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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9:45am MDT

Empowering Coach-Teacher Collaboration: Elevating Impact with AI

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #145

This presentation explores how instructional coaches can leverage AI chat bots to enrich coaching conversations with teachers. Attendees will gain firsthand experience by setting up and navigating a School AI Space during the session. This interactive workshop will provide practical insights and step-by-step guidance, empowering coaches to create personalized learning experiences that foster teacher growth and development.

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

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

Speakers

Amy Wood

Coaching Specialist, Jordan School District

Amy Wood is a coaching specialist for Jordan School District, with 20 years of educational experience. She has served as both a mentor specialist and a 1st-grade teacher. As a National Board Certified Teacher and UT Teacher Fellow Alumni, Amy is passionate about helping teachers reach... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #145 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 Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Instructional Coaching
Audience EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Not Your Grandmother's Spreadsheets: Deep Dive Into Google Sheets

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #135

Tired of spending hours on tedious spreadsheet tasks? Discover how to transform your workflow with Google Sheets and streamline your productivity. You'll learn how to effortlessly create personalized certificates and notes, send automated form responses, and leverage macros for powerful automation. Say goodbye to manual labor and hello to efficient, organized processes. Join us to unlock the full potential of Google Sheets and revolutionize your workflow!

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

Kaley King

DTL / CTE Program Administrator, Spectrum Academy

Kaley has been in the education field for 13 years, from paraprofessional, to teacher, to assistant principal, to principal to her current role as Digital Teaching and Learning & Career and Technical Education Program Administrator. A well-rounded educator giving well-rounded pre... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #135 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, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Rural STEM Learning Pathways and Effective Educator Support: Strategies for Success

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #137

Rural Utah STEM: Let's tackle real challenges together. In just 45 minutes, we'll explore key insights from the National Academies' report on "K-12 STEM Education and Workforce Development in Rural Areas."

We'll focus on two crucial areas: supporting our valued rural STEM educators and enhancing student STEM learning experiences. Discover practical strategies for recruitment, retention, and professional development. We'll also discuss how to create engaging, place-based learning opportunities and build pathways connecting education to local workforce needs.

This session is about sharing ideas and starting conversations. We'll take a quick dive into the report's recommendations and begin to brainstorm actionable steps for our specific context. You'll leave with a few key takeaways and a renewed perspective on strengthening STEM education in your rural community. Join us to connect, collaborate, and explore possibilities.

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 11:10 am in Room 137.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Device to access google docs, internet, and research study

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 →

Michelle Berg

Science/STEM Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Michelle Berg is a passionate educator and STEM champion with over 16 years of experience in education. She is dedicated to fostering wonder, sense-making, and problem-solving in learning experiences for all students. Michelle has served in various roles, including elementary educator... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #137 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 Other
Subject Area STEM / STEAM
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

What's Next in Google Workspace? Essential Updates for Every Educator

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #131

Stay ahead of the curve! This session offers a forward-looking perspective on the newest Google innovations impacting K-12 education. We'll delve into emerging tools and updated features that are shaping the future of learning, from enhanced integration capabilities to AI-powered assistance. Discover how these advancements can help you create more personalized, accessible, and future-ready learning environments for your students. Get inspired and learn how to strategically incorporate these cutting-edge tools into your teaching practices.

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 9:45 am in Room 131.

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

Speakers

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Innovation Specialist, SESC - Southeast Service Center

JoLynn has been involved in public education for 18 years, with experience as a classroom teacher, site technology resource, behavior management paraprofessional, Title One paraprofessional, and coach. Her current role is a Technology Integration Specialist with SESC- Southeast Education... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #131 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
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

AI and Privacy: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #241

Want to leverage the power of AI in your classroom but worried about student privacy? This session is for you! We'll cover the basics of AI and privacy, including:
- What is AI and how can it be used in education?
- What are the privacy risks of using AI?
- How can you protect student privacy when using AI?
- We'll also provide you with practical tips and resources to help you use AI safely and responsibly.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in the Lecture Hall.

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

Speakers

John Lyman

Student Data Privacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

John is a seasoned instructional designer with a passion for innovative learning experiences. With two decades of experience, a B.S. in Developmental Psychology, and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design, he brings a unique blend of expertise. John excels in creating cutting-edge, immersive... Read More →

Nicole Sanchez

Student Data Privacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Nicole Sanchez brings nearly a decade of experience in Arizona and Utah schools to her role as a Student Data Privacy Specialist. With a background teaching English and ESL, and later as an instructional coach, Nicole is passionate about student literacy in the digital age. For the... Read More →

Jeremy Zabriskie

Data Privacy and Security Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jeremy comes to the data privacy team from his previous role as IT Manager at a K6 charter school. While there, he served as the Data Manager and Information Security Officer, in addition to teaching computer science classes. Jeremy’s fervor for cybersecurity is proven by his multiple... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Leadership, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Instructional Coaching, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Elevate Your Institution's Competative Advantage with Family Engagement

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #238

Amidst a changing educational environment and increasing competition, this conversational session provides actionable insights into how strategic family engagement can be your institution's most powerful competitive advantage.

We'll move beyond the challenges of declining enrollment to explore concrete methods for building strong family partnerships that attract and retain students. Discover data-driven best practices and identify underutilized resources to elevate your institution's standing and ensure its long-term success through meaningful family involvement.

Join this dynamic conversation to learn practical approaches that will set your institution apart for the future.

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

How Nature and Movement Can Impact Educator and Student Wellness

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #144

In this engaging and insightful presentation, we will explore the profound effects that nature and physical movement have on the wellness of both educators and students. Drawing from recent research and practical examples, we will delve into how integrating natural environments and physical activities into educational settings can enhance mental health, boost cognitive function, and improve overall well-being.
Participants will learn about:
• The psychological and physiological benefits of spending time in nature, including reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased creativity.
• The role of physical movement in enhancing brain function, concentration, and academic performance.
• Practical strategies for incorporating nature-based activities and movement into daily routines, both in and out of the classroom.
• Case studies and success stories from schools that have successfully implemented these practices and witnessed positive outcomes.
• Grants to support Outdoor Classrooms, Movement Opportunities for your School, Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant, and Outdoor Infrastructure Grant.
Join us to discover how simple changes in the educational environment can lead to significant improvements in the health and happiness of both educators and students. This presentation is ideal for teachers, school administrators, and anyone interested in promoting a holistic approach to education and wellness.

