Teachers and the public should feel some comfort in seeing legislative leaders and the governor recognize the value of the teaching profession by working to improve pay directly to teachers. It represents an acknowledgment that elected leaders of this state recognize the dedication and value professional teachers bring to the people of Utah. While financial compensation is vital for keeping and attracting new people to the profession, the recognition and respect of teachers by elected officials is equally important.

The stand the legislative leaders took in demanding education administrators carry out their legislative intent can be the dawning of a new era where the Legislature and public administrators respect the role each must play in serving the people of our state. Hopefully, legislators, by carrying out their oversight responsibilities, make sure the intent of the legislation they enact is met; that it clarifies for administrators what is actually expected of them and makes the concept of "accountability" a reality.

What should not be lost in the misunderstanding over teacher pay is that elected leaders see the value teachers bring to education.

---

Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net