House makes master teacher mentoring program permanent, citing retention gains

The Utah House on Feb. 2 approved HB146 to end the pilot and make the Master Teacher mentoring and supporting program permanent, voting 71-0. Sponsor Rep. Perucci said the program created a pathway for outstanding teachers to remain in the classroom while mentoring colleagues and that the pilot impacted more than 2,080 educators.

Perucci said the permanent program is contingent on funding but pointed to strong results and support from districts and charter schools where the pilot operated. Representative Arthur spoke in support, calling the bill a ‘‘teacher retention’’ measure and sharing a personal classroom story to illustrate why skilled teachers should be incentivized to stay in instruction rather than move into administration.

The bill drew no recorded opposition during floor debate. After a brief summation by the sponsor, the House opened and closed a hand vote and transmitted HB146 to the Senate.

Next steps: HB146 will be sent to the Utah Senate for further consideration.