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

Sarah Roundy

Healthy Environment Active Living (HEAL), Department of Health and Human Services

Sarah Roundy has worked for the Department of Health and Human Services for 21 years focusing on School health and wellness. She has served in various leadership roles such as the President of SHAPE Utah, Utah Healthy Schools Coalition, and was the director of the Gold Medal Schools... Read More →

Teri Davis

Physical Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Teri Davis is the Physical Education & Instructional Materials Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). In her role, Teri focuses on enhancing the quality of physical education and instructional materials across the state. She collaborates closely with various departments... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #144 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 Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Health and Physical Education
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Maintaining Privacy Through the Whistleblowing Process

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #133

This presentation examines the essential role of whistleblowing with a focus on whistleblower protection in the context of education. It aims to discuss how transparency and privacy work together to protect students, parents, teachers, and staff. Creating a culture of whistleblowing in schools helps identify fraud and unsafe practices at an early stage. It also promotes a secure environment for everyone involved.
Attendees will discover best practices regarding adequate privacy measures—such as properly safeguarding the identity of individuals who report issues and establishing clear reporting guidelines—that can empower both staff and students to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Presenters will also discuss lessons learned and the most common challenges arising from implementing whistleblower hotlines in organizations of varying maturity and complexity.
The session will also examine the problem of “indirect identification” and provide best practices for developing effective internal reporting systems. It will explore strategies to balance the demand for transparency with the necessity of protecting individual privacy. Examples of effective tools will be discussed and the State Privacy Auditor function and its reporting mechanisms will be introduced.

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

Nora Kurzova

State Privacy Auditor, Office of the State Auditor

Nora Kurzova is the first State Privacy Auditor (SPA) for the State of Utah. As the SPA, Nora identifies high-risk data processing activities and is tasked with auditing more than 1,500 state agencies and local governmental entities on h personal data. Nora’s professional experience... Read More →

Mark Meyers

Assistant State Privacy Auditor, Office of the State Auditor

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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 Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Raising Up Readers: Scaffolding Grade Level Text for All

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #234

This session will focus on effective strategies to scaffold grade-level texts, ensuring all students, regardless of their reading levels, can access and engage with complex materials. By leveraging before, during, and after reading strategies, educators will learn how to provide the necessary scaffolding to help students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in grade-level content. This session will empower educators with practical tools and strategies to accelerate reading achievement for all students, particularly those who may struggle with grade-level expectations. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas that can be immediately implemented in their classrooms to support learner variability.

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

Speakers

Jennifer Throndsen

Educational Consultant, Impactful Learning Designs

With over 20 years of experience in education, Jennifer Throndsen, PhD, has served in various roles across the classroom, school, district, and state levels. Her career includes positions as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach, district office specialist... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Taming the AI Dragon: Practical Gemini & Notebook LM for Educators

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Lecture Hall

Ready to ditch the digital drudgery and inject some AI awesomeness into your teaching toolkit? This session dives into the dazzling world of Google Gemini and Notebook LM – your FREE secret weapons for boosting productivity and student engagement! Forget endless searching; we'll explore how Gemini can brainstorm ideas faster than you can say "artificial intelligence," speed up writing tasks, and even conjure up "Goldilocks" resources perfectly tailored to your students' needs.

But wait, there's more! Discover why Gemini stands out from the AI crowd (hint: we're serious about data privacy!), and unlock the power of "Gemini Gems" – your reusable prompts for maximum impact. Plus, journey into the realm of Notebook LM for next-level insights and podcast summaries that will blow your mind.

Whether you're an AI newbie or a tech-savvy guru, come join the fun and leave with practical strategies and a treasure trove of resources (including some amazing free courses and toolkits!) to transform your teaching practice. Let's unleash the power of AI, the Google way!

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 11 at 3:10 pm 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: School-Based Google account

Speakers

Clint Stephens

Technology Innovation Specialist, SEDC - Southwest Educational Development Center

During his twelve years teaching secondary Science, Regional Technology Integration Specialist Clint Stephens was awarded the Utah Middle School Science Teacher of the Year award in addition to several technology innovation grants & awards. Currently, Clint is a Level 1 & 2 Certified... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Lecture Hall 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 All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

SchoolAi: Using AI in the Classroom

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #233

Discover how SchoolAI can revolutionize classroom learning across all subjects. This session will explore the dynamic role of AI in education, demonstrating how it can make lessons more engaging, personalized, and effective.
You'll get hands-on experience with SchoolAI's innovative tools, learning how to integrate them seamlessly into your teaching practice. By the end of this presentation, you'll be equipped with practical strategies to use AI to inspire and support your students' learning journey.....starting right now!

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

Speakers

Jeff Couch

Director of School Growth, SchoolAi

Jeff is the Director of School Growth over Utah for SchoolAi. Jeff has previously been with Sphero, Instructure and several other EdTech companies. His kids attend school in Jordan School District.

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Professional Learning Communities - PLC's, PLN's, etc.
Subject Area Not Applicable, Other
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Discover Hidden Gems in Utah’s Online School Library

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #138

Get ready to dig deep into Utah’s Online School Library and uncover the hidden gems that will elevate your students’ research and literacy skills! In this presentation, you’ll learn how to navigate the library’s extensive resources and discover the best-kept secrets that will help your students excel. Explore the Gale Reference Collection for academic and vetted information on topics like opposing viewpoints, business insights, health & wellness, and science. World Book Online offers detailed articles, videos, interactive maps, and engaging activities. SIRS Issues Researcher allows your students to dive into leading issues in business & economics, civil rights & liberties, communication & technology, and more. Explore Teaching Books and SORA to further enhance your students’ learning experience. Get your compass and shovels ready to find these hidden gems that will make your students’ research come alive.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Some sort of device, a laptop is best.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Tablet or Mobile Device

Speakers

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Senior Technical Specialist, UEN - Utah Education Network

Kayla Towner, a tech enthusiast, is the Product Manager & Technology Specialist at the Utah Education Network (UEN). She loves spending time with her family - playing soccer ⚽️, listening to audiobooks 📚, hiking 🥾, & adventuring around Utah 🏔️. She’s passionate about... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #138 1750 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 Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Other
Subject Area Not Applicable, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Thank You for the Feedback

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #132

Explore with us the three types of feedback that can be leveraged to create a culture focused on growth and improvement in your classroom, school, and district. We will be looking at the attributes of appreciative, coaching, and evaluative feedback. You will dig into how to create each type of feedback and set up feedback sessions for success with students, teachers, and administrators.

We will also take a deep dive at the pitfalls we all experience while giving and receiving feedback and explore the knowledge, skills, and dispositions we all need to develop in order to give and receive authentic feedback and use it as a catalyst for growth.

For a classroom, school, or district to be a place where students, teachers, and administrators own their own learning and growth, there must be high value placed on high quality feedback.

Once all learners in the system begin to own their own growth, a culture of growth and improvement takes root and empowers each person individually while building collective efficacy across the board. Where personal empowerment and collective efficacy thrive, student growth and impact is inevitable.

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: Personal Cell Phone

Speakers

Paula Carlson

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

Paula is in her 28th year in education. She has taught math in South Summit School District for 25 of those 28 years until THIS year when she took on the role of instruction coach. Instructional Coaching is new in South Summit School District and when you ask Paula why she is passionate... Read More →

Melissa Metcalf

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

Melissa Metcalf is another Instructional Coach in South Summit School District. She has 13 years of experience in Alpine and South Summit School District. She has taught kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and been a reading specialist before taking on the role of Instructional Coach... Read More →

Shelley Halverson

Director of Teaching and Learning, South Summit School District

Shelley Halverson feels fortunate to be working in South Summit School District as the Director of Teaching and Learning. She is passionate about creating cultures where others are able to do their best work, take risks, move the work forward, and have a lot of fun in the process... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #132 1750 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 Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Tier 1 Text: Scaffolded Reading Techniques to Engage Every Student

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #148

This two-hour interactive presentation will consist of an overview of the University of Utah Reading Clinic’s research-based Tier 1 Text model with a focus on how this model allows teachers to support and reach every student. The purpose of this model is to assist students in building fluency and comprehension for immediate and transfer text.

