2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Utah is leading the way in addressing the national teacher shortage with its innovative, competency-based approach to educator licensing. This session will explore how Utah's focus on real-world skills and streamlined pathways is attracting and retaining qualified educators. Learn how this model prioritizes classroom readiness and removes traditional barriers to licensure, paving the way for a more effective and diverse teaching workforce.

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, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook, Any device that can access the web

This presentation aims to familiarize educators with the policies and practices that ensure equal education opportunities in Utah public schools. Attendees will learn about the relevant policies and recent changes regarding equal opportunity in education. The presentation emphasizes the importance of treating all students with dignity and respect, fostering a safe learning environment, and recognizing students' rights. By doing so, it aims to open doors of opportunity for all Utah children and promote academic and organizational excellence in Utah education.

The world of AI is changing almost daily—are you keeping up? This session brings you the most exciting, education-relevant innovations in artificial intelligence. From AI multimodal tools that combine voice, text, and visuals, to expanding on AI scientific research, and diving into deep learning models. We’ll explore AI breakthroughs that are redefining what’s possible in learning environments. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just getting started, this session will ground you in what’s real, and how you can engage with new AI innovations!

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

The traditional approach to instruction relies on all students in each classroom being at the same place in their learning journey each day. We know this ideal can be practically impossible to achieve. By leveraging innovative planning and facilitation practices that put students at the center of their learning, educators can create opportunities for truly personalized instruction. In this session, educators will share the steps they have taken and the tools they use in order to implement self-paced, mastery-based learning with their students.  You can access the slide deck and activity from this session at tinyurl.com/mcp-ursa25

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

Discover how Scrible, an advanced research and writing platform, can transform the way students approach their assignments. Available to all K-12 students in Utah, Scrible allows users to seamlessly curate research, annotate sources, and generate citations—all within a single platform. In this session, you'll learn best practices for integrating Scrible into your classroom, empowering your students to enhance their research and writing skills. Join us to explore practical tips and strategies for making the most of this innovative tool.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Any type of laptop

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Again using mainly a laptop

AI for Administrators will inform school leaders about efforts in the state and around the country to securely use AI Tools for administrative tasks and to enhance the executive functions of administrators.

Session Handouts - Offline AI for Educators and AI Tools and Uses Handout

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in Room 131.

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

In an era where personalized support is more critical than ever, Utah is leading the way in using data-driven tools to reach and teach every student. This session will explore the state’s implementation of Panorama Student Success as a statewide Early Warning System (EWS), designed to proactively identify students who may be at risk of falling off track and ensure timely, targeted interventions.
Schools and districts across the state are using Panorama Student Success to monitor key indicators such as attendance, behavior, and coursework in one centralized platform. This system empowers educators with real-time, actionable insights to support students.
Attendees will learn how Panorama Student Success aligns with Utah’s broader vision for supporting a positive and safe school culture, and hear examples of how educators are using this tool to build intervention plans, collaborate across teams, and ensure no student falls through the cracks. We’ll also highlight the importance of cross-district collaboration and state leadership in scaling an EWS that serves student populations statewide.
Whether you’re exploring how to strengthen your own student support systems or looking to build a similar initiative, this session will offer practical takeaways, lessons learned, and inspiration from Utah’s ongoing journey to reach every student, every 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: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop

AI chatbots aren’t just for techies—they’re becoming instructional powerhouses in the hands of creative educators. This session shows you how to design AI bots that elevate your instruction, personalize student support, and save you time. The key? Writing a clear “AI constitution” that sets the tone, boundaries, and purpose for your chatbot. You’ll explore real examples of classroom bots built to tutor, provide feedback, support IEP goals, and more—all while staying aligned with your values and curriculum. Leave with templates, strategies, and inspiration to start building your own instructional sidekick.

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, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Web enabled device