2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to URSA 2025 at Park City High School!

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9:45am MDT

Kindergarten Storytelling with AI Animation

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

Table #2: This poster presentation session showcases innovative and engaging AI-infused lesson plans developed by 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

Heather Heath

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Black Box Theater 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 Educational Technology
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

11:10am MDT

A Love Affair With Picture Books Across the Standards

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

Lecture Hall

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

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

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

Speakers

Teresa Pugmire

Academic Achievement Coach, Park City School District

PadletLink- https://padlet.com/thegtpugs/ursa-2025-books-across-the-standards-xtqgr9l5s45pe0k2
Teresa serves as an Academic Achievement Coach for Park City School District. In her role, she supports teachers, coaches, and administrators in enhancing literacy and math outcomes for their schools. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, wher... Read More →

URSA 2025 key

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm 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 Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, ESL, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6

11:10am MDT

Important Lessons in School Safety from a Behavioral Health Perspective

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

Room #134

Targeted violence against schools continues to take place at an alarming rates across our nation, leading to increased fears and anxiety, and threating the very function of schools. Educators are faced with the enormous task of maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment which is essential to ensuring that students can learn and grow into their best selves. Examining the details behind these horrific events is a terrible yet necessary task. In this session, Utah's School Safety Center's Behavioral Health Specialist, Scott Eyre, will share key findings discovered within his research in an effort to empower educators with the information they need to prevent future violence.

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

Scott Eyre

Emergency Recovery Planning in Schools, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Scott Eyre serves as the School Based Mental Health Specialist for Utah’s School Safety Center. He works for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Use and Mental Health and is a member of the Education Advisory Board to the State Security Chief. Scott’s... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm 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 Leadership, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Other
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health, Other
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Elevating ELA Engagement with Adobe Express

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

Room #241

Discover how Adobe Express can transform your K-6 CKLA curriculum and invigorate your students' learning experiences! This session will showcase practical examples of how Adobe Express tools like Character Animator, graphic design templates, video editing, and Guided Activities can be used to create visually appealing and interactive activities that reinforce CKLA concepts and ELA standards. Learn how to bring stories and content to life with digital storybooks, historical figure trading cards, design character analysis posters, , and more. While we'll highlight successful implementations within CKLA, the creative strategies and Adobe Express techniques shared are easily adaptable to any ELA curriculum or subject area, empowering students to express their understanding in dynamic new ways.

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

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Integration Specialist, Southeast Education Service Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

1:40pm MDT

Nearpod 2.0: Renaissance Next Connection

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

Room #244

Discover the transformative potential of Nearpod's integration with Renaissance Next. This presentation explores how these powerful educational platforms combine to create a seamless learning ecosystem that enhances student engagement, provides real-time assessment data, and personalizes instruction. Learn how this integration empowers educators to deliver dynamic content while tracking growth through Renaissance's robust analytics—bringing together the best of interactive teaching and data-driven instruction for today's digital classroom.

Session repeats on both Friday sessions in this same room.

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

Faith Smith

National Academic Advisor, Renaissance

Renaissance is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, early literacy, and data-driven solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts. We are committed to providing teacher-facilitated instructional delivery with resources to help students build a strong foundation for succ... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #244 1766 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, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Teaching Ethnic Studies in Utah: New Requirements, Trusted Materials

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

Room #133

Are you wondering how to incorporate Utah’s ethnic studies requirements in your classroom? Join us for an enlightening session to explore a range of culturally appropriate resources that connect Utah’s historic and contemporary immigrant communities.

Incorporating ethnic studies materials into your lessons offers valuable opportunities to share the experiences, cultures, and contributions of diverse ethnic groups in Utah. This includes Indigenous peoples, members of the LDS community, African Americans, Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans, both within Utah and beyond. Utilizing the Utah Historical Society’s I Love Utah History website and other educator resources, attendees will learn how to integrate trusted, curated content to explore the rich histories and contemporary communities of Utah's many cultures.

We will also delve into the UEN Ethnic Studies Resource Hubs to discover innovative ways to teach about various cultures, their history, and their contributions to building the United States of America.