This instructional model can be used with any and all adopted curricula and supports Utah State ELA Standards. The research base for the UURC Tier 1 Text model is broad and includes Logan’s (1997) automaticity theory; Stahl, Kuhn, and Schwanenflugel’s (2003, 2005, 2006, 2008) empirical and applied work related to fluency oriented reading instruction; and Beck and McKeown’s (1996, 2004, 2006, 2010) questioning the author empirical and applied work. Recent research is showing significant improvements for students receiving UURC Tier 1 Text instruction (Opatz & Kocherhans, 2023).

Specific scaffolding strategies will be demonstrated and practiced. Some of these strategies include preview with graphic organizer, various comprehension supports, echo read, review, whole class choral re-read, documenting new ideas on graphic organizer.

Specific engagement strategies are built into these procedures and will be demonstrated: Echo reading, choral reading, echo spelling, scaffolded comprehension questioning, location/action prompts, roving the classroom, graphic organizer work.

The last thirty minutes of the presentation will be dedicated to Q&A related to presentation content as well as UURC services and professional development opportunities available to rural schools.

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 device with internet access for the end of the presentation

Speakers

Breyanna Evans

Intervention Specialist, University of Utah Reading Clinic

Breyanna Evans received her Bachelor of Science in creative writing from Utah Valley University. Upon graduating, Breyanna worked as a reading intervention aide at Pinnacle Canyon Academy while she obtained her teaching license. She taught secondary English for three years, first... Read More →

Rachelle Packer

Intervention Specialist, University of Utah Reading Clinic

Rachelle Packer (M.Ed.) earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Brigham Young University, and a Master’s of Education degree in Reading and Literacy from the University of Utah with an Advanced Reading Endorsement and an Intervention Endorsement. Rachelle has been a... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #148 1750 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 Other
Subject Area Language Arts, ESL, Special Education, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

InstaTeacher: Teacher Leadership in the Age of Social Media

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

Commons

In today’s digital world, teachers have become more than classroom leaders; they are influential figures online. InstaTeacher explores how educators can use social media to build their professional identity, advocate for their roles, and strengthen connections with the broader school community.

This session dives into key strategies for:
-Self-Advocacy & Self-Presentation: Learn how to create a professional online presence that reflects your teaching philosophy and promotes your leadership.
-Community Guidelines: Understand the importance of establishing clear boundaries to protect yourself, your students, and your school in the social media space.
-Community Outreach: Discover how to engage with parents, students, and fellow educators through social platforms to foster collaboration and support.
-Digital Literacy: Equip yourself and your students with the skills to critically analyze and create content online.
-Healthy Student-Teacher Relationships: Explore how to build safe, respectful, and professional online interactions with students while maintaining clear boundaries.

Whether you're new to social media or a seasoned pro, this session provides practical insights and tools to help you lead confidently in the digital space. You'll leave ready to enhance your online presence, advocate for your profession, and connect meaningfully with your community.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Social Media Platform

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

Speakers

Jamie Marble

Classroom Teacher, Bear River High School

Jamie Jo Marble is an English Teacher at Bear River High School, and is currently in her 5th year of teaching. She strives to make authentic connections with her students, and develop collaborative relationships based on the practical applications of language arts education in both... Read More →

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 →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

USBE AI in Education Showcase - Teacher-Created Lesson Plans in All Grade Levels & Curriculum Areas

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

Commons

**Specific presentation titles and descriptions coming soon!

These poster presentation sessions showcase innovative and engaging AI-infused lesson plans developed by Utah K-12 educators and supported by the Utah STEM Action Center and USBE. These lesson plans integrate AI technologies and concepts into various subject areas, demonstrating how AI can transform teaching and learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these lesson plans, connect with educators who implemented them, and gain insights into best practices for incorporating AI into K-12 education.

Key Takeaways:
* Discover a variety of AI-infused lesson plans across different grade levels and subjects.
* Learn from educators who have successfully implemented these lesson plans in their classrooms.
* Explore strategies for integrating AI technologies and concepts into teaching and learning.
* Engage in discussions with peers and experts about the potential and challenges of using AI in K-12 education.

Speakers

Presenters TBD

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area All
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Bringing Characters to Life Using Adobe Character Animator

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 11:27am MDT

Room #144

Discover the magic of Adobe Character Animator as you step into the future of storytelling. Learn how to create engaging, animated characters that can lip-sync in real-time with your own voice (or your students' voices), bringing lessons to life in an interactive and fun way. You'll learn how to make characters sync to your face, shoulders, and hands so you can both speak and act in character. Adobe Character Animator is provided free of charge to Utah public school teachers in grades K-12, and to public school students in grades 7-12. Join us and transform the way you connect with your students through the power of animation!

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

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 →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 11:27am MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), 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 All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

AI for a Rise and Something to Aspire to!

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Lecture Hall

Come see what how educators are able to mimic the k-8 Rise Test questions and High School Aspire plus questions. Practice all Year using the one tool we all have access to, Canvas! Nothing here to buy you already have all you need! This is a colaborative project, if you don't see what you need, Lets make it together!

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 1:40 pm 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, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook

Speakers

Jason Snow

Regional Technology Trainer, Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Have helped hundreds or teachers find success with Mission.IO at dozens of schools and 5 conferences

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Lecture Hall 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, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Collective Efficacy: Empowering Teachers and Boosting Student Success

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #235

This session will empower participants to create a culture of collective efficacy, leading to improved teacher morale, increased student engagement, and ultimately, higher levels of student achievement. By focusing on building shared beliefs and empowering staff, schools can unlock their full potential and create a truly successful learning environment for all students.

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

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

With a career spanning 29 years in education, Katie Jones has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of educators working together. Her experience as a classroom teacher (K-7), reading specialist, and instructional coach across all levels has solidified her belief in the potential... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #235 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 Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Data-Driven Storytelling: Creating User Friendly Dashboards in Looker Studio

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #135

Take your data visualization skills to the next level! Learn how to transform raw data into engaging and informative dashboards. Discover the art of storytelling with data, from structuring your Looker Studio reports to enhancing their visual appeal with graphic design principles. Dive deeper into advanced formulas and navigation techniques to create interactive and user-friendly dashboards. By the end, you'll be equipped to craft compelling data stories that captivate your audience and drive meaningful insights.

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

Kaley King

DTL / CTE Program Administrator, Spectrum Academy

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #135 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, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Rural STEM Learning Pathways and Effective Educator Support: Strategies for Success

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #137

Rural Utah STEM: Let's tackle real challenges together. In just 45 minutes, we'll explore key insights from the National Academies' report on "K-12 STEM Education and Workforce Development in Rural Areas."

