Opinion: Utah leads because our teachers lead
Every time I visit a school in Utah, from elementary classrooms to college lecture halls, I'm reminded of how lucky we are to live in a state that values high-quality education, invests in the next generation and puts our students first.
Utah's education system is a model for the nation. We lead in innovation and academic outcomes. Our students are taught not only to read, write and think critically, but also to find their passion, gain confidence in themselves and reach for the stars.
This legacy starts and ends with our remarkable educators — the men and women who show up early, stay late and work hard each and every day with dedication and compassion to guide, support and shape students both in and out of the classroom. Behind every Utah success story is a great teacher.
I have a passion for education because of my parents. Growing up, I saw firsthand the positive impact teachers have on their students. My dad, a professor at Florida A&M University, and my mom, also an educator, devoted their lives to helping others learn. As a kid, I spent summers in my dad's biology lab, watching his enthusiasm as his students discovered their passion. I saw personally the power a great teacher has to change lives.
As a dad, I wanted the best possible education for my six kids. It was my dream for them all to attend college in Utah, because I knew then what I know now: in Utah, we want our children and our education system to lead the world.
And the numbers prove it. The Beehive State has one of the highest high school graduation rates in the nation. Utah students consistently outperform national averages on critical benchmarks like the Nation's Report Card, from 4th-grade math to 8th-grade reading proficiency scores.
As a state, we are driven to keep improving, and teachers are on the front lines of that mission every day, but they're facing growing challenges. Whether it's navigating new technologies, ensuring students stay motivated and engaged, adapting to diverse learning needs, or closing the achievement gaps after a disruptive pandemic, teachers carry a heavy workload. That's why I believe we must do more than celebrate educators for one week a year — we must empower them.
On the House Education and Workforce Committee, I'm working every day with my colleagues and my team to support our teachers and return freedom and merit to our classrooms so these professionals can focus on what matters most: helping students learn. From getting rid of the federal government's micromanagement, restoring local control, to ensuring classrooms are safe and supportive environments where both teachers and students can thrive, you have my full and total support.
To our teachers: thank you for being the heart of our education system. It's because of your creativity, innovation and unwavering commitment that Utah's students are smart, resilient and prepared to take on whatever dreams they desire.
This National Teacher Appreciation Week, and every week, we are so proud to recognize your talent and service to our state's students and their futures. It's because of you that the next small business owner, health care professional, law enforcement officer, public servant and all future leaders will be ready to rise, serve and thrive.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your work matters, your impact on these kids lasts a lifetime, and your dedication will continue to shape our state and our nation for generations to come.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Education Secretary Defends Hiring Holocaust Deniers at Harvard
Education Secretary Linda McMahon wants the modern American canon to include alternative histories of some of the world's most egregious tragedies. Speaking before the House Education and Workforce Committee Wednesday amid the White House's efforts to dismantle her agency, McMahon claimed that the Trump administration's treatment of Harvard University—which includes orders for the university to introduce conservative viewpoints into its curriculum—has been fair. 'You're saying Harvard can have its funding and its international students back if and when it teaches what the Trump administration demands,' said California Representative Mark Takano, citing an April 11 letter from the DoEd which effectively ransomed the university's federal funding until Harvard abolished 'all criteria, preferences, and practices … that function as ideological litmus tests.' 'Does refusing to hire a Holocaust denier as a member of Harvard's history department faculty count as an ideological litmus test?' asked Takano. 'I believe that there should be diversity of viewpoints relative to teachings and opinions on campuses,' McMahon said. 'But what about this situation…. Would being a Holocaust denier count as that?' Takano continued. But McMahon deflected answering the question directly, pointing instead to Harvard's decision to fire the leaders of its center for Middle Eastern studies. Takano also pressed McMahon on whether the ordinance would compel Harvard to hire faculty that reject the results of the 2020 presidential election or the efficacy of vaccines. In response, the education secretary insisted that there 'should be different viewpoints' in America's most elite universities—even if those viewpoints are not based in any matter of science, fact, or proof. McMahon also scolded Takano for impressing a 'political ideology' that she argued was a 'false narrative.' Pennsylvania Representative Summer Lee also torched McMahon for using the Education Department to introduce dangerous and unfounded ideas into American history, asking the former professional wrestling promoter to explain what 'both sides' of African-American history would be. 