Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
As the traditional school year comes to a close KSL says thank you to the thousands of teachers across the state who have labored valiantly to instruct Utah’s children.
It’s a tough time for teachers. Criticism more than praise has been their collective lot of late. Indeed, they seem to be catching flak from all directions. Morale in many schools, we’re told, is low.
Yet, most teachers are committed professionals who work miracles with the tools they are given. Often they ply their extraordinary skills under challenging conditions not of their choosing or making.
A crisis, though, is brewing!
Far too many teachers get discouraged and leave the profession. Thousands in Utah move on each year. Attracting replacements is becoming increasingly difficult. A new study projects Utah will have a teacher shortage of nearly 1,200 each year for the next 20 years.
In KSL’s view, steps must quickly be taken to somehow keep stalwart teachers in the fold, while making the profession appealing to those who are considering becoming educators. Above all, it is time for politicians to set aside emotional rhetoric and support bipartisan solutions to what ails education in Utah.
Dedicated teachers deserve more support than they’ve been getting recently, as do the children who are in their capable care.