We'll focus on two crucial areas: supporting our valued rural STEM educators and enhancing student STEM learning experiences. Discover practical strategies for recruitment, retention, and professional development. We'll also discuss how to create engaging, place-based learning opportunities and build pathways connecting education to local workforce needs.

This session is about sharing ideas and starting conversations. We'll take a quick dive into the report's recommendations and begin to brainstorm actionable steps for our specific context. You'll leave with a few key takeaways and a renewed perspective on strengthening STEM education in your rural community. Join us to connect, collaborate, and explore possibilities.

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 9:45 am in Room 137.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Device to access google docs, internet, and research study

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

Michelle Berg

Science/STEM Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #137 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 Other
Subject Area STEM / STEAM
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

What's Next in Google Workspace? Essential Updates for Every Educator

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #131

Stay ahead of the curve! This session offers a forward-looking perspective on the newest Google innovations impacting K-12 education. We'll delve into emerging tools and updated features that are shaping the future of learning, from enhanced integration capabilities to AI-powered assistance. Discover how these advancements can help you create more personalized, accessible, and future-ready learning environments for your students. Get inspired and learn how to strategically incorporate these cutting-edge tools into your teaching practices.

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 11:10 am in Room 131.

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

Speakers

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Innovation Specialist, SESC - Southeast Service Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #131 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
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Celebrating Educators: Creating Meaningful Recognition Practices

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #242

Join us for an inspiring session on celebrating teachers and fostering a culture of appreciation in schools. Discover creative and meaningful ways to recognize educators' efforts, build morale, and highlight their invaluable contributions. This session will include practical strategies, examples of successful recognition programs, and collaborative brainstorming to help participants tailor celebrations to their unique school communities. Let’s uplift the most amazing people in the world and create environments where they feel seen, valued, and celebrated 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: Not Applicable

Speakers

Kristin Van Brunt

Instructional Coach, Davis School District

Kristin van Brunt began her educational journey as an English/Language Arts and Spanish teacher in the Davis School District 31 years ago. Over the years, she has discovered and developed a passion for professional learning and helping teachers continue to grow throughout their careers... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #242 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 Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience Instructional Coaches, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Digital Skills, Analog Tools: Unplugged Coding for Kids

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #147

Explore coding through hands-on, screen-free activities using everyday materials. This session equips educators with strategies to teach algorithms, sequencing, and problem-solving. Gain ready-to-use activities that develop critical thinking and collaboration in diverse classrooms, enhancing coding skills with analog tools in an engaging way.

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

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Kelli Cannon has been an educator for twelve years, teaching upper elementary students prior to her current role as a Digital Learning Specialist. Kelli is a Utah Teacher Fellow and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, as well as endorsements in Teaching English as... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #147 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 STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Exploring Cultural Responsiveness: Practicum Experiences in Rural Educational Settings

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #136

Southern Utah University is committed to equipping teacher candidates with diverse classroom experiences rooted in a culturally responsive framework. As part of this mission, we have established a unique partnership with Monument Valley High School, where students immerse themselves for a week in a rural school setting within a Navajo community. This session will explain the rationale behind this valuable opportunity and how it prepares future educators to teach in diverse environments across Utah.
Throughout this presentation, we will share the insights and lessons learned from our teacher candidates' time in the school and community of Monument Valley. Presenters will highlight culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices observed, offering insights into their relationship with the contextual factors of this rural setting. We will discuss how these practices influence student engagement and success, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments. Specific examples from the practicums will be provided to illustrate how these practices contribute to creating positive learning experiences for all students.
The goal of this presentation is to explore the impact of experiential learning in diverse settings, allowing teacher candidates to hone their skills in real-world contexts. By engaging directly with administrators, in-service teachers, and the local community, students gain invaluable hands-on learning opportunities that enrich their professional development. This immersive experience not only enhances teaching practices but also broadens students' perspectives, helping them build the tools needed to teach effectively in any 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: Not Applicable

Speakers

Laureen Graves

Assistant Professor/Field Services Director, Southern Utah University

Laureen Graves is a passionate educator, married to Christopher Graves, also a professor at SUU, with four children and four grandchildren who bring immense joy to their lives. As a committed advocate for the teaching profession, Laureen strives to prepare students to become highly... Read More →

Heather Kennedy

Assistant Professor, SUU - Southern Utah University

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #136 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 Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Adult Education
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

From Comics to Comprehension: Why Graphic Novels Belong in Every Classroom and School Library

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #241

In this dynamic and relevant session, K-12 educators will explore the powerful role of graphic novels in fostering literacy, critical thinking, and student engagement. We will examine how graphic novels support diverse learning needs, enhance comprehension through multimodal storytelling, and align with educational standards. Educators will gain practical strategies for integrating graphic novels into their curriculum and school libraries to support reluctant readers, English language learners, and advanced students alike. Participants will leave with research-based insights, recommended titles, and advocacy tools to champion the value of graphic novels in their schools.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in Room 134.

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

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District

Gretchen Zaitzeff is the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and the Past-President of the Utah School Library Association (USLA). She is deeply committed to professional learning, instructional leadership, and literacy, actively supporting... Read More →

Davina Sauthoff

K12 Library Media Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Davina Sauthoff, EdD., is the Library Media Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, where she champions the expertise of school 🏫 librarians and their vital role in enriching the learning experiences of Utah 🌄 students. A recognized leader in the field, Davina frequently... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #241 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 Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Lessons in Leadership from the Culture Code

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #231

Discover how to create a thriving school culture with insights from Daniel Coyle's best-seller, The Culture Code. This presentation is designed for educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders who want to improve their leadership skills. By understanding the importance of safety, vulnerability, and purpose, you can create an environment where people feel comfortable taking risks, sharing ideas, and working towards a common goal.

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

Dani Sloan

EdTech Instructor, Utah Education Network

Dr. Dani Sloan helps educators lead, research, and teach digital citizenship. She's a UEN Product Manager, U of U Instructor, former Elementary Teacher, and current mom to a sixth grader. She's passionate about preparing students for a digital world, her dachshunds, and terrible reality... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm 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 Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Power Tools: Differentiate For All Your Learners Without Teacher Burn-Out

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #234

We've all faced it. The dilemma of how to best meet the diverse needs of ALL our students and still provide the same instruction to all. In this session, I will show you ways to easily re-level texts for struggling readers or readers who need to be challenged; quickly produce a text that meets the requirements of a given Core Standard that is age-appropriate for your students; and easily translate any assignment for students who don't speak the language you are teaching in. And, did I mention that it won't take you hours to do?

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

Dari Thacker

4th/5th Grade Teacher, Silver Summit Elementary

I have been teaching in a blended grade setting for the last 8 years. I integrate domains together. For example, Writing and ELA are both aligned with Utah's History Core Standards. Since there isn't an ELA/Writing curriculum out there that does this, I have created my own. In order... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm 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.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area ESL, Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Taking a Unified Approach to Meet School Prevention Requirements

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #238

In accordance with Utah law, every school is mandated to develop and implement a substance use prevention plan, also known as a positive behaviors plan, as well as a suicide prevention plan. This presentation will explore how these two essential plans can be integrated to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. By recognizing the overlapping requirements and similar strategies inherent in both plans, school leaders can streamline their efforts, saving valuable time while enhancing their prevention work. Attendees will learn how to create a unified approach that addresses both substance use and suicide prevention, ensuring comprehensive support for students. This session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies for developing cohesive plans that foster positive behaviors and mental health, ultimately contributing to a safer and more supportive school environment.