'During your confirmation hearing you were asked by Senator Chris Murphy if an African-American history class violated the administration's position on diversity, equity, and inclusion. You said you would look into it,' said Lee. 'Have you looked into it?''I do not think that African studies or Middle East studies or Chinese studies are part of DEI—if they are taught as the total history package,' responded McMahon. 'So that if you're giving the facts on both sides, of course they're not DEI.' 'I don't know what both sides of African-American history would be,' Lee said. 'Well if African American history is part of—' McMahon started, before Lee interjected to argue that it would be impossible to teach the whole of history in singular semesters. 'Do you not agree that it makes sense that there would be separate courses for these courses of study?' Lee said, pointing out that the same teaching philosophy exists across areas of study, from literature to music. 'One wouldn't study baroque music and necessarily have to learn about African studies at the same time.' McMahon eventually conceded that she agreed African history could be taught as an isolated area of study without being considered a 'DEI course.' Trump signed an executive order to strip the Education Department for parts in March. The order had McMahon's approval. The agency has historically been responsible for approving, monitoring, and distributing federal financial aid, such as Pell Grants and other aid made available to the public via the FAFSA. It's also been responsible for assessing and analyzing America's K-12 systems, as well as aggregating data and research on American educational policies. The department also oversaw the implementation of Title IX, and ensured that the American public had equal access to a valuable education. In the immediate wake of the order, McMahon penned the mass layoff of more than half the agency's staff. The Education Department was already the smallest Cabinet agency, with just over 4,000 employees. Its budget cost American taxpayers $268 billion in 2024, roughly four percent of overall spending.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
What Texas lawmakers did after the state's largest wildfire
LUBBOCK — Texas lawmakers approved a series of bills this year that aim to better prepare Texas for wildfires and to mitigate their damage. The legislation includes a study on wildfire risk zones, increasing funding for rural volunteer fire departments, and creating a statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is accessible to all fire departments in Texas. The legislative package was inspired by the state's largest wildfire in history. The Smokehouse Creek fire scorched more than 1 million acres in the Panhandle and killed three people. A special House committee was formed following the fires to investigate the cause and make legislative recommendations. Senate Bill 34, filed by state Sen. Kevin Sparks, R-Midland, is the most sweeping proposal. It includes a study on fuel loads, which is material that is likely to catch fire in a specific area, such as dry grass or vegetation. The study would also establish wildfire risk zones for residents, homes and businesses. The bill also creates a statewide database of firefighting equipment and increases funding to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Rep. Ken King, a Republican who lives in Canadian where much of the damage from the wildfires took place, co-sponsored the bill. King led the House committee that investigated the fires and later released a detailed report about the disaster. 'We took a lot of testimony, and a lot of work went on to do what's right for our volunteer firefighters,' King said. 'Senate Bill 34 combines several volunteer firefighter priorities.' The bill requires that at least 10% of the money in the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program go to volunteer fire departments in areas at high risk for large wildfires. Texas A&M Forest Service and West Texas A&M University will launch a study to determine wildfire risk zones based on fuel loads of flammable material like vegetation. Most of the wildfires that burned through the Panhandle started when power lines came into contact with dry vegetation. The Smokehouse Creek fire started when a rotten utility pole snapped and the power lines landed on dry grass. The bill requires that researchers consider several factors when determining these risk zones, including the projected loss of life, property and natural resources should a wildfire occur in the zone and the financial impact of costs associated with recovering after a wildfire. This study is due by Dec. 1, 2026, and would be submitted to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Legislature. 'Constant wildfire threats that require preparation, coordination, and resources is the most pressing issue for the Panhandle,' Sparks said in a previous statement. Another recommendation from the House committee report was the statewide inventory of firefighting equipment that is available during a wildfire. According to the report, there was an uncoordinated response between responding agencies during the Panhandle fires, and a lack of knowledge about what equipment agencies had and what was needed. Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency that manages Texas' forests and natural resources, will operate and maintain the database. Fire departments will be able to see equipment descriptions, search by location and equipment types, and have contact information for fire departments listed in the database. Volunteer stations will also have access to the inventory. One of King's bills also addresses what he and other lawmakers have deemed a regulatory 'no man's land,' as state agencies lacked the authority to inspect power lines at oilfield well sites and facilities. Lawmakers identified this as a problem after the investigative committee concluded that unmaintained electrical lines for oilfield equipment started the Smokehouse Creek Fire and others in that same week. Data from the Forest Service shows power lines have caused roughly 60% of fires throughout the Panhandle since 2006. Under King's bill, the Railroad Commission, which oversees the oil and gas industry, will notify the Public Utility Commission when it identifies substandard power lines at well sites or at other facilities used for oil and gas production. The notification must include a description of the condition and whether the well is abandoned. The Railroad Commission must also notify the landowner. The two agencies will then work together to request that a state fire marshal or local authority to inspect the site, and request that the electric service provider disconnect service. While the Legislature made a lot of progress toward improving the state's response to wildfires, one bill that failed to pass would have created a statewide network to connect all first responders and state agencies. House Bill 13, by King, sought to create the Texas Interoperability Council, which would be tasked with the implementation of a statewide plan for emergency communication use. The proposal was praised by first responders during the legislative process. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd testified to lawmakers in March that it was the 'boldest move' he's seen in his career. That bill passed the House in April, but was not taken up by the Senate. Disclosure: Texas A&M University and West Texas A&M University have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
New Florida A&M president Marva Johnson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha
The post New Florida A&M president Marva Johnson is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha appeared first on ClutchPoints. Florida A&M University's controversial new president, Marva Johnson, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Many people find that news surprising due to her conservative views. In May, Johnson was selected as the 13th president of Florida A&M last month despite major pushback from alumni, students, and supporters. On May 16, the Board of Trustees met, and Johnson was chosen by a vote of 8 to 4. She is just the second woman to be appointed as president of Florida A&M in the university's history. After Elmira Mangum, who was president from 2014 to 2016. Following weeks of intense discussion, campus visits, and growing resistance from community residents, students, and alumni who questioned Johnson's credentials and connections to Republican political figures, the choice was made. Johnson had previously worked for Florida Governors Rick Scott and Ron DeSantis as a political appointee. She currently works at Charter Communications as Vice President of State Government, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. Due to Johnson's lack of experience and political ties, especially to Ron DeSantis, supporters of the university and other members of the HBCU community are against her appointment. Due to the Florida Board of Governors, DeSantis and his appointees had significant influence over Johnson becoming president. The State University System of Florida is governed by the Board of Governors, which is the highest authority. For campus-level decisions, each institution has its own Board of Trustees, but for system-wide policy, the Board of Governors has the last word. During the search for a new president, four trustees supported Donald Palm, one of the four contenders for the 13th presidency. At the university, he currently serves as the chief operating officer and executive vice president. Palm was also endorsed by the Florida A&M National Alumni Association. 'We are proud to formally endorse Dr. Donald Palm as our preferred candidate for the 13th President of Florida A&M University,' FAMU NAA President Curtis Johnson said in a May 10 letter to the association's members obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat. He added in the letter, 'Dr. Palm's deep connection to FAMU as the current chief operating officer, former faculty member, and long-standing champion of our mission positions him uniquely to continue our trajectory of excellence.' Johnson's appointment comes after former president Dr. Larry Robinson resigned following the $237 million donation scandal with Gregory Gerami. Dr. Timothy Beard was appointed interim president and served a one-year term until a permanent president was found. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was founded on January 15, 1908, on the campus of Howard University by nine collegiate women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is the oldest established Greek-letter organization for Black women. The sorority has over 355,000 members, including Vanessa Bell Calloway, Phylicia Rashad, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Patti LaBelle, and Coretta Scott King.