This session will equip educators with the resources and background knowledge needed to create a classroom environment that connects the past with the present, honors and reflects the varied experiences of Utahns of diverse ethnicities, and celebrates Utah's vibrant cultural tapestry.

You will receive free, digital materials that will help you integrate culturally informed ethnic studies resources and inquiry-based learning strategies into your teaching practices.

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

Wendy Rex Atzet

Manager of K-12 Initiatives, Utah Historical Society

Wendy Rex Atzet earned her doctorate in U.S. History at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where she also served for four years as a coordinator for the state National History Day program. She was thrilled to return to National History Day in 2013 when she took the helm of this... Read More →

Etiana Coley Mells

Ethnic Studies Education Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Etiana Coley Mells is a sociocultural anthropologist and an educator currently serving as the Ethnic Studies Education Specialist and a federal grant manager focused on incorporating ethnic studies into K-12 classrooms and promoting safe and healthy schools at the Utah State Board... Read More →

2025 URSA Teaching Ethnic Studies in Utah pdf

2025 URSA Teaching Ethnic Studies in Utah pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm 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., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

3:10pm MDT

Enhancing Science and Engineering Practices Through Mind Mapping

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

Room #235

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

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

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

Speakers

Emily Perkins

5th Grade Teacher

Emily Perkins is the 5th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah. She has been the 5th grade teacher for the last 14 years. Emily enjoys creating high-quality, engaging cross-curricular learning experiences for her students. Emily is on the district science team... Read More →

Michelle Kantaris

6th grade teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Michelle is a 6th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah. She has prior experience in grades K-8. Michelle has a passion for reaching students through engaging cross-curricular activities. Michelle is on the district science team and has been involved in co-teaching... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #235 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 Science
Audience Teachers
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6

3:10pm MDT

Movement Integration for K-6 classes

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

Room #234

Let’s get up and move the curriculum! In this one-hour presentation, you will receive 10 NEW 10-minute movement lessons to move with students. We will explore Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. To see what this looks like with students follow this LINK: https://youtu.be/5SPi2VXYKok

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

Speakers

Ashley Boyack

Professional Development Director, University of Utah Tanner Dance

ASHLEY BOYACK received her BFA from the University of Utah and MAT from the University of Northern Colorado. She joined the Lawrence Arts Center in 2010, where she was Artistic Director of the Youth Dance Theater. While at LAC she created the modern dance curriculum and served as... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm 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 Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

3:10pm MDT

Utah Out-of-School-Time Needs Assessment--Findings and Next Steps

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

Room #237

In partnership with the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Office of Child Care (DWS-OCC), the Utah Afterschool Network (UAN), and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center conducted a statewide needs assessment of out-of-school time programs for elementary aged students during the 2023-24 school year. The purpose of this needs assessment was to study existing out-of-school time (OST) program opportunities intentionally designed to meet the needs of students and families throughout the state, identify any current gaps in services for youth and families, and explore the availability of resources to support OST program teams in meeting these needs.

The planning, data collection, data analysis and reporting of the findings and considerations for this needs assessment were organized according to six OST topic areas: (1) Access and Availability, (2) Programming Capacity, (3) Program Quality and Continuous Improvement, (4) Partnerships, (5) Alignment with the School Day, and (6) Availability of Resources and Funding.This conference session will explore the central themes that emerged in these six areas, highlighting the important role that OST programs play in providing critical services (e.g., safe environment, homework help, nutritious snacks) for many Utah students and their families in rural communities. Participants in this session will also explore considerations for future OST programs, including accessing and utilizing additional OST program resources, considering partnerships within and beyond their local communities to provide additional resources and program support, and intentionally aligning OST programs with the school 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

Lisa Wisham

Senior Research & Evaluation Associate and School & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center

Lisa Wisham, M.Ed., is a Senior Research & Evaluation Associate and School & District Improvement Specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). For the past nine years, she has worked with the UEPC team to provide on-site and virtual support, data collection, leadership coaching... Read More →

URSA 2025 Presentation Utah OST Needs Assessment pdf

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