciprocity.

Learn more about earning your Utah teaching credential at theUtah State Board of Education website.

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Discover an 8-week Online Teaching Short Course from Harvard’s Bok Center

Become a Teacher in Utah (2)

Harvard University

Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning

info

Higher Education Teaching Certificate

Deepen your understanding of higher-order teaching practices and broaden your skill set while creating a unique and inclusive strategy for your specific context.

infoSPONSORED

Alternative Certification in Utah

Individuals with bachelor’s degrees in subjects other than education who have not earned a teaching certificate can receive an alternative teaching certificate by meeting specific state requirements via the Alternative Routes to Licensure. The state of Utah recognizesAmerican Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence certificationas one alternative route to receiving Utah teacher certification. Utah also participates in theTroops to Teachers program, which enables eligible ex-military personnel to teach on a temporary license while completing licensure requirements. Additionally, if you already possess a valid teaching credential from another state, you may be able to earn your Utah teaching credential through interstate reciprocity.

Utah Teacher Certification Information & Links

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Transferring Your Certification

Certification Reciprocity in Utah

The state of Utah accepts teaching credentials from other states if the applicant has met all Utah requirements. Contact theUtah State Board of Education in regards to your specific situation.

To find out what other state teaching licenses can be used in Utah, check out ourTeacher Certification Reciprocitypage on Teach.com.

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Jobs, Benefits, and Opportunities for Teachers in Utah

Utah Teaching Jobs

Teachers looking for work in Utah can find up-to-date listings of teaching vacancies and other available education jobs throughTeach Utah, a branch of the national recruitment website Teachers-Teachers.com. After registering for a free membership, job seekers can browse open teaching positions by school and specialty. Members can also post and submit applications, as well as receive email notifications when jobs that match specific criteria become available. Teaching positions are updated on a daily basis by local school districts.

Learn more about finding ateaching jobon Teach.com.

Utah Teacher Salary and Incentives

According to 2019 data from theBureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for teachers in Utah was around $60,000 to $62,000 depending on grade level taught. Salary will vary by specific location, years of experience, and more.

Learn more aboutteacher salarieson Teach.com.

Utah Teacher Benefits and Retirement

The Utah Retirement System (URS) administers Utah teachers’ retirement and insurance benefits. Coverage differs according to members’ tiers. Consult URS for specific information on benefits and requirements.

Learn more aboutbenefits for teacherson Teach.com.

Utah Teacher Shortage Areas

A teacher shortage area is defined bythe U.S. Department of Education as “an area of specific grade, subject matter or discipline classification, or a geographic area in which … there is an inadequate supply of elementary or secondary school teachers.” The Department allows states to identify their own teacher shortage areas, but encourages them to follow a prescribed methodology based on unfilled teaching positions, teaching positions filled by instructors with irregular certifications, and positions filled by teachers certified in other subject areas.

  • Mathematics
  • Special Education

Financial Aid in Utah

Teachers in Utah who are interested in pursuing their Master’s in Teaching, but require financial aid to do so should considerComplete Student Loans, a non-profit organization associated with the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority, which is governed by the Utah State Board of Regents. Math for America is another non-profit committed to improving STEM education in the United State, partially by offering educators fellowships and scholarships. Utah residents are also eligible for theTEACH Grant, which offers financial aid to students in return for their service teaching in high-needs schools. Additionally, as theNational Board for Professional Teaching Standards points out, universities themselves may provide graduate-level credit to teachers pursuing certification or a master’s degree.

Learn more abouthow to finance your Master’s degreeon Teach.com.

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Career Advancement

Professional Development for Utah Teachers

The Utah State Board of Education maintains a webpage onProfessional Learning, which includes professional development opportunities for teachers in the state. TheUtah State Office of Education Content Areas andUtah Education Network Professional Development both offers classes for professional development credits.

Benefits of a Master’s Degree in Utah

It’s no longer enough to have years of experience in teaching. After the No Child Left Behind Act, the Every Student Succeeds Act, and other academic quantification measures, teachers’ careers are increasingly dependent on the results they achieve in the classroom. A master’s in the field of education can give you more educational theory and classroom skills, as well as greater hands-on student teaching experience with a mentor. After a master’s program, you may be able to achieve better results in the classroom, may have more job security, as well as thepotential for higher pay.

Learn more about the benefits of a Master of Arts in Teaching vs. Master of Education on Teach.com.