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

Speakers

Cathy Davis

Prevention Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Since 2014, Cathy Davis, M.Ed. has served as the Suicide Prevention Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) focusing on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (after a suicide) efforts.She began her education career in 1994 as a science educator. She taught... Read More →

Clarissa Stebbing

Prevention Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Clarissa joined the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) as a Prevention Specialist in 2019, where she is primarily responsible for substance use prevention and coordinating the Prevention Block Grant. Her career began at a substance use disorder treatment center for adolescents... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Learning How to be Diagnostic. Evidence-Based Interventions Made Easy and How to Intensify Them for Each Tier.

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 2:40pm MDT

Room #145

This collaborative learning opportunity will present the research-based information obtained from Matt Burns's book Effective School Interventions and combine it with research by Stevenson and Reed 2017 (Instruction for intensify interventions), The National Center for Intensify Instruction, The Taxonomy of Intensify Instruction by Fuch et al. 2017 and the High-Level Practices (CDC). So when a teacher returns to their classroom, they will be able to pinpoint what intervention each student needs (through diagnosis) and then adjust its intensity. Attendees, please be prepared to share information about successes and failures with the intervention, in confidence.

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

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

Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Sheryl Vernon is a School Psychologist Ed.S. at CUES, where she covers diagnostic testing and Trust Based Relationship Intervention for the region. She received her degree from Brigham Young University.Before working at CUES, Sheryl ran the Crayon Academy Preschool from her home for... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 2:40pm MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Assessment & Data Management, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music, Computer Science, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Special Education
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:30am MDT

Mindset Shifts: Actionable Growth Mindset Techniques

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:30am - 11:47am MDT

Room #144

This presentation proposes a practical framework and actionable steps for integrating Carol Dweck's "Mindset" principles into special education classrooms. We will explore the transformative power of shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of educators embodying these principles to foster authentic implementation. Many students, particularly those with special needs, perceive setbacks as indicators of inherent limitations, hindering their progress and discouraging further effort. We will outline the core concepts of fixed and growth mindsets, illustrating their impact on learning and resilience through real-world examples from educational research. Subsequently, we will present actionable strategies for fostering a growth mindset, focusing on the effective use of specific praise. Finally, educators will leave with a concrete implementation plan to integrate these practices into their classrooms. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1B1gwrJgE8YTccayKsuzy8ur90_cLPxB69fjIp_33k4c/edit?usp=sharing
https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322

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

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

Speakers

Dani Tuttle

Special Education Teacher, Preschool Supervisor

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:30am - 11:47am MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Special Education, Other
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

AI for a Rise and Something to Aspire to!

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #131

Come see what how educators are able to mimic the k-8 Rise Test questions and High School Aspire plus questions. Practice all Year using the one tool we all have access to, Canvas! Nothing here to buy you already have all you need! This is a colaborative project, if you don't see what you need, Lets make it together!

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 11:10 am in the Lecture Hall.

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

Speakers

Jason Snow

Regional Technology Trainer, Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Have helped hundreds or teachers find success with Mission.IO at dozens of schools and 5 conferences

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #131 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, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Building a STARfleet: Mentoring for Teacher Retention

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #235

The future of education depends on the next generation of teachers. This session will provide practical strategies for teacher leaders and principals to cultivate STAR Mentors who effectively Support, Train, Advise, and Retain our bright new stars before they burn out, leading to a stronger, more stable teaching STARfleet. New teacher attrition is a significant challenge, but effective mentoring can make a universe of difference. This session will offer practical solutions and proven strategies for building strong relationships, providing targeted support, and fostering long-term growth. Join us to learn how developing STAR Mentors – the best of the best, ready to guide the next generation – can help you retain your brightest new talent and build a stronger teaching force, ensuring the future of education boldly goes where it needs to go.

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

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #235 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 Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Connecting to Best Practice: Small Moves for Big Effects

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #242

Unlock the power already within your practice! Discover the exciting connections between the successful strategies flourishing in Utah schools and proven, evidence-based research. This isn't about starting over; it's about recognizing the impactful, meaningful instruction you already deliver and seeing its foundation in effective practices.

Prepare for a highly dynamic learning experience! You'll dive into practitioner reports through engaging activities featuring movement, lively discussion, and collaboration. Success means clearly seeing how research validates elements of your great work. You’ll identify one small, powerful shift you can immediately apply for significant results in your own context. With choice in topics relevant to teachers, administrators, and stakeholders, this is personalized, practical professional growth. Leave inspired and equipped to make a big difference with a focused change!

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in Room 143.

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, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook, Any device for viewing pdf files (not mandatory)

Speakers

Meghan Everette

Director of Teaching and Learning, Utah State Board of Education

Meghan Everette is the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Utah State Board of Education. She previously served as the State Director of Utah Leading through Effective, Actionable, and Dynamic Education (ULEAD) Director. Meghanis a veteran educator and taught elementary school... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #242 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, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Elevating Your Art Instruction: Adobe Fresco

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #234

Teachers can take their art instruction to the next level by introducing Adobe Fresco into their classrooms. Digital art is transformative and allows more seamless integration of student work into projects, posters, assignments, etc. Learn the tools and possibilities that your FREE Adobe account can unlock for you. IPads are recommended.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: iPad / iPhone

Speakers

Steve Weller

Teacher - Ephraim Middle School, South Sanpete School District

I have been teaching English for 16 years and digital art for four years at Ephraim Middle School. I regularly publish a webcomic and have created a series of digital temple drawings, along with digital caricatures, traditional painted murals, and have self-published several books... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #234 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
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Building STEM Leadership and Integration: Lessons from Utah’s SEI Cohort

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #135

Nearing the completion of year two of a five-year initiative, the STEM Action Center (STEM AC), in partnership with the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center, developed STEM Education Innovators (SEI) program—a statewide professional learning cohort designed to support secondary STEM educators (grades 6–12) in growing their capacity across four key areas: teacher leadership, STEM integration, content knowledge, and addressing a local STEM-focused problem of practice.

This interactive one-hour session will showcase the SEI learning design, which blends long-term, job-embedded professional learning with personalized support. Attendees will hear directly from current SEI teacher leaders, explore the cohort’s learning experiences, and examine the systems-level design that sustains educator growth over time.

The session will also provide a preview of the elementary SEI cohort, launching in Fall 2027, and highlight ways school and district leaders can support educators in leveraging the SEI experience to foster STEM instructional improvement, leadership development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Designed for school and district leaders, instructional coaches, and K12educators, this session offers insights into how the SEI model can support their capacity for high-impact STEM teaching and learning. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the SEI framework and how ongoing professional learning supports strengthen and build STEM knowledge and capacity among K12 teacher leaders.

