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!

arrow_back View All Dates

1:30pm MDT

Empowering Student Sensemaking: A Student-Driven Approach to Learning

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

Room #232

This presentation will explore the transformative power of student-driven learning in fostering sensemaking in the classroom. Drawing on practical examples and research-based insights, the presentation will highlight how student-centered strategies, supported by technology like Nearpod, can empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and construct meaningful understanding.

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

Lora Gibbons

Senior Technical Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Lora Gibbons is a UEN trainer dedicated to helping educators create exciting learning experiences for their students. Lora earned a master's degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Utah and a bachelor's degree in Biology Composite Teaching... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #232 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, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Exploring Earth & Sky: Navigating Stellarium, SOS Explorer and Universe Sandbox

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

Room #135

Bring Earth and space science to life with three powerful, free digital tools your students will love! This hands-on session introduces Stellarium, Universe Sandbox, and NOAA’s Science On a Sphere Explorer (SOSx)—interactive platforms that make complex science concepts more engaging and accessible.

Use Stellarium to take your students on a virtual journey through the night sky. They'll model lunar phases, eclipses, and seasons, explore planetary motion, and visualize the Sun-Earth-Moon system.

Then, experiment with Universe Sandbox, a physics-based space simulator where students can create their own solar systems, simulate orbital dynamics, and investigate gravitational interactions—an innovative way to deepen understanding of planetary motion and forces.

Finally, dive into SOS Explorer, a tool for visualizing real-world data on Earth’s systems. Students can explore weather patterns, long-term data, atmospheric circulation, and the natural greenhouse effect with interactive datasets from NOAA.

Each of these tools supports the Utah 6th Grade SEEd Standards, with strong alignment to Strand 6.1 (Structure and Motion within the Solar System) and Strand 6.3 (Earth’s Weather Patterns and Climate). The session emphasizes three-dimensional learning by incorporating scientific modeling, data analysis, and systems thinking.

Participants will leave with practical strategies, classroom-ready resources, and inspiration to integrate these tools into inquiry-based lessons. Whether you're new to digital platforms or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will help you elevate your science instruction.

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, Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Chromebook

Speakers

Thomas Quayle

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

Thomas Quayle is an Education Program Specialist who brings the wonders of the universe to life. Through his work with the Clark Planetarium’s Science on a Sphere, he develops innovative curriculum that enhances both on-site field trips and immersive experiences for students. In... Read More →

Jason Trump

Education Programs Supervisor, Clark Planetarium

Jason brings substantial expertise to the field of astronomy education. As the head of the education department at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, he oversees statewide field trip, teacher development, elementary outreach, and summer camp programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #135 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
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

1:30pm MDT

High Engagement Writing

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

Room #148

Come participate in a highly engaging writing experience that you can take back to modify and share with your students. This session will outline a start to finish process as an example of what is possible with the combination of tools used to create a final student product. This training will showcase WeWillWrite (grades 4-12), Google Slides, and Adobe Express in a mashup that will keep your students immersed in writing, collaborative group work, creating, and problem solving.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Device that connects to the internet

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

Speakers

Buffy Camps

6th Grade English Teacher, Helen M. Knight Elementary

I am in my 20th year of teaching. Fifteen of those have been in sixth grade, with the most recent nine years teaching English after we departmentalized.

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #148 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 Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Science, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level 3 - 4, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Science of Reading Foundations: Building Student’s Executive Functioning Skills

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #142

Research on the foundations of literacy development emphasizes the importance of executive functioning skills such as planning, focusing, cognitive flexibility, problem solving, and information processing. Teachers can support children’s executive functioning skill development through classroom activities and play-based learning.

This session provides ideas and activities teachers can use across the elementary education years to promote executive functioning skills which are essential for supporting effective learning in literacy and across all learning domains.

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: Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone

Speakers

Jared Lisonbee

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Jared Lisonbee earned a Ph. D. in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University. He taught in higher education for over 10 years where his research focus was children’s physiological stress in preschool classrooms. Jared worked in Head Start... Read More →

Cristina Barrera

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Cristina Barrera is a dedicated Preschool Education Specialist with extensive experience in early childhood education. With a career spanning over two decades, Cristina facilitates the healthy development of young children and supports educators and families in this vital field. She... Read More →

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Katrina has a dual BA in Early Childhood and Elementary education, a master’s in education with an emphasis in early numeracy, and she holds a current dual Utah teaching license in PK-3 and 1-8 grades with a TESOL endorsement. Katrina completed her doctorate degree in Educational... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Language Arts, Science
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6

1:30pm MDT

Polleneighbors

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #243

Garden grown and student tested, the Polleneighbors Bin is filled with 3D printed pollen, digital microscopes, and preserved flowers and pollinators from Red Butte Garden. You and your 2nd graders will dive into plant structures, functions, and patterns alongside discussions and research on pollinators and habitats. With three lessons covering SEEd Standards 2.2.1-2.2.3, this bin equips you with innovative resources to nurture your young scientists.