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Become a Teacher in Utah (3)

University of Southern California (USC)

USC Rossier School of Education

info

Master of Arts in Teaching online

The Master of Arts in Teaching online (MAT online) from the USC Rossier School of Education prepares aspiring teachers for diverse and high-needs educational settings and can be completed in as few as 12 months.

  • Fieldwork placement
  • Complete in 12-36 months
  • GRE scores not required

Become a Teacher in Utah (4)

Harvard University

Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning

info

Higher Education Teaching Certificate

Deepen your understanding of higher-order teaching practices and broaden your skill set while creating a unique and inclusive strategy for your specific context.

infoSPONSORED

Last Updated May 2020

Become a Teacher in Utah (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to become a teacher in Utah? ›

The time it takes to earn teaching certification in Utah varies by candidate. Teachers may achieve professional certification in 4-5 years. No matter their licensure path, educators must earn a bachelor's degree, which typically takes four years.

Can you teach in Utah without a teaching degree? ›

Prospective educators must meet the state's requirements to earn Utah teacher certification. Like most US states, Utah requires all educators to hold a bachelor's degree, complete an education or licensure program, and pass the required content exams.

Is there a need for teachers in Utah? ›

Utah has enjoyed significant population growth as well as a diversification in its population. Between 2010 and 2015, Utah was the 5th fastest growing state. Utah's school age population is expected to continue to increase over the next 20 years, which translates to ever-increasing demand for teachers.

What is a Level 1 teaching license in Utah? ›

A Level 1 license is a Utah professional educator license issued upon completion of an approved preparation program, an alternative preparation program, or pursuant to an agreement under the NASDTEC Interstate Contract, to candidates who have also met all ancillary requirements established by law or rule.

Do teachers get paid well in Utah? ›

How much does a Teacher make in Utah? As of Jun 18, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Teacher in Utah is $35,674 an hour.

What is a teachers salary in Utah? ›

Utah teacher salaries differ across Utah's school districts. Data for the 2021-2022 school year show an average statewide teacher salary of $59,671. Salt Lake City has the highest average salary at $71,599 while Nebo School District has the lowest salary at $39,916.

How much do elementary teachers make Utah? ›

Elementary Teacher Salary in Utah:$33,909 - ZipRecruiter.

What is a Level 3 teaching license in Utah? ›

A standard Level 3 license is a retired Utah professional educator license issued to an educator who holds a current Utah Level 2 license and has also received, in the educator's field of practice, certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), a doctorate from a regionally- ...

What states accept Utah teaching license? ›

Utah Teacher Reciprocity Agreements
AlabamaIndianaNevada
CaliforniaLouisianaNew Mexico
ColoradoMaineNew York
ConnecticutMarylandNorth Carolina
DelawareMassachusettsNorth Dakota
7 more rows

How many days do teachers work in Utah? ›

StateMinimum amount of instructional times per school year (by grade, if applicable)School start/finish
In days
Utah180District option
Vermont175Determined regionally
Virginia180Start after Labor Day
48 more rows

How many hours of student teaching are required in Utah? ›

During the course of the semester, student teachers are expected to be in the classroom 480 hours, which equates to 40 hours per week for 12 weeks. During student teaching, there will be three informal and three formal observations from a University of Utah Supervisor resulting in a midterm and final evaluation.

How do I become a teacher with a bachelor's degree in Utah? ›

Here are the steps you can take to become a teacher in Utah:
  1. Earn a bachelor's degree. The first step to becoming a teacher involves earning a bachelor's degree in education. ...
  2. Pass the Praxis Subject Assessment. ...
  3. Earn level one licensure. ...
  4. Complete the Entry Years Enhancement program. ...
  5. Earn level two licensure.
Sep 30, 2022

How much do 1st grade teachers make in Utah? ›

As of Jun 6, 2023, the average annual pay for a First Grade Teacher in Utah is $46,084 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $22.16 an hour. This is the equivalent of $886/week or $3,840/month.

How long is a Utah teaching license good for? ›

All Educator Licenses expire on June 30th of the license renewal year (either a 3 or 5-year cycle). Renewal of current licenses may be completed between January 1 and June 29th of the expiring year. Early renewals are not permitted. Expired licenses may be renewed at any time.

Which state pays teachers the most? ›

1. New York. New York is among the best-paying states for teachers. Reasons include an average annual salary of $92,222 that, although below the state's average income of $107,000, is still more than the salaries paid in other states.

