The Utah Legislature’s decision to exclude Salt Lake City School District teachers from receiving a $1,500 COVID bonus unless the district returns to in-person instruction by the start of the 2021 legislative session (Jan. 19) is punitive and demoralizing to teachers.
First, the decision to remain online was made by the school board, and teachers should not be penalized for this. Second, and most importantly, online instruction is just as taxing for teachers (if not more) as in-person instruction, and they should be rewarded for their service during an extraordinarily difficult time. Please contact your legislators and urge them to fix this.
Ryan D. Curtis, Salt Lake City