"My goal as we move into the legislative session is pretty simple: I want more money for teachers," he said.

Following an 18 percent increase in education spending in 2006 and a 24 percent increase in 2007 — both the highest increases in state history at their respective times — Huntsman said, "I think the trajectory we're on is good," and hinted that trajectory should continue since the state is expecting to see another surplus this year.

Huntsman noted a discrepancy in the relation between the state's economy and the rate of teacher pay. Rather than discrepancy, he said, there should be parity.

"We are privileged to have the hottest economy in the United States in terms of unemployment and job growth," he said. "We're trying to ensure that our schools are as good and strong as our economy."

That strength, he said, begins with teachers, not programs.

"You can talk about K-3 (kindergarten through third grade) literacy, you can talk about math incentives ... but it's about compensation for teachers, plain and simple."

He said Utah's teacher shortage is getting worse.

"Until they are paid what they are worth, they're going to go somewhere else," either into other jobs that pay more or into other states that pay their teachers better.

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E-mail: john@sanpetemessenger.com