Which place pays teachers the most? ›

New York leads the nation in teacher pay with an average salary of $80,286, according to WalletHub.

Where are teachers best paid? ›

Luxembourg. According to an OECD report, Luxembourg (a European country) has the highest-paid teachers in the world. Another source indicates that a bachelor's degree holder is entitled to an initial salary of €67,000 (US $70,323.20) per annum at the start of their teaching career.

How much do teachers get paid in Utah per hour? ›

Salaries by years of experience in Utah
Years of experiencePer hour
1 to 2 years$15.94
3 to 5 years-
6 to 9 years$18.58
More than 10 years$21.34
1 more row

How much do secondary teachers make in Utah? ›

How much does a Teacher Secondary School make in Utah? The average Teacher Secondary School salary in Utah is $60,446 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $48,957 and $75,211.

What is the starting salary for a teacher in Utah County? ›

How much does an Entry Level Teacher make in Utah? The average Entry Level Teacher salary in Utah is $40,443 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $33,773 and $49,322.

What grade teacher makes the most money? ›

What grade / level do teachers get paid the most? The highest earners are typically high school level teachers, and the lowest paid are preschool teachers.

What is the highest paying elementary school district? ›

#1. Scarsdale Public Schools, Scarsdale, NY ($107,100)

This small district recognizes the value of their teachers which is evidenced by the average salaries landing at the top of any district in the country.

What is the top pay for a kindergarten teacher? ›

Kindergarten teachers earn an average yearly salary of $95,160. Wages typically start from $48,000 and go up to $114,270.

How do you become a principal in Utah? ›

Experience Requirements

Utah standards dictate that administrative candidates complete a minimum of 450 hours of supervised administrative experience. During their internships, candidates for certification gain first-hand experience in administrative positions at both elementary and secondary school levels.

How do I become a substitute teacher in Utah? ›

There are no experience requirements to become a substitute teacher in Utah. Schools will evaluate a potential substitute teacher on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are fit for service in a school district.

How do I become a PE teacher in Utah? ›

Physical education teachers in Utah must be able to assess knowledge and motor and social skills and provide instruction in a safe, supportive environment.
  1. Complete a Bachelor's Degree and Teacher Preparation Program. ...
  2. Pass the Praxis II Content Examination. ...
  3. Apply for Your Utah PE Teacher Licensure.

Can I teach in Idaho with a Utah teaching license? ›

You can apply for Idaho licensure if you have a valid, out-of-state teaching license. You can also apply if you hold at least a bachelor's degree and have completed an approved teacher training program within the last two years.

Do you need a degree to teach in the states? ›

All states require teachers to have a license to teach in the public school systems. A bachelor's degree is also considered a minimum requirement for full-time teachers in K-12 schools across the country. From there, the requirements for getting a license vary state by state.

Is a California teaching credential valid in Utah? ›

Certification Reciprocity in Utah

The state of Utah accepts teaching credentials from other states if the applicant has met all Utah requirements.

What teachers are most in demand? ›

While specific needs vary by institution, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are subjects that are always in high demand. Qualified math teachers should be able to teach in multiple areas, including algebra, calculus, and trigonometry.

Which state has biggest teacher shortage? ›

Florida has the highest number of teacher vacancies while Utah has the lowest. Learn where your state falls and how officials are working to combat the teacher shortage.

What are the highest to lowest paying states for teachers? ›

In 2021, the average K-12 public school teacher nationwide was paid $65,090. Average teacher pay was the highest in New York at $87,738, followed by Massachusetts and California. In three states — Mississippi, Florida, and South Dakota — teachers made less than $50,000 on average.

Do Utah teachers get paid maternity leave? ›

A teacher is eligible for up to 6 consecutive calendar weeks of paid Parental Leave, immediately following the birth or adoption of a child.

Is teaching elementary school stressful? ›

Having to teach English, math, social studies, science, and more in an elementary school can be stressful. You have a lot more lessons you need to prep for the day. You also may have shallower knowledge in the subjects compared to a teacher that dedicates all their teaching in one subject.

How many hours a week do teachers actually work? ›

But everything from answering emails to grading papers adds up: A typical teacher works about 54 hours a week—with just under half of that time devoted to directly teaching students, a new survey finds.

