Unlike most states, Utah only has one governing body for its K-12 education – the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). There’s no Department of Education, a common state agency in most states. Instead, the USBE sets the educational policy, establishes academic standards, and manages school funding, among other policy and operations functions.
Furthermore, the USBE coordinates with the school districts and charter schools, among other local education agencies. Their partnerships ensure that, indeed, every stakeholder complies with state and federal education-related laws.
The preK-12 public education system in The Beehive State consists of 42 school districts governed by school boards and superintendents. There are 945 schools within these school districts with more than 607,000 enrolled students. More than 26,000 teachers are employed.
With a 1:23 teacher-to-student ratio, the Beehive State has among the country’s highest ratios. In contrast, the national average is 1:16 teacher-to-student ratio. This can be problematic for both students and teachers.
Then there’s also the issue that Utah has among the country’s lowest per-student spending. In Utah, it’s 8,366 per pupil, on average. The national average is $16,280 per student.
While teacher-to-student and per-pupil spending aren’t the be-all and end-all of preK-12 education, these will impact student learning outcomes. The potential for improvements in public education is also at stake here.
Yet another issue affecting public education is the population shift or demographic changes. The Beehive State’s population is veering away from younger children. There’s been a continuing concern about declining enrollments in many school districts.
Fortunately, all isn’t doom and gloom in Utah’s public education system. Utah is a consistent top regional performer in many academic measures. These include math and reading proficiency, graduation rates, and standardized test scores, particularly the ACT. This is particularly impressive considering its low per-student spending.
Speaking of per-student spending, Utah has also increased public school spending by nearly 95% over the past decade. In doing so, Utah strives to make significant improvements in its K-12 education system. Plus, many districts have reported an increase in overall enrollment, a testament to their resilience.
Yes, there will be challenges for educators in Utah ahead. But if you’re passionate about being part of the solution, become a licensed teacher. Here’s what you need to know first.
Related:
- Online Education Degrees: Wyoming
- Online Education Degrees: Colorado
- Online Education Degrees: Idaho
- Online Education Degrees: Montana
- Online Education Degrees: New Mexico
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Utah
The USBE also handles the policies and procedures related to teacher licensure, from initial licensure to renewals and terminations. The Teaching and Learning Division, through its Educator Licensing section, is the specific division responsible for teacher licensure.
There are two pathways toward becoming a licensed teacher in Utah.
First, the university-based preparation pathway is considered the traditional pathway. The basic steps and requirements for a teaching license are as follows.
Earn a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.
You should preferably earn a bachelor’s degree in education, particularly in the grade level and subject area you’re interested in. Check that the college or university offering the bachelor’s degree program has regional accreditation. In Utah, the regional accreditation agency is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
If you already have a non-education bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a master’s degree in education leading to licensure. Western Governors University offers several licensure online programs.
In both cases, you must complete a state-approved educator preparation program. If you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education leading to licensure, it’s usually part of the curriculum.
Complete the required student teaching experience.
The required number of student teaching hours varies depending on the academic program and your preferred endorsement area. In all cases, nonetheless, the student teaching experience involves classroom teaching experience. Student-teachers learn practical teaching knowledge and skills under the supervision of licensed teachers.
Pass the standardized teacher certification tests.
In Utah, there are two main standardized teacher certification tests required of aspiring teachers.
- Praxis Subject Assessment Exams that evaluate teaching skills and subject-specific content knowledge
- Principles of Learning and Teaching Exam that determine pedagogical knowledge
The Praxis Subject Assessment Exams include Elementary Education, Secondary Education, and Special Education, among others.
Apply for a teaching license.
Before you apply for a teaching license, complete the following steps first:
- Create your Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS) account
- Pass a criminal background review
- Complete the Educator Ethics Review within 12 months of submitting your application. This is a 30-minute timed activity.
Be sure to submit your official transcripts to Educator Licensing, too. You must also complete the University Recommendation Step.
USBE issues three types of teacher licenses:
- The Professional License is a five-year renewal license issued to individuals who have completed all the above requirements and steps. Once you have it, you can apply for additional Associate Educator Licenses for endorsements and concentrations.
- The Associate Educator License is a three-year, non-renewable license granted to individuals still pursuing their bachelor’s degree.
- The Local Education Agency (LEA) Specific license is issued under the direction of charters and governing boards of school districts.
