Educator Day on the Hill

Teachers Share Concerns with Legislators

The 2012 Utah Legislative Session began under a shadow for educators. Other state legislatures had stripped rights from educators and Utah appeared a ripe target for similar measures. But thanks in large part to the efforts of teachers educating legislators, those proposals did not materialize. (Read more about the 2012 Legislative Session.)

The UEA Legislative Team hosted eight Educator Day on the Hill activities during 2012. Events were held each Friday of the session, with a final event on the last Monday. A record number of teachers participated in 2102 from nearly every school district in the state.

“We had well over 200 teachers on the Hill with us this year, which represents more than 1 percent of our active membership,” said UEA Vice President Tom Nedreberg, who coordinated 2012 Educator Day on the Hill events. “It was great to see so many educators involved and working to make a difference in our profession. The participation from teachers this year particularly helped us stress the importance of collaboration between the legislature and all education stakeholders.”

UEA Educator Day on the Hill provides an opportunity to introduce lawmakers to some of the state’s excellent teachers and gives educators a deeper understanding of the political process, according to UEA Government Relations Director Kory Holdaway. “We often hear legislators express the opinion that they know what UEA thinks, but want to hear from a ‘real’ teacher,” he said. “Having teachers speak face to face with their legislators really does make a difference.”

Typical Agenda

Legislative schedules are unpredictable and change often, but in general, each UEA Educator Day on the Hill proceeds as follows:

• Meet with the UEA Legislative Team in the Utah Capitol Hill Cafeteria, located in the Senate building, for a briefing on specific bills and general tips about working with the legislature (view a map of the Utah State Capitol). The meeting typically begins at about 7:30 a.m., but starting times vary depending on the day’s legislative schedule.
• The Team will assist you in contacting legislators from your legislative district.
• Depending on the schedule, you may also be asked to attend a committee meeting, host an event or even interview with the media.
• As a group, meet in the cafeteria again at noon to “de-brief” the morning’s activities. Lunch is provided.

How to Participate

If you are interested in participating in the UEA Educator Day on the Hill, please contact your local leader and/or UniServ director. Once we know of your interest and availability, we will assist in securing leave for you to participate.

More Information

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact UEA Vice President Tom Nedreberg, tom@utea.org.

Photos (top to bottom): 

• Rep. Brad Wilson (left) meets with Weber Education Association teachers Don Paver and Richard Heath.
• More than 50 teachers flood a Senate Education Committee meeting on February 17, 2012, as important legislation was discussed.
• Sen. Aaron Osmond addresses teachers during the Educator Day on the Hill lunchtime debrief January 27, 2012.
• Educators host a UEA-sponsored break in the House break room on February 3, 2012. Pictured, left to right, are Rep. Mark Wheatly, UEA Retired member Elizabeth Carlin, Cache County Education Association members Troy Pugmire and Don Sheffer, and Rep. Stephen Sandstrom.