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2025 UEA Policy Ambassadors

The UEA Policy Ambassador program gives educators the knowledge and skills to positively impact public education through the policy-making process.
Group of educators standing outside and smiling.

Policy Ambassadors Help Shape the Future of Utah's Public Education

Policy changes are a constant in the ever-evolving landscape of Utah's public schools. However, the impact of these changes on students and educators doesn't always align with the best outcomes. The question is, how can you make a difference? Enter the UEA Policy Ambassador program – a pathway for educators like you to influence policymaking and drive positive educational change.

Every year, the UEA Policy Ambassador program equips a diverse group of educators with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex world of policy issues. By participating, you become part of a movement that seeks to improve the educational landscape.

Don't let policy changes happen without your input. Be a driving force for positive outcomes in education. Join the UEA Policy Ambassador program and become an advocate for students, educators, and the future of Utah's public schools.
 

Program Overview:

Every year, dozens of policy changes affect Utah’s public schools, but these changes don’t always result in the best outcomes for students and educators. Learn how YOU can influence policy-making to achieve better outcomes for students and the education profession by joining the UEA Policy Ambassador program. The Policy Ambassador program is designed to:

  1. Build a cohort of trained educators to speak on policy issues
  2. Develop and apply leadership skills to positively impact public education
  3. Magnify educators' voices in the policy-making process

Program Requirements:

  • Attend:
    • Leadership and skills training at a Fall Retreat.
    • “Becoming an Educator Advocate” conversation with former Policy Ambassadors (Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 from 5:00-6:00 p.m. virtual)
    • Legislative preview meeting (Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at UEA).
    • Educator Day on the Hill (Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 from 7 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Capitol)
    • Attending legislative committee meetings (virtual) 
    • Legislative wrap-up meeting (Thursday, Mar. 13, 2025 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. virtual)
  • Write one legislative update for UEA’s Under the Dome website describing the Policy Ambassador experience (January - March 2025) 
  • Contact State Senator and State Representative on a policy or funding issue
  • Track education policy issues during the 2025 legislative session via UEA’s Under the Dome website and the Utah Legislature website

Additional Details:

  • Must be a UEA member in good standing
  • NO prior policy experience is required!
  • The program runs from Oct. 26, 2024 – Mar. 28, 2025 
  • A $100 stipend will be paid upon completion of all program activities
  • Hotel, mileage, and substitute costs will be paid for mandatory in-person meetings (Fall Retreat and Educator Day on the Hill)
  • Up to 20 participants will be selected

Questions? Contact:

Dr. Sara Jones
Director, Government Relations and Professional Programs
(801) 417-0241
[email protected]

In Our Words: Policy Ambassador Perspectives

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Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion through Policy

"It is critical to enact policies and laws deeply rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion to dismantle systemic barriers."
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Personal Reflection: How I Found My Voice

"For many years, I let others advocate in my place because I was emotionally exhausted but also because I was intimidated. I lacked the confidence to speak on behalf of my students and even myself. As it did for many others, experiencing the school closures during 2020 shifted my professional focus. It was time to step up."
Man in grey suit and red tie smiles while at the Utah Capitol.

The Democratization of Education Legislation

The only way we will fix these problems is not by coming up with policies based on ideological assumptions or what other states are doing; it will be when the state legislature takes teachers seriously and turns to us to help solve these problems.

Downloads

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Being a part of the policy ambassadors made me a proud member of my teacher’s union. I feel like my union dues genuinely go to a cause that helps advance public education effectively and professionally.
Quote by: Brady Arnold-Diaz, Granite Education Association
Read more Policy Ambassador Perspectives
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Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

With more than 18,000 members across the state, UEA supports equal opportunities for success for ALL Utah students, and respect and support for all educators.
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The Utah Education Association is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

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