Committee advances bill making master-teacher mentoring program permanent

The Senate Education Committee voted unanimously Feb. 12 to send House Bill 146, which transitions a pilot mentoring program for returning master teachers into a permanent grant program, to the full body with a favorable recommendation.

Representative Perucci, who presented the bill, said the pilot showed improved teacher confidence and retention and described the master-teacher role as a way to keep veteran teachers in classrooms as mentors and instructional leaders. Amanda Bollinger, vice chair of the Utah State Board of Education, testified that the board voted to support the bill and listed it among funding priorities.

Several in-person educators described positive local results and urged continued funding. After brief committee discussion and public testimony, the committee voted to forward HB 146 with a favorable recommendation.

Next steps: HB 146 will move to further House/Senate floor consideration during the session.