UEA is here to help you build your skills as an educator on your own time.
Your union membership gives you access to professional learning opportunities.
Early Career Academy
The Early Career Academy provides professional learning designed to support early career educators—the leading voices of the next generation of leaders. Effective support for these educators is essential for shaping successful future leaders. This academy fosters collaboration, social engagement, and problem-solving and builds a support network for educators in the early years of their careers.
Social & Racial Justice Academy
The Social and Racial Justice Academy is a professional learning program designed to equip members with the knowledge and skills to understand and address systemic oppression in education and society. The UEA is dedicated to advancing social justice within our organization, public schools, and communities. The academy aims to empower members to disrupt inequitable power structures and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable future. By building the unions's capacity, the academy provides opportunities for members to lead the way toward meaningful change in classrooms, schools, and communities.
Professional Practices Academy
The Professional Practices Academy enhances the expertise and judgment essential for teacher and student success. As members, we advocate for fully funded public schools, work to dismantle unjust systems and create opportunities for our students to thrive. This academy offers instruction on collective bargaining, contracts, nominations, and school budgets.
Leadership Academy
The Leadership Academy equips UEA members with the skills to excel in association work and become outstanding leaders. Grounded in NEA Leadership competencies—Advocacy, Communication, Governance and Leadership, Social and Emotional Intelligence, Strategy, and Fiscal Health—this academy helps educators build a strong foundation for leadership.
Organizing Academy
The Organizing Academy empowers educators to advocate for their students through our professional associations. This academy offers professional development opportunities, mentoring, and support to help educators grow their organizational skills and knowledge. By strengthening educators’ capacity, we can foster a more effective and equitable learning experience for all students.
Legislative Academy
The Legislative Academy provides members with the knowledge and skills to amplify educator voices in policymaking, enabling them to influence policies that affect their profession, students, and schools. Programs include Policy Ambassadors, Educator Day at the Hill, Educator Day on the Hill PLUS, Capitol Insights weekly briefings, and regional pre- and post-legislative member meetings.
Political Action Academy
The Political Action Academy offers a hands-on look at Utah’s political landscape and how educators can make a difference. Participants explore the importance of strong representation for public education and learn strategies for effective campaigns and community-building. Whether new or experienced, educators will gain the skills and confidence to engage actively in Utah’s political arena, seeing themselves as future candidates, advocates, or activists.
(Next level coming Spring 2025)
