2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Join us for an insightful session as we explore Utah's Post School Outcomes! Dive into the results of a comprehensive research study analyzing five years of data from the annual post school outcomes survey. Discover the trends and positive experiences identified by students and families during high school that have led to success after graduation. We'll discuss how these findings can significantly impact planning for the transition to adulthood for students with disabilities in Utah. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to support our students' journey to a successful future.

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

Table #5: In today’s classrooms, fostering a strong sense of belonging is foundational to student engagement, well-being, and academic success. This interactive presentation will guide educators through the key elements of designing classroom environments where every student feels seen, valued, and connected. Participants will explore how intentional choices in physical space, relationship-building, and instructional practices can create inclusive and emotionally safe learning environments.

The session will include breakout group discussions focused on real-world strategies for fostering belonging across different grade levels and contexts. Educators will collaboratively explore topics such as classroom design, student voice and agency, inclusive language, classroom rituals, and trauma-informed practices. Through case studies and reflective conversations, attendees will gain practical tools to help every student feel a sense of connection in their classroom.

Whether you're creating classroom norms, refining your daily routines, or looking for new ways to reach disengaged students, this session offers actionable strategies rooted in equity, empathy, care, and relationship-building. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to cultivate a classroom culture where all students feel welcome, supported, and ready to learn.

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

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

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

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: N/A

Table #5: 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

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

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