2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Only Purchase One Ticket for Each Individual Attendee
Full URSA 2025 Session Schedule will be published here NO LATER than June 1. Please check back soon!

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1:30pm MDT

Earn Credits, Endorsements, and APPEL Competencies with Utah Microcredentials!

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #147

Are you working toward an endorsement that is hard to get from a rural location? Or perhaps you are trying to build up credits toward a salary level change? Maybe you want to build skill as an educational leader within your school or community? Or maybe you are an administrator seeking ways to help teachers within your school earn their endorsements?

Utah Microcredentials offer you options to meet your professional learning goals at your own pace and in your own classroom. They are truly personalized, competency-based learning for educators.

In this session, you will not only learn how to earn a microcredential, you will begin working on earning a microcredential with expert support.

Bring your own device, and be prepared to sign in to your MIDAS account at https://usbe.midaseducation.com/microcredentials, where we will be working on microcredentials together.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Any device that can connect to the internet so they can start working on Utah Microcredentials. Even a phone will work, but a tablet or laptop is probably easier.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any device that will connect to the internet will be helpful.

Speakers

Amy Coray

Instructional Coach, DAVIS DISTRICT

Amy Coray is a Digital Innovations Supervisor and Utah Microcredentials manager working in Davis School District. Before coming to her current position, she taught for five years in elementary school and then made the switch to teaching CTE, where she spent four teachers in junior... Read More →

Daron Kennett

Professional Learning Coordinator/Utah Microcredentials co-manager, Davis School District

Dr. Daron Kennett has spent the last several years pioneering educator credits and endorsements with microcredentials. He has been on the cutting edge of this personalized, competency-based learning option for educators. He is committed to making Utah Microcredentials work for Utah... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #147 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

You've Got To Move It! (Incorporating Movement in Secondary Classrooms)

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #241

Ever feel like your high school students are half-asleep by third period? Or that no matter how engaging your lesson is, they’re glued to their seats (and their phones)? It’s time to shake things up—literally!

In this high-energy session, you’ll learn 10 easy, no-prep movement strategies that get students out of their seats, engaged in learning, and actually having fun. These aren’t just “brain breaks” (though those are great too!)—these are purposeful, content-driven movement strategies that boost focus, retention, and participation.

Whether you teach ELA, Math, Science, or Social Studies, or almost ANY content, these techniques will fit seamlessly into your lessons—no extra planning required. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that will transform your classroom from static to dynamic… and keep your students moving toward success!

Come ready to laugh, move, and learn—because, let’s be honest, nobody learns best when they’re stuck in a chair all day! 🚀🎉

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Some kind of computer to take notes with may be helpful.

Speakers

Mary Saylor

Teacher, ELA 9 and 10, Launch High School

Mary Saylor is a high school English teacher with 15 years of experience making learning active, engaging, and meaningful for students. She is part of the team that developed Launch High School, an innovative, project-based learning school in Iron County, where movement, collaboration... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

The Power of Feedback: Using Data and Reflection to Enhance Instruction

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #131

In this interactive session, we will explore how both formative and summative feedback can be powerful tools for improving teaching and student outcomes. Attendees will learn practical strategies for utilizing timely, actionable feedback to inform instruction, foster student growth, and refine teaching practices. Attendees will gain practical tools for analyzing team-based student data, fostering collaborative discussions that drive instructional decisions, and how to use AI to simplify your feedback and analyze student data. By the end of the session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of how to use feedback, data, and reflection to create a dynamic, responsive learning environment that promotes continuous improvement for both students and educators.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in Room 144.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Kelbie Jackson is an Instructional Coach at Bear River High School with seven years of experience teaching English Language Arts. She is passionate about increasing literacy in secondary schools and improving student learning through teacher collaboration and Professional Learning... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

What's New and Exciting in Adobe Express?

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #231

Adobe Express continues to evolve in innovative and exciting ways. This session will showcase the latest (and best) new features, including the amazing new mobile app, the powerful Classrooms feature, useful Google Drive and Canva integrations, how to make your own assignment templates, and more! You'll come away from this session even more ready to Express yourself with this most useful Adobe tool.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Chromebook

Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and UEN's Adobe Product Manager, Utah Education Network

Rob Bentley specializes in multimedia projects and resources for the classroom. He focuses on how teachers can effectively use video, images, and other media to teach their students, and also how to get students creating exciting media of their own such as educational computer games... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #231 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

2:50pm MDT

Won't you be our neighbor? Free educator resources from PBS Utah

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #241

PBS content packaged in free, easy accessible resources, media galleries, interactive lessons and full lesson plans? Yes, please! This web based resource centered on PBS content from Daniel Tiger, to Nova, to Nature, to Frontline is for all teachers Prek-12 in any subject all aligned with statewide and nationwide curriculum standards. It is easy to filter for subject and grade, easy to use in the classroom, and utilizes content from the most trusted public media brand in the country. Did I mention that it's free?

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 3:10 pm in Room 134.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Windows Laptop

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Melanie Pehrson-Noyce

Education Coordinator, PBS Utah

An avid reader, mother of 3 small children, and a regular user of libraries, I believe in the power of public spaces and believe they are truly palaces for the people. I have worked for PBS Utah as an Education Coordinator for 3 years, in which I facilitate the distribution of educational... Read More →

Annie Frazier

Education Manager, PBS Utah

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Suicide Prevention in Schools

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #135

This session will provide school staff with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation in students, offer immediate support, and respond effectively in crisis situations. Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and educators are often the first to notice signs of distress in students. By equipping staff with the proper training and resources, we can ensure that all students receive the support they need to navigate their challenges and find hope in difficult times. Utah requires all licensed educators to have regular suicide prevention training. This session will meet that requirement.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Holly Todd

Crisis Response, MTSS/PBIS Support, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Holly Todd has worked in K-12 education for 25 years. Holly has worked in some of Utah's largest and smallest districts as a classroom teacher, school counselor, crisis team, and intervention specialist. Holly worked at the Utah State Board of Education as a School Counseling Program... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Unlocking Digital Literacy: Empowering Teachers for Today's Middle Level Classroom

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #234

Presented by Utah Middle Level Association. As digital technologies reshape our world, empowering students with digital literacy skills is more crucial than ever. This session equips middle school educators with strategies and resources to effectively teach digital literacy to the middle level student.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable

Speakers

Kathy Bekkemellom

UMLA Executive Director, Utah Middle Level Association

Worked in middle schools for 30 years teaching business which has included the evolution of digital literacy in schools. I have served on the board of UMLA for the past 10+ years as we strive to help middle level educators.

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.