How many hours is a full day of teaching? ›

On average for all days of the week, full-time teachers worked 5.6 hours per day and part-time teachers worked 2.8 hours per day.

How long is student teaching typically? ›

Student teaching is a culminating learning experience that education majors typically complete in their final year of college. You'll intern in a classroom or setting where you're pursuing your teaching certification. These experiences are usually unpaid and can last anywhere from 14 weeks to a year.

Does Utah have tenure for teachers? ›

Teachers in Utah are awarded tenure automatically after a three-year probationary period, absent an additional process that evaluates cumulative evidence of teacher effectiveness.

What bachelor's degree is best for teaching? ›

Here are some of the majors you might consider.
  • Education. As an education major you will explore what education entails and how to improve it, often with a focus on public K-12 education. ...
  • STEM. ...
  • Psychology. ...
  • Sociology. ...
  • History. ...
  • English/Liberal arts. ...
  • General tips to becoming a teacher.
May 5, 2023

What is a professional teaching license in Utah? ›

This is a non-transferable license that pro tempore qualifies an educator to work for three years in a Utah school.

What do you need to be a math teacher in Utah? ›

Math Teacher Certification in Utah

In order to qualify for certification in Utah, teachers must graduate from an accredited college/university with bachelor's degree; complete an approved teacher preparation program; and pass the requisite examinations.

How much do preschool teachers get paid near Utah? ›

How much does a Preschool Teacher make in Utah? The average Preschool Teacher salary in Utah is $35,990 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $32,490 and $41,140.

How much do 4th grade teachers make in Utah? ›

How much does a 4th Grade Teacher make in Utah? The average 4th Grade Teacher salary in Utah is $42,579 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $35,557 and $51,927.

How much do JR High teachers make in Utah? ›

How much does a Middle School Teacher make in Utah? The average Middle School Teacher salary in Utah is $60,490 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $48,990 and $75,290.

Can I teach in Utah without a teaching degree? ›

Prospective educators must meet the state's requirements to earn Utah teacher certification. Like most US states, Utah requires all educators to hold a bachelor's degree, complete an education or licensure program, and pass the required content exams.

How often do Utah licenses expire? ›

After all requirements for a license have been completed, you will receive a temporary license with a photo on the same day. The completed license with an 8-year expiration will be mailed to you in approximately 4-6 weeks.

How fast can you become a teacher? ›

Becoming a certified teacher usually takes between four to five years. But, if you already hold a bachelor's degree, you could enroll in an accelerated teacher certification program, become licensed in as little as one year (some programs are longer), and start teaching as quickly as possible.

What kind of teacher gets paid the most? ›

8 of the Highest Paying Jobs in Education
  • School Principal.
  • University or College Administrator.
  • Professor.
  • Speech Pathologist.
  • Instructional Coordinator.
  • Special Education Teacher.
  • Librarian.
  • High School Teacher.

Is 32 too late to become a teacher? ›

Wherever you are in your journey to becoming a teacher, don't let your age be a factor. Students and schools need all kinds of teachers. Your experience will most likely be an asset: part of what makes your teaching and your classroom uniquely valuable to your school community. In short, it's never too late to teach!

Is 30 too old to be a teacher? ›

Can you be too old to teach? The short answer is no. Teaching takes focus, dedication, and a degree of stamina, but some teaching jobs take more energy than others – particularly jobs in early childhood education or physical education.

Can I become a teacher at 35? ›

The short answer is: no, it's never too late to become a teacher.

How to make 6 figures as a teacher? ›

Here's how to make more money as a teacher
  1. Earning a master's degree or doctorate. ...
  2. Becoming a school administrator. ...
  3. Selling lesson plans and worksheets online. ...
  4. Teaching English as a second language (ESL) online. ...
  5. Taking on additional work at your school. ...
  6. Becoming a test proctor. ...
  7. Teaching summer school. ...
  8. Becoming an online tutor.
Sep 30, 2022

How much do most teachers make a month? ›

While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $5,750 and as low as $1,667, the majority of Teacher salaries currently range between $2,583 (25th percentile) to $4,333 (75th percentile) across the United States.

How much does a secondary teacher get paid in Utah? ›

How much does a Teacher Secondary School make in Utah? The average Teacher Secondary School salary in Utah is $60,446 as of May 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $48,957 and $75,211.

Where do elementary teachers get paid the best? ›

New York leads the nation in teacher pay with an average salary of $80,286, according to WalletHub.

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