Members of the House Education Committee agreed to print two legislative proposals earlier today, both introduced by Rep. Linden Bateman (R-Idaho Falls). In his request to print the bill, Rep. Bateman told panel members that he got the idea after talking with educators this past summer. He told his colleagues that contrary to the opinion of some, teachers are not just interested in salaries and benefits. He said, “They like to be recognized for what they do. They sometimes feel they receive more criticisms than accolades.”
His bill would allow for legislators to honor one teacher from every legislative district each year for an award for extraordinary teaching. The nominees would be decided at the local school district level, based on guidelines and a selection process determined by the local district. Legislators would present the selected teacher with a certificate of appreciation and a $500 honorarium.
The bill will be slated for a hearing at a later date.
