How to Become a Teacher in Utah

So, you want to pursue a rewarding teaching career in Utah? You’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree and an Educator Preparation Program (EPP). Then, you’ll need to complete a Praxis test required to become licensed in your preferred concentration.

You must also pass a background check. But even after you receive your Professional Educator License and begin teaching, you must take steps to maintain it.

Keep reading to learn exactly what you need to know to become a licensed teacher in Utah.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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.

First, you’ll need to earn your bachelor’s degree. If you’re applying for a Professional Educator License, the highest license available, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree.

To apply for a temporary Associate Educator License, you only need to be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in any subject. This type of license expires in three years and can’t be renewed.

However, to get a Professional Educator License in Utah, you’ll also need to complete an Educator Preparation Program from a university in the state.

To earn a teaching certification in Utah, you must have classroom experience. Many university-based educator preparation programs include a student teaching experience. An employer-based preparation pathway builds experience through a teaching job.

Student teaching requirements vary by program and endorsement area. You can teach with a nonrenewable associate license for up to three years. After those three years pass, you must earn your Professional Educator License to continue teaching.

Next, you must pass Praxis tests in the area or endorsement you want to work in. You must reach the qualifying score to teach in the state of Utah. Each area has different exam requirements.

For instance, if you want to be certified in K-8 elementary education, you need to pass four separate subject tests. Some tests, like the Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications test, are required for a variety of concentrations and endorsements.

Now, it’s time to apply for licensure. You can also obtain licensure for many endorsements, including a number of different disabilities, English as a second language, and even driver education.

The Utah Professional License is active for five years. Once you have the Utah Professional Educator License, you can obtain additional Associate Educator Licenses to demonstrate competencies in other concentrations and endorsements.

Once you have finally obtained your Professional Educator License, you’ll need to maintain it.

To renew your license, you must have 100 hours of renewal activity. These hours can be learned through professional development activities, collaborating with other educators to improve your instruction methods, and leadership positions. You can complete the renewal process online through the Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS).

You’ll also need to complete an educator ethics review, as well as a USBE Student Data Privacy course.

While pay varies by education level, subject, location, and years of prior experience, teachers in Utah make an average of just under $67,980, according to 2023 data from the Utah Office of the State Auditor.

The average salary for Utah teachers has risen substantially in recent years, up from an average of $58,440 in 2020 and an average of $49,980 in 2017. Here’s an overview of how much you can expect to make in these common teaching roles in Utah.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 21, 2024.