Utah Teachers Receiving $1,500 Bonus For Work During Global Pandemic

Utah teachers are getting a bonus check for their hard work during the pandemic.

The check will be for $1,500 and will include licensed teachers, bus drivers, custodians, aids, and lunch workers, reports KSL.

State lawmakers announced the proposal on Wednesday.

Governor-Elect Spencer Cox said in a statement, "This pandemic has put extraordinary strain on our entire education community, including school janitors, cafeteria workers, nurses, counselors, bus drivers, and especially our teachers. It's taken courage, creativity, patience, and perseverance to get through this year, and it's not over yet."

Heidi Matthews, president of the Utah Educators Association, said the teachers' union couldn't be happier. She said, "Above all, it's such a recognition of the incredibly hard work, and also that we're being heard."

The bonus does not include teachers that are working solely online.

Lawmakers also proposed a fully-funded base education budget before the legislative session.

Cox said, "These frontline workers have earned out heightened respect, but they deserve tangible rewards as well. That's why I'm so grateful to House and Senate leaders for joining us in providing these extra payments to school personnel. We honor and thank them for their remarkable efforts this year."

Photo: Getty Images

Source: KSL