Ing to the U.S. Department of Education, public schools in over forty states claimed teacher shortages for the 2021 academic year in the following subject areas: Math. Special Education. Science. Foreign Language. English as a Second Language (ESL)
Utah. Utah has approximately 30,000 teachers to educate its K-12 students, but it's not enough. 13% of Utah teachers were underqualified for their roles during the 2022-23 school year. Utah teacher retention rates are similar to other states, staying around 90% the last five years.
WalletHub ranked Utah as the third friendliest state for teachers.
Intern programs offer the fastest path to a teaching career. Candidates can serve as a teacher of record and earn a salary after completing 120 hours of pre-service requirements—far less than other pathway types require.
Utah's Retention rate has remained almost constant for over 10 years with on average 91% of educators returning to public education each year. On average, the state can expect 73% of its educators to still be in public education after 5 years. More than half of public teachers employed are still working 10 years later.
An educator license is required to be a teacher in a Utah public school. You must complete a preparation program to earn your Professional Educator License.
While every state has different requirements, you'll need a bachelor's degree and student teaching experience to become a teacher in Utah. You also must take the required Praxis tests and apply for and maintain your teaching license.
Alternate Path to Professional Educator Licensure (APPEL) is a program created and managed by the Utah State Board of Education to provide those who already have a bachelor's degree the opportunity to earn a teaching license.