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

Kellie Yates

Collaboration and Program Development Manager, STEM Action Center

Kellie Yates is the Collaboration and Program Development Manager at the Utah STEM Action Center, where she serves as the STEM Liaison between the STEM Action Center and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). She earned a bachelor’s degree in Technology and Industrial Education... Read More →

Kody Colvin

Lead Schoool & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center

Dr. Kody Colvin is the Lead School and District improvement specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). Kody spent 11 years in the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—assistant principal and principal... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm 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 Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Discovering what your students really know when “asking” the right questions

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #132

We have all been students or participants in lessons during which people talked “at us” but didn’t engage us. We weren’t expected to do anything. So what did we do? What did we learn? Most likely, not much. But, when a teacher uses well-crafted questions and short “tasks” throughout a lesson in which students have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of content, students are engaged and far more likely to understand the material as it is being taught. Even more important, the educator can more effectively assess student understanding throughout the lesson and pivot when necessary.

This presentation is designed to address Open, Assessment, and Engagement Questions or Tasks. At the conclusion, educators will be able to identify what each sounds or looks like and when they are most appropriate for use as well as the amount of student engagement they can count upon when they are in use. Educators will have the opportunity to write questions of each type that they will use in a lesson they teach in their classroom. Instructional coaches will have an opportunity to learn about the three types of questions and how to collect data to support teachers.

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

Jennifer King

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

Jennifer King has been involved in education for 29 years. She has been a middle and high school social studies teacher, has been an elementary and high school instructional coach in Park CIty School District, and an elementary principal in Murray School District. She is currently... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, 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 Instructional Coaching, Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Energize and Elevate Teaching and Learning for All!

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #137

Would you like to develop critical thinking for all of your students ? Do you want to motivate the unmotivated by bringing fun, divergent ways of thinking to your classroom? Do you want students who are interested in your standards-based lessons and who retain and track their own learning? If so, don’t miss this opportunity to learn strategies to elevate your instruction.. I’ll focus on strategies to engage and enhance learning for all of your students through meaningful, relevant learning. Bring back the joy of learning for you and your students through storytelling and engaging, relevant lessons!

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: iPad / iPhone

Speakers

Kathy Einhorn

Teacher (retired) Administrator (retired), Park City School District (retired)

Kathleen (Kathy) Einhorn is in her 40th year an educator. She started her career in Salt Lake City, Utah as a junior high special education teacher, and continued working as a teacher (English, reading, Special Education), curriculum director, Instructional Support Specialist, Principal... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #137 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 Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Leading with Hope: Building Resilient Communities

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #141

In a world where school leaders face increasing challenges, the need for compassionate leadership and a hopeful mindset has never been more crucial. This session will explore the transformative power of compassion and hope in fostering school communities where both staff and students thrive. Participants will gain practical strategies for integrating these values into everyday school leadership practices, creating environments of support, empathy, and resilience.

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 →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #141 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 Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Professional Development Credit Options

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #237

Southern Utah University provides a unique opportunity for education organizations to build tailored courses for Professional Development (PD) graduate credit. Our P-12 Team works directly with your PD representative(s) to develop course activities that reinforce your desired learning outcomes. In this session, you will be introduced to the process and parameters for providing this unique partnership opportunity to your organization. Courses can be developed for conferences, institutes, trainings, ongoing professional development activities, and specific outcomes defined by your organization. Course completion includes 1-3 credit hours of 5000 level graduate credit, completed remotely in conjunction with your PD activities. Credit is vetted through our P-12 Team, accredited, and awarded on candidates’ SUU transcripts.

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

Speakers

Joey Foote

P-12 Programs Director, Southern Utah University

Joey Foote is a 40 year veteran of Utah Public Schools, working there as teacher and principal. In addition, he served 5 years as District Superintendent in Rural Idaho Public Schools. After retiring from Public Education, Joey accepted a position as the Clinical Director in the UVU... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #237 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 Leadership, Other
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Reel Rights: Curating, Streaming, and Copyright Essentials for Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #134

In an era where digital media is as ubiquitous as print, schools and their libraries are increasingly tasked with providing access to engaging film collections and content and navigating the complex world of streaming and copyright. This presentation is designed to equip administrators, classroom teachers and school librarians with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to build a film collection and provide access to content that not only captivates and informs your students but also adheres to educational, legal and ethical standards.

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

Speakers

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #134 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, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Science, Social Studies, Instructional Coaching, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Student and Child-Centered: Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model Lives in Rural Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #147

It is unusual to note the theory in practice as readily as it can be seen when overlaying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological model in rural spaces. “The bioecological theory of human development, initially termed an ecological model approach, was originally proposed by Bronfenbrenner to explain how human development occurs, focusing largely on the impact of context” (Rosa & Tudge, 2013, p243). His theory places the child at the center and recognizes the many influences on the child and the influence of the child on his world. This nesting of the child provides opportunities for growth and development within a strengths-based framework which employs place-based pedagogy. Likewise, this framework welcomes community engagement and commitment to the growth, well-being, and care of all within a mutual network.

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: Windows Laptop

Speakers

Darren Parry

Former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, University of Utah

Darren Parry is the former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for Utah Humanities and PBS Utah. He attended the University of Utah and Weber State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In 2024... Read More →

Pam Powell

Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Southern Utah University

Dr. Pam Powell spent over two decades as an elementary teacher prior to her appointment at Northern Arizona University. While there, she served as Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning and as Associate Dean of the College of Education. In the state of Arizona, she served... Read More →

Sarah Allen

Department Chair, SUU - Southern Utah University

Sarah Allen, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Family Life and Human Development at Southern Utah University. She received her doctorate in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph in Ontario Canada. Over the past... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #147 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 Language Arts, Other
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Teaching through Modeling: DigCit in Action

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #136

Ready to transform your classroom into a digital citizenship training ground? This session equips you to seamlessly integrate key skills into your daily routine. Imagine your students empowered to craft clear emails like communication pros, confidently report concerns with the SafeUT app, navigate social media with critical thinking, and unleash their creativity by responsibly producing engaging YouTube and reel-style videos. Join us and become the digital citizenship role model your students deserve!

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

Speakers

Dani Sloan

EdTech Instructor, Utah Education Network

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #136 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, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Transform Your Canvas in 3 Minutes: Boosting Student Engagement and Reducing Failure Rates

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #238

Are your students lost in the "gray wall of text" that is Canvas? Do parents struggle to understand how their children are performing? Are teachers spending their Saturday nights sending follow-up emails?

Join Dr. Jared R. Chapman for an interactive demonstration of Delphinium, a game-changing Canvas enhancement that transforms standard courses into visually engaging learning environments in just three minutes. No migration, no new platforms to learn - just a simple transformation that makes Canvas work better for everyone.

In this session, you'll discover how Delphinium:

• Creates a colorful, intuitive interface that helps students instantly understand their progress
• Motivates learners through gamification elements that make online learning fun
• Provides teachers with powerful communication tools that automate parent outreach
• Identifies struggling students early with visual analytics
• Delivers measurable results, including a 31% reduction in course failure rates

You'll leave with a clear understanding of how Delphinium can save your teachers time, increase student engagement, reduce parent complaints, and improve academic outcomes across your district.