The following are examples of the license areas and their corresponding grade levels.
| License Area | Grade Levels | Possible Positions |
| Early Childhood Education | Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 3 | First Grade Teacher |
| Elementary Education | Kindergarten-Grade 8 | – Elementary Interventionist – Kindergarten Teacher |
| Preschool Special Education | Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten | Preschool Special Education Teacher |
| Secondary Education | Grades 6-12 | – High School Science Teacher – Middle School Art Teacher |
| Special Education | Kindergarten-Grade 12 | – Elementary Special Education Teacher – Middle School Math Co-teacher |
Other licenses are:
- School Counselor
- School Leadership
- School Social Worker
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Second, the Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License (APPEL) pathway is employer-based. Aspiring teachers must be employed by Utah’s public school districts and charter schools. Their coursework requirements are usually completed through the Salt Lake Community College or by the regionally accredited universities in Utah.
Online Education Program Admission Requirements
The typical admission requirements for online bachelor’s degree programs in education include:
- Completed online application form
- Payment of application fee
- High school diploma or GED equivalent OR an associate degree for degree completion programs
- Official transcripts
These are the typical admission requirements for online graduate programs:
- Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree
- Official transcripts
- Professional resume or CV
- Letters of recommendation or reference
- Statement of purpose or personal statement
- Standardized test scores (e.g., GRE/GMAT), if required
For master’s and doctoral degree programs for licensed teachers and other education professionals, a valid teacher license and relevant work experience are usually required.
Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Utah
- Elementary School Teachers $62,411
- Middle School Teachers $63,190
- High School Teachers $63,200
- Special Education Teachers $60,267
- Superintendents $170,702
- School Administrators $114,347
- Principals $113,291
- Assistant Principals $93,020
- Curriculum Development Specialists $112,949
- Instructional Coordinators $75,997
Scholarships for Future Educators in Utah
- The TH. Bell Scholarship welcomes first-generation students who want to pursue a teaching career.
- The Teacher Recruitment Scholarship program seeks to increase the number and diversity of teachers in Utah. The scholarship covers tuition, fees, and access to free textbooks. Check out the Teacher Education Initiative Scholarship program, too.
- The Stipends for Future Educators grants up to $6,000 for every eligible student-teacher.
The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Utah
These universities were selected using the following criteria:
- Have regional accreditation from the NWCCU
- Emphasize academic excellence in the courses and effective skills during student teaching experiences
- Enable online students to access satisfactory student support services for their academic success
Note that there are only ten state-approved universities that offer teacher preparation programs. Only six offered online programs.
Western Governors University
Based in Millcreek, WGU offers a wide range of online education programs for residents of Utah and beyond. As a private, non-profit online university, it offers affordable yet quality education for working professionals. WGU’s competency-based learning model enables students to maximize their subject mastery and save on costs.
The Teachers College offers online education programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The Council accredits these programs for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the highest accreditation of its kind.
Every enrolled student has a Program Mentor that creates their personalized academic plan, among others, which contribute to their academic success. Then, you can advance through your coursework by demonstrating your subject mastery. You will work with evaluators in this process.
WGU classifies its online education programs into four categories:
- Bachelor’s degree programs that meet teacher preparation requirements and lead to an initial teaching license.
- MA in Teaching degree programs are intended for individuals with non-education bachelor’s degrees who want to earn an initial teaching license.
- Master’s degree programs for licensed teachers who want to add endorsements.
- MS in Education degree programs are for licensed teachers and other professionals who want to advance their careers.
Here are a few examples of these education degree programs.
- BA in Elementary Education
Students complete 38 courses that prepare them for successful careers as elementary teachers. The program includes preclinical experience and student teaching experience. Students must complete a professional portfolio.
- BA in Special Education and Elementary Education
The 44-course program prepares students for a dual teaching certification in elementary education and special education. Students prepare for success as special education teachers for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
- BS in Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
Students complete the 37-course program and a professional portfolio including a Philosophy of Teaching Statement.
- MA in Science Education (Middle Grades)
The 14-course program enables licensed teachers to gain teaching skills in educating middle school and junior high school students in general science courses.
- MA in Mathematics Education (K–6)
Candidates in the 10-course program must also complete a capstone project.
- MA in Teaching – English Education (Secondary)
The program prepares candidates for teaching licensure in English education.
- MA in Teaching –Elementary Education
Candidates must hold a non-education bachelor’s degree to be considered for admission into the 24-course teaching licensure program.
WGU also offers these online programs.
