2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Learn how to utilize AI in your classroom in ways that go beyond hype and truly foster deep learning. In this session, we’ll briefly review the underlying mechanics of large language models before proposing four guiding principles to help you implement AI strategically in your classroom: task alignment, cognitive awareness, digital literacy, and human-centeredness. Using these principles as a lens, we’ll workshop classroom scenarios and discuss the ways artificial intelligence can support and empower our students when implemented strategically.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 11:00 am in Room #137.

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

Learn how Adobe Podcast can help you and your students create engaging audio content, making learning more interactive and fun. Master the ins and outs of Adobe Podcast, from recording to editing. It could be perfect for boosting student engagement and adding a fresh dimension to your teaching toolkit. Ready to amplify your classroom experience? Join us and turn up the volume on learning.

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

In 2026, America250 activities will celebrate our nation’s founding in 1776. In connection with the semiquincentennial, National History Day participants will explore the theme Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History during the upcoming school year.

NHD brings history to life for young people, providing rich opportunities for individualized learning that makes history relevant and accessible to all. Students may choose a topic from local, national, or world history that relates to the theme. They engage in authentic discovery, building digital literacy and analytical skills as they research their topic. They develop literacy skills as they make an argument based on evidence from their research. They develop presentation skills and creativity by creating an exhibit, documentary, performance, website, or paper to showcase their work. Students may opt in to our spring 2026 tournaments, which culminate in a national competition held in Washington, D.C., each June.

NHD is appropriate for 4th-12th grade social studies and E/LA classrooms, and supports a diverse range of students from special education and English language learners through accelerated classes.

In this session you will learn how to put this inquiry model to work in your classroom and meet core standards in social studies and E/LA, all while centering student choice and student voice. National History Day in Utah is a free program housed at the Utah Historical Society. Teachers will receive a set of classroom materials, along with the Utah Historical Society’s free online resources for K-12 learning.


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

Join us for an exciting session where you will discover how picture books can support the Utah Core Standards across all subjects! You will leave with fun ideas that can be applied to any picture books you own, as well as a wealth of book titles to add to your wish list!

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

Over the last three years, the number of multilingual learners (MLs) in Utah’s schools has increased by 14% while, at the same time, these students’ WIDA proficiency levels have decreased by 6%. Now more than ever, teachers require the knowledge and skills to differentiate and scaffold learning for MLs. During our session, you will learn how to utilize multiple Nearpod features (Immersive Reader, AI Create, and Draw-It), and you’ll leave with the tools, strategies, and resources (including lesson and activity templates) you need to better support the MLs in your classroom.

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

We will explore the integration of SEEd standards with the Science and Engineering Practice of modeling. Utilizing mind mapping as a versatile tool to improve students’ understanding of scientific concepts across all grade levels and phenomena. This approach enhances critical thinking by allowing students to visually organize and connect complex ideas. Our session will demonstrate practical applications of mind mapping in modeling and strategies for educators to incorporate these techniques into their classroom. Enrich your science education and the SEEd standards with this innovative teaching method that is applicable to any standard and grade level.

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

Melinda and her Early Learning Coach, Dina will share how they improved her students fluency and retell by using partner reading-paragraph shrinking. They will give information on how to implement this in a classroom, what they learned, and how to adjust it to meet the needs of students. This strategy is for an entire class who has a median composite score 51% or below or if you have seven students below benchmark proficiency on Acadiance Benchmark Data. This strategy is aligned with the Science of Reading and can be found in the book titled, Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsey Kemeny.




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

This course equips educators with practical, evidence-based instructional practices to enhance student writing skills across all subject areas in grades 3-6. Participants will explore research-supported strategies for teaching writing that seamlessly integrate into existing content instruction. Learn how to foster effective writing development without replacing your current writing curriculum or published programs. This course provides actionable techniques and teaching suggestions designed to be adaptable and applicable to diverse learning environments, empowering you to cultivate confident and proficient writers in your classroom.

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