theutahteacher

How to Make a Public Comment on the Academic Pathway to Teaching (APT) Rule

Attention teachers and community members, this is your call to action. The Academic Pathway to Teaching will become a rule on August 30th unless the board hears enough compelling comments from the public on why this is a rule will negatively affect education in our state. You can read the rule in its entirety here.Continue reading “How to Make a Public Comment on the Academic Pathway to Teaching (APT) Rule”

It’s Thursday- Thank a Teacher: Gay Beck Edition

Another Thursday, another teacher to recognize for all her amazing work! Mrs. Gay Beck is a great teacher, in fact she is an incredible teacher. That’s why she was the Utah State Teacher of the Year in 2011. Here are Gay’s answers to a few questions I sent to her: Where did you do yourContinue reading “It’s Thursday- Thank a Teacher: Gay Beck Edition”

The USOE is Now the USBE

As all teachers know, there are many education acronyms. In order to talk to talk, it’s important to keep up with the professional lingo. The most recent change in terminology comes straight from the State. The Utah State Office of Education, also known as USOE, has officially changed its name to…drum-roll please…. the Utah StateContinue reading “The USOE is Now the USBE”

It’s Thursday- Thank a Teacher: Liz Eaton Edition

Teachers, in general, are not shown enough appreciation for the critical role they play in society. My tiny way of giving back is to publicly thank a Utah teacher each week on this blog. To start off this weekly tradition, I would like to feature Mrs. Liz Eaton. Here are Liz’s answers to a fewContinue reading “It’s Thursday- Thank a Teacher: Liz Eaton Edition”

There is so Much More to Teaching: Why Passing a Content Test isn’t Enough

Welp, I guess in Utah anyone can teach now. I am shaking my head in dismay that Utah legislators, the state school board, and society at large, undervalue the skills and expertise of educators. The State Board recently passed a new policy that will allow anyone with a bachelors degree who can pass a contentContinue reading “There is so Much More to Teaching: Why Passing a Content Test isn’t Enough”

Every Utah Teacher Should Know Their State Superintendent, Sydnee Dickson

I have a confession. When I first started teaching I had no idea who the state superintendent was. In fact, for my first several years of teaching I had no idea who they state superintendent was. I was only aware of my school and my school administration. I had no idea there was a wholeContinue reading “Every Utah Teacher Should Know Their State Superintendent, Sydnee Dickson”

Presenting at an Educators Conference: just do it!

I have been teaching for over nine years year, and I still love it. However, I have found that simply being in the classroom is not enough for me anymore. I want additional challenges and I want to help more students than just those in my class. After completing my second year of teaching IContinue reading “Presenting at an Educators Conference: just do it!”

Teacher Licenses and Levels in the state of Utah

In the State of Utah there are three levels of teacher licensure. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. For a detailed explanation of the licensing process, you can refer to the Utah State Office of Education Licensing page, OR, just keep reading and I will give you basic overview. First things to know. ThereContinue reading “Teacher Licenses and Levels in the state of Utah”

Creating your first blog: the basics for a teacher blog

I am here working in Denver at a We Work office learning the basics of creating a teacher blog. Many of my amazing Hope Street Group National Teacher Fellows have incredible blogs, so I am a little late to the game. First step to creating this blog- informative training from pro-blogger, Meghan Everett. I knowContinue reading “Creating your first blog: the basics for a teacher blog”