- BS in Mathematics Education (Secondary)
- BS in Science Education (Middle Grades)
- BS in Science Education (Secondary Biological Science)
- BS in Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)
- BS in Science Education (Secondary Physics)
- BS in Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
- BA in Special Education (Mild to Moderate)
- MA in Science Education (Secondary Biological Science)
- MA in Science Education (Secondary Chemistry)
- MA in Science Education (Secondary Physics)
- MA in Science Education (Secondary Earth Science)
- MA in Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
- MA in Mathematics Education (Secondary)
- MEd in Education Technology and Instructional Design
- MA in Teaching – Mathematics Education (Secondary)
- MA Teaching, Mathematics Education (Middle Grades)
- MA in Teaching, Science Education (Secondary)
- MA in Teaching, Special Education (K–12)
- MA in English Language Learning (PreK–12)
- MS in Curriculum and Instruction
- MS in Educational Leadership
- In-state Tuition: $8,300
- Online Education Degrees: 28 (Including concentrations)
- Homepage
Utah State University
USU empowers its students to lead successful lives characterized by impact, innovation, and involvement. These values are highlighted in its online education programs, too.
- MEd in Career and Technical Education
This is a 33-credit program that prepares candidates for successful careers as master teachers in CTE subjects.
- MEd in Educational Technology & Learning Sciences
The 37-credit program enables candidates to learn advanced skills in educational technology and instructional design.
- MA in Instructional Technology & Learning Sciences
Candidates in the 37-credit program tackle advanced topics in learning theory, instructional design, and design thinking, among others. This is a non-thesis program that welcomes candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any field. Graduates become instructional coordinators and librarians, among others.
- MEd in Physical & Sport Education
The 33-credit program welcomes off-campus professionals including coaches, teachers, and school administrators. Candidates learn about sports performance, athletic administration, and physical education-related topics.
- MS in Technology and Engineering Education
Candidates in the 30-credit program complete intensive coursework in technology and engineering education as well as career and technical education. The courses cover research methods, curriculum development, educational theory, evaluation, and assessment. Candidates must submit a thesis research.
- PhD in Career & Technical Education
The 60-credit program consists of intensive courses delivered online and weeklong in-person seminars during three summer terms. Graduates become curriculum specialists, higher education administrators and educators, and educational researchers.
- In-state Tuition: $9,228
- Online Education Degrees: 6
- Homepage
Southern Utah University
Founded as the Branch Normal School in 1897, SUU has a long history of excellence in teacher education. Today, some of Utah’s best online education programs are offered through its Department of Teacher Education. Here, students gain the knowledge and skills to become competent educators who understand current education needs.
- BA and BS in Elementary Education
Students choose between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree. Either degree leads to teacher licensure.
- Master of Education
Candidates in the MEd program must complete a 33-credit intensive coursework and a capstone requirement.
- MEd with Administrative/Supervisory License
This is a 36-credit program that leads to teacher licensure upon compliance with other requirements. Candidates develop their competencies for visionary leadership, effective teaching and learning, and ethical practice.
- MEd in Administrative/Supervisory License Leadership in Education and Administrative Development (LEAD)
Candidates in the 27-credit program must possess a bachelor’s degree, among other qualifications. This is intended for individuals who want to earn state licensure in educational administration. Candidates must pass the Praxis Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision test.
- Master of Music Education
This is a 30-credit program intended for practicing music teachers and school ensemble directors. Candidates will use their classrooms for their experimental activities that benefit their students. The courses are delivered online but candidates must participate in 3-week, on-campus sessions in June.
- In-state Tuition: $6,770
- Online Education Degrees: 5
- Homepage
University of Utah
Utah, a public research university, is the Utah System of Higher Education’s flagship university. Here, you can achieve anything – at least, that’s the university’s tagline. Online students can achieve their degrees, too, partly thanks to their effective access to student support services.
- MEd in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis emphasis)
The 30-credit program starts in Fall 2025. Candidates prepare to become competent and compassionate ABA practitioners. Candidates prepare for success in the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. This is a two-year, full-time program that requires the completion of experiential learning opportunities and a professional portfolio.
- MA in Teaching – Fine Arts
This is a two-year, 30-credit program that requires participation in online courses and a short on-campus residency. Candidates start during the summer term. Arts teachers with or without a license are welcome to apply.
- In-state Tuition: $10,287
- Online Education Degrees: 2
- Homepage
Weber State University
WSU offers an online education program through its Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education. Candidates can expect transformative educational experiences.
- Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
Candidates prepare for the challenges and rewards that come with being an elementary school teacher. Asynchronous online classes mean maximum flexibility. Candidates attend a synchronous math class.
- In-state Tuition: $6,391
- Online Education Degrees: 1
- Homepage
Directory of Online Education Degree Providers in Utah
Utah Valley University
- Location: Orem, Utah
- Number of Online Education Degrees: 1
- Accreditation: NWCCU
- Average Tuition and Fees: $6,270
- Master of Education in School Counseling