Appropriate for K-12 administrators, technology coordinators, and teachers who use Canvas LMS. No technical expertise required - if you can use Canvas, you can use Delphinium!

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: No

Speakers

Jared Chapman

Chief Innovation Officer / Owner, Delphinium

Dr. Jared Chapman is the founder of Delphinium and a professor of Organizational Behavior at Utah Valley University. With over 25 years of experience in education and educational technology, he has dedicated his career to solving engagement challenges in online and hybrid learning... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Intermediate

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Professional Learning Communities - PLC's, PLN's, etc.
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Math the Matters: Reaching Every Student

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #148

Participants will engage in a math task and reflect on how the design of the task meets the needs of all students. Participants will explore USBE Mathematics Resources that support the implementation of high quality mathematics 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

Speakers

Molly Basham

Early Learning Mathematics Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Molly Basham is the Early Learning Mathematics Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. Molly comes to this roll with a background in preschool and elementary education having taught PreK, kindergarten, second, and fourth grade during her time as a classroom teacher. Prior... Read More →

Mike Spencer

Secondary Mathematics Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Mike earned his M.Ed. with a concentration in Mathematics from Utah State University and a BS in Mathematics Education from the same institution. He spent 17 years teaching secondary mathematics and serving as an instructional coach for. In his current role as the Secondary Math Specialist... Read More →

Melissa Garber

Elementary Mathematics Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Melissa Garber is a proud University of Utah graduate and the current Elementary Mathematics Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. Melissa has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of learners, including K-6 students, pre-service teachers, and experienced educators... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #148 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.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

CATALYST - Coaching and Alignment Toward Adaptive Leadership Yielding Systemic Transformation

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #138

This interactive session offers a hands-on introduction to CATALYST, a statewide professional learning experience designed by the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center in partnership with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to support leaders in building coherent, aligned systems that lead to stronger outcomes for students.

In this two-hour session, participants will engage in key elements of the CATALYST professional learning series: exploring leadership principles that drive collective action, using tools for enhancing system alignment, and experiencing strategies to strengthen leadership coaching and mentoring—particularly the relationship between principals and their supervisors. Participants will get a taste of the CATALYST professional learning design, collaborative learning, and practical resources that make it a powerful space for transformation.

Participants will leave with:
* Practical tools and materials used in the CATALYST program
* A deeper understanding of leadership mindsets and moves that foster coherence
* Insights into how CATALYST strengthens principal–supervisor partnerships and builds trust and shared leadership
* A preview of how the statewide CATALYST cohort fosters connection, support, and momentum among school and district leaders

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

Andrea Rorrer

Director, UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center

Dr. Andrea K. Rorrer  is the Director of the UEPC and a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. Andrea, who has 35 years of experience in education, received her master’s degree at the University of Virginia and her Ph.D. from the University of Texas... Read More →

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center

Cori Groth, Ph.D. Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) Dr. Cori Groth is the Associate Director of the Utah Education Policy Center at the University of Utah, where she collaborates with school, district, and community leaders to strengthen programs, policies, and... Read More →

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Quinn Kellis is the Leadership Development Coordinator at USBE. He is also the lead administrator for the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP), Accreditation Liaison, Rural Schools Liaison, and chair of the Utah Coalition of Education Leaders. He is a former superintendent... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #138 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Lead From the Classroom to the Community

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Commons

Discover how early-career teachers can step into leadership as Community Outreach Leads by building strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations. This session explores how this role provides teachers with opportunities to grow professionally, strengthen relationships with students and families (especially marginalized communities) and create meaningful school-community connections.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: No

Speakers

Fangaafa Tuifua

Teacher, Teacher Fellows

Fangaafa Fataimoemanu Tu’ifua, known to her students as Ms. Fatai, is currently a 5th grade teacher at Canyons School District and serves as a Hope Street Group Utah Teacher Fellow. She was Teacher of the Year 2023-2024 at East Midvale Elementary. Her greatest investment as a teacher-leader... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

USBE AI in Education Showcase - Teacher-Created Lesson Plans in All Grade Levels & Curriculum Areas

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Commons

Speakers

Presenters TBD

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area All
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Try Walking In My Shoes

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #133

This presentation will provide helpful information on strategies to assist children who have a variety of different learning abilities. Teachers will have an opportunity to see through the eyes of these differently abled students, and experience some of the different struggles these students may face in the classroom. This presentation will also provide many helpful strategies to make the classroom a more welcoming and safe place for students of all abilities.

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

Speakers

BethAnne Chidester

Severe Special Ed Teacher, Manti High School

BethAnne has taught special education for 20 years. She has a deep passion for working with people with different abilities and loves to share with others what she's learned in and out of the classroom.

Hillary Palmer

Occupational Therapist, South Sanpete School District

Hillary has a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and is entering her 10th year of school based occupational therapy practice. She has worked with kids from the ages of 3 up until they age out of high school, and has worked with kids of all different ability levels. She offers... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #133 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 School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #134

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 Wednesday, July 9 at 2:50 pm in Room 241.

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #134 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

3:10pm MDT

Beyond the Page: Elevating Students with Digital Resources

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #242

Step into the dynamic world of digital literacy and discover how to transform your classroom with two powerful resources: Teaching Books and Sora ebooks. This session will equip K-12 educators with practical strategies to enhance student engagement and deepen comprehension through multimedia content and digital access.
Are you looking for innovative ways to bring books to life? We'll explore Teaching Books, a treasure trove of author interviews, book trailers, lesson plans, and more, designed to spark curiosity and connect students with literature on a deeper level. Learn how to leverage these resources to introduce new units, generate excitement for reading, and support diverse learning needs.
Then, dive into Sora, your school's digital library, and discover the ease and accessibility of ebooks and audiobooks. We'll demonstrate how to navigate this user-friendly platform, assign digital materials, and track student progress. Learn how to provide equitable access to a vast collection of titles, support struggling readers with built-in accessibility features, and encourage independent reading.
Join us to discover how to seamlessly integrate Teaching Books and Sora into your curriculum, creating a comprehensive digital literacy experience that goes "Beyond the Page" and empowers your students to become lifelong readers and learners.

NOTE: This session repeats on Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 pm in Room 235.

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

Speakers

Chris Haught

Media Specialist, Southwest Educational Development Center

Chris Haught is the Technology/Media Mentor at Southwest Educational Service Center (SEDC), a regional Service Center that serves six district and seven charter ELA’s.Chris works closely with the region’s librarians providing support and training on Utah’s Online Library, the... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #242 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 Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Building Bridges: Practical Strategies to Empower Teachers To Help All Language Learners Succeed

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #147

Helping ESL students succeed can be challenging, especially when negative academic transitions lead to poor performance, low self-esteem or even school dropout. How can we better engage these students and motivate them to improve their English skills and communicate more effectively?
In this session, you'll learn practical strategies and resources to support ESL learners in diverse classrooms. We'll explore ways to create an inclusive environment, break down language barriers, and help students transition smoothly into their academic journey. Whether you teach in a dual-language program, world language classroom, or work with multilingual students in a regular classroom,You’ll walk away with easy-to-apply, powerful tools to help your learners thrive and reach their full potential.

