Utah · Career guide
How to become a English Teacher in Utah
English / Language Arts teachers cover reading, writing, literature, and (at the secondary level) composition and rhetoric. Demand is steady at the elementary level and modestly competitive at the secondary level outside the highest-need districts. ELA teachers play a central role in district-wide literacy goals, which gives the role outsized professional-development opportunities.
See 10 English / language arts teaching jobs open in Utah →Certification path in Utah
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most candidates complete a teacher-preparation program either as part of their undergraduate studies or as a post-baccalaureate add-on.
- Pass the required exams. Utah typically requires:
- Praxis Core Academic Skills (or qualifying SAT/ACT/GRE scores) — Basic reading, writing, and mathematics
- Praxis Subject Assessments — Content knowledge for your licensure area
A content-area endorsement in English / Language Arts is standard. Some states also offer separate Reading Specialist credentials for K-6.
- Apply for your initial license through Utah State Board of Education. The packet typically includes official transcripts, exam scores, a background check, and (depending on the state) a recommendation from the teacher-prep program. Visit Utah State Board of Education →
- Job-search in Utah.Browse current English / language arts teaching openings across Utah districts. Apply directly to each district's careers page — no platform fees.
Alternative pathways in Utah
If you didn't follow the traditional university-route, Utah offers these alternate paths that may apply to your situation:
- Alternative Route to Licensure (ARL): District-sponsored, earn licensure while teaching
- Intern License: Teach while completing a university-based preparation program
- Career and Technical Education licenses for industry professionals
Utah salary context
Average teacher salary in Utah: $55,432/year (rank #14 nationally). Entry-level pay with a bachelor's typically starts at $35,000/year.
Role-specific premiums vary by district — special education, STEM, and bilingual roles frequently command signing bonuses or stipends. See the full Utah salary guide for the breakdown.