What do you see as the biggest challenges facing our schools, and how do you propose to address them?

If you talk to any educator, they will tell you that behavior and language issues are our biggest challenges. As a teacher for many decades, I can tell you that anxiety is increasing at alarming rates, and other severe behaviors are on the rise as well.

We are also experiencing a rapid growth in language barriers. In 2024, my final year in the classroom, two of the four educators on my team had students who spoke no English and also presented major behavioral issues.

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A Real Classroom Example:

A student is in one arm, the teacher’s other hand is on a phone using Google Translate, trying desperately to communicate with a frightened and out-of-control child. Don’t forget the 27 other students in the background needing instruction and stability.

With only one Spanish speaker in the entire building, there was little we could do. The district eventually gave the principal permission to hire a language aide, but it took weeks to find someone willing and available.

In the meantime, this disruptive scenario repeated day after day.

The Bottom Line

EVERY student who walks in our door is welcome and loved, but some of those students require more support than others. And those who don’t require as much attention are paying a steep price—they are being deprived of the learning environment they deserve.

Solutions

✅ 1. Hire Trained Classroom Aides

We MUST have trained aides to support teachers in the classroom. This ensures:

• Students with high needs receive appropriate attention
• Teachers are free to teach
• The other 27 students can actually learn

View Utah State Paraeducator Guidelines (click to download PDF)

✅ 2. Offer Free ESL Endorsements to Teachers

Other districts offer free ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsements to their teachers. This is a simple and powerful way to help educators feel equipped while ensuring students are better served.

Learn More About ESL Endorsement Requirements

Let’s Build a Better Classroom Together

These challenges are real and growing. With smart, proactive solutions like trained aides and ESL opportunities, we can give every student the education they deserve—without sacrificing the needs of the many for the support of a few.