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

Talia A. Casares

DLI Teacher, North Sanpete School District

Talia A. Casares, originally from Mexico City, moved to the U.S. to pursue a degree in Spanish teaching. She holds a Master’s in Spanish Pedagogy from Brigham Young University and has earned endorsements in Dual Language Immersion (DLI), TESOL, STEM, and Educational Technology... Read More →

Patricia Zavala

DLI Teacher, North Sanpete School District

Patricia Zavala is a 5th-grade Spanish Dual Immersion teacher at North Sanpete School District with nearly 30 years of experience teaching Spanish and English in diverse classroom settings. She has taught in language institutes, bilingual, and multilingual schools in her hometown... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #147 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 Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area ESL, World Languages
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

From Silos to Synergy: Integrating Instructional Ecosystems

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #132

Have you ever wondered about the easiest and most effective ways to accentuate the natural connections that exist across content areas? Have you ever considered how to create systemic supports that incentivize instructional collaboration between teachers of different subjects in Secondary settings? Have you ever thought about using the essential skills in your Portrait of a Graduate/Profile of a Learner as the catalyst for systems-wide integration?

Utah community members expressed that in order to empower our students to develop the essential skills and dispositions present in our Portrait of a Graduate, integrated systems are crucial, because life isn't siloed EXCEPT during traditional schooling. Our community believes that integration provides opportunities for authentic learning and it empowers learners of every background, historic achievement level and socioeconomic status to build the knowledge, skills and dispositions that will set them up for a life well-lived.

The session will begin by inviting participants to explore some of the resources our community has created around integrated subjects and classrooms. Then, using participants' observations and wonders as fuel, we'll share the story of Utah's movement towards integration, asking participants to put themselves in the decision makers seat during some of the challenging inflection points we have faced. Participants will finish the session by reflecting on how the insights they gained can help their communities move towards integrated experiences as the educational normal. We can't wait to learn with and from you in this highly interactive session!

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

Nathan Auck

STEM Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education

Nathan Auck has engaged stakeholders at all levels of our country’s educational ecosystem, working towards better experiences and outcomes for each student. In 2015, he was awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, in 2017, he served a year-long... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

No Cap: Finding the "Joy Snacks" in Ed Tech Integration

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #241

Yo, URSA fam! Let's be real. Teaching can be a whole mood, but what if your tech toolkit could be the ultimate "glow up" for your life? This session is all about keeping it 100 and exploring simple tech ideas that can spark those daily "joy snacks" – for you, your colleagues, and even your students! We'll dive into practical, no-cap strategies for using tech to create "no crumbs left" moments of ease and fun, big or small. Discover how tools can help you streamline tasks, snag those little personal wins, share some laughs with your crew, and even sprinkle in some joy for your students. Get ready for some fire examples of how to integrate these tools and leave feeling totally refreshed and ready to find the "main character" energy in every tech-infused day, on and off the clock. Trust—this session is gonna be bussin'!

(Translation for the Teenage Slang Impaired= Come and learn about funtech tools that can support you in making your life easier and finding joyful moments, both personally and professionally.)

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

Speakers

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Innovation Specialist, SESC - Southeast Service Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #241 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, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

On the Edge of AI: Exploring Emerging Innovations

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Lecture Hall

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

Speakers

Emma Moss

DTL Specialist, Canyons SD

Emma's main role is as a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist and AI Project Co-Lead in Canyons School District. Emma also currently serves as the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Education Program Director. In addition to her current roles, Emma Moss founded the Utah AI Collaborative... Read More →

Jonathan Stewart

Teacher Specialist, Canyons School District

Jonathan Stewart has worked in education for over 20 years, first as a school psychologist and then as an advocate for technology integration in the classroom as part of the Canyons School District's Digital Teaching and Learning team. He currently works as an AI project co-lead for... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Lecture Hall 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 Career and Technical Education, Other
Audience EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Practical Classroom Management: Addressing the Current Behavioral Changes

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #145

This presentation aims to equip educators with practical, research-based strategies to manage elevated student behavior while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. As behavioral challenges in classrooms continue to rise, teachers are often left balancing academic expectations with the need to support students exhibiting disruptive, defiant, or emotionally intense behaviors. This session is ideal for general and special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and school leaders seeking practical tools for immediate application.

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

Speakers

Lauren Ezzell

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Central Utah Educational Services

Lauren Ezzell is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). She has a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and has been with CUES since 2019. Lauren is passionate about providing behavior-analytic... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Raising Resilient Kids In A Tech Heavy World

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #238

As a counselor, Nate has had the unique experience of hearing from kids what they are going through in this digital age. In this presentation, Nate sheds light on the digital landscape kids are navigating. He also give insights for educators and parents on how to help preserve their kids' childhood and promote resiliency in this tech heavy world. You'll learn about tech boundaries, how to approach sensitive topics with kids, and more.

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

Nate Webb

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #238 1758 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, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health, Media Literacy
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Strategies to Reignite Your Joy of Teaching!

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #137

Wouldn’t it be great if you could stop spending so much time on correcting behaviors and more time doing what you love…? Teaching? In this session, you'll learn strategies that will get you excited about being back in your charter school classroom every day! If you’re going home worn out from your daily workload, if you question whether teaching is still for you, or if you just want to learn some practical teacher and student-friendly procedures, then come to this session!

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: iPad / iPhone

Speakers

Kathy Einhorn

Teacher (retired) Administrator (retired), Park City School District (retired)

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #137 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 Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Taming the AI Dragon: Practical Gemini & Notebook LM for Educators

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #131

Ready to ditch the digital drudgery and inject some AI awesomeness into your teaching toolkit? This session dives into the dazzling world of Google Gemini and Notebook LM – your FREE secret weapons for boosting productivity and student engagement! Forget endless searching; we'll explore how Gemini can brainstorm ideas faster than you can say "artificial intelligence," speed up writing tasks, and even conjure up "Goldilocks" resources perfectly tailored to your students' needs.

But wait, there's more! Discover why Gemini stands out from the AI crowd (hint: we're serious about data privacy!), and unlock the power of "Gemini Gems" – your reusable prompts for maximum impact. Plus, journey into the realm of Notebook LM for next-level insights and podcast summaries that will blow your mind.

Whether you're an AI newbie or a tech-savvy guru, come join the fun and leave with practical strategies and a treasure trove of resources (including some amazing free courses and toolkits!) to transform your teaching practice. Let's unleash the power of AI, the Google way!

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 11 at 9:45 am in the Lecture Hall.

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: School-Based Google account

Speakers

Clint Stephens

Technology Innovation Specialist, SEDC - Southwest Educational Development Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm 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 Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Teaching with Heart: Fostering Compassion and Hope in Every Classroom

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #141

This session will focus on the vital role of compassion and hope in creating a positive and thriving classroom culture. Educators face challenges every day, but through fostering a compassionate and hopeful environment, staff can not only improve their well-being but also significantly impact student success and resilience. Participants will explore practical ways to integrate these principles into their interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader school community.

Speakers

Holly Todd

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #141 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

2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

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