Overview

The SHINE Program (Salary Supplement for Highly Needed Educators) is a state-supported initiative developed in accordance with Utah Code and administered locally by Cache County School District. Its purpose is to provide a salary supplement to licensed educators assigned to high-need areas as identified annually by the Cache Board of Education. The program is aligned with the Utah State Board of Education’s efforts to recruit and retain qualified educators in subject areas experiencing persistent staffing shortages.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for SHINE funding, educators must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Hold a current Utah Professional Teaching License as recognized by USBE.

2. Possess either a qualifying degree major aligned with the designated high-need subject area, or at least 10 years of verified teaching experience in the specific SHINE-approved assignment within a Utah Local Education Agency (LEA).

3. Hold an active endorsement in the applicable subject area.

4. Be assigned to a qualified course within the high-need subject, as recorded in CACTUS (Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools).

5. Have received satisfactory performance ratings on the three most recent educator evaluations (or be a newly hired educator).

6. Complete the current school year under a standard contract with Cache County School District.

High-Need Subject Areas for 2025

The following instructional areas have been designated by the Cache Board of Education as high-need for the current school year, based on district staffing analysis and state criteria:

• Secondary Science (Chemistry, Physics, Integrated Science)

• Secondary Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Special Education

• Secondary ELL

Subject-specific degree and course assignment requirements are outlined in the SHINE policy and procedures.

Application Process

Educators must complete a SHINE application and submit it to Human Resources by October 1, 2025.

Applicant responsibilities include:

• Verifying licensure, endorsements, and course assignments in CACTUS,

• Notifying HR of assignment changes within 30 days,

• Submitting documentation for historical assignments or degree equivalency if needed,

• Completing all application components in accordance with the established deadlines.

Appeals

Educators who believe their assignment is substantially equivalent to a qualifying area may submit an Appeal Application. Appeals must be submitted to Human Resources by November 30 for processing.

Funding and Limitations

• SHINE awards are contingent upon annual legislative funding and availability of funds in the State’s Restricted SHINE Account.

• In the event that qualifying applications exceed the available budget, awards may be prorated based on the number of eligible applicants.

Questions

For questions, please contact:

Tami Vanweerd
Cache County School District Human Resources
📧 tami.vanweerd@ccsdut.org