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

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden and Arboretum

Heather has over 20 years of experience in both formal and informal education K-12. Most of that has been spent in informal science education working with statewide programs that include outreach, teacher resources, professional development and writing curriculum to support state... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #243 1755 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level PK - 2

2:50pm MDT

Water Wise: Engaging Science, Inspiring Stewardship

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

Room #146

Join us for an engaging and dynamic professional development experience where science teachers across the state will gain exclusive insights into Utah’s newest curriculum designed to equip teachers with the latest tools and knowledge to bring water science, conservation, and stewardship to life in their classrooms!
The team made up of former educators, policy makers, and science specialists will dive deep into Utah’s most precious resource—water—providing overview of lessons on water cycle, watersheds, the importance of the Great Salt Lake, and the impact of water conservation on our communities and future generations.
This interactive session will provide hands-on activities and ready-to-use lesson plans to help teachers meet curriculum standards while making science exciting and relevant for students. You will gain insight into the ecology, sustainability, and management of Utah’s water systems, explore the impacts of drought and population growth, and discover ways to inspire students to become water-wise problem solvers.
Whether you're looking for innovative activities, new storytelling techniques, or strategies for incorporating real-world environmental challenges into your lessons, you will find activities to make water science fun, relevant, and impactful for students. Don’t miss this chance to expand your expertise in water science and conservation, collaborate with fellow educators, and help shape the next generation of water-wise citizens.

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

Milo Maughan

Secondary Science Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Milo Maughan is the Secondary Science Education Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. With a strong background in physics and a passion for innovative teaching methods, Milo has been instrumental in developing and implementing science standards that engage and inspire students... Read More →

Jill Flygare

Chief Operating Officer, Utah Water Ways

Jill Flygare is the Chief Operating Officer of Utah Water Ways, leveraging her extensive expertise in government administration, policy, and education to drive sustainable water initiatives in Utah. With a background in economic development, planning, finance, and consulting, she... Read More →

Chris Miller

Implementation Speialist, Capturing Kids Hearts

Chris Miller is a dedicated professional from Texas, currently serving as an Implementation Specialist at the Flippen Group, a renowned organization specializing in educational leadership and development. In his role, Chris leverages his extensive experience in education and leadership... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #146 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
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Building Your Ed Tech Roadmap: Using the National Ed Tech Plan as a Guide

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

Room #133

We will look at the National Ed Tech Plan and provide ways it can be used to evaluate and maximize technology use in the classroom. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19VZocGUyM64-KVvZki_6I1Q0NqIq7Dn0Si1h_gkWKsQ/edit?usp=sharing

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

Amber Wright

Digital and Instructional Materials Specialist, USBE

Amber Wright is the Digital and Instructional Materials Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. She previously taught elementary for 7 years at a charter school, then taught 1st and 2nd grade online and finally transitioned into a technology coaching role before coming to... Read More →

Rick Gaisford

Educational Technology Specialist, USBE

Rick Gaisford has 35 years in education and has been involved with educational technology for over 30 years at the classroom, school, district and state levels. He was an elementary school teacher, school technology specialist, district technology specialist and trainer. For the past... Read More →

Melanie Valentine

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, USBE

Melanie Valentine‚Äôs decades-long career spans many educational trends, from teaching with no technology, to the shift to at-home learning, to navigating AI. She has first-hand experience introducing personal computing to rural teachers in Utah and has classroom experience in... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #133 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 Computer Science, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Utilizing the New Focused Graduation Pathway to Keep Students Engaged

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

Room #232

Too often students who are severely credit deficient become hopeless and drop out of school. The new Focused Graduation Pathway (FGP) provides these students with the opportunity to stay in school and acquire the necessary high school level knowledge and skills needed to pass the GED® test. The FGP will provide a student with a High School Credential and allow them to graduate in the same year as their peers. This session will provide a brief overview of the GED® test and the FGP, including how to bring the pathway into your school or district.

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

Stephanie Patton

Adult Education Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education

Stephanie's career has focused on working with underrepresented populations in various positions, including teaching and counseling at an alternative school; working as an advisor for Educational Talent Search; directing an adult education program; and working with adult education... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Adult Education, Leadership
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

2:50pm MDT

Full Class Missions: Bridge the Gap Between Learning and Application for RISE Success

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

Room #233

Join us for an interactive session where you'll discover Mission.io, the ultimate learning adventure that’s free for all rural schools! We’ll guide you through setting up your account, launching your first student mission, and exploring data that shows how schools using Mission.io see RISE scores improve at twice the rate.

This isn’t just another ed-tech tool, it’s a game-changing experience that blends immersive learning with real-world application. Watch as students become engaged problem-solvers, mastering concepts in a way that sticks.

Come ready to explore, set up your school’s free access, and see firsthand how Mission.io is transforming education. Your students are ready for liftoff, are you? 🚀

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

Brooks Heder

Founder, Mission.io

Founder of the internationally award winning program Mission.io, Brooks is committed to making cutting-edge educational tools accessible to all, ensuring that every rural school has free access to Mission.io.Brooks finds joy helping others experience something new and amazing. Something... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Beginner