1. (1) As used in this section, "STEM" means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

2. (2) The state board shall:

   1. (a) develop STEM education endorsements; and

   2. (b) create and implement financial incentives for:

      1. (i) an educator to earn an elementary or secondary STEM education endorsement described in Subsection (2)(a); and
      2. (ii) a school district or a charter school to have STEM endorsed educators on staff.

3. (3) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the state board shall make rules establishing the uses of STEM education endorsements described in Subsection (2), including that:

   1. (a) an incentive for an educator to take a course leading to a STEM education endorsement may only be given for a course that carries higher-education credit; and
   2. (b) a school district or a charter school may consider a STEM education endorsement as part of an educator's salary schedule.

Amended by Chapter 408, 2020 General Session