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Thursday, July 10
 

9:45am MDT

Pedagogy First: Guiding Principles for Using AI to Empower Students
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #244
Learn how to utilize AI in your classroom in ways that go beyond hype and truly foster deep learning. In this session, we’ll briefly review the underlying mechanics of large language models before proposing four guiding principles to help you implement AI strategically in your classroom: task alignment, cognitive awareness, digital literacy, and human-centeredness. Using these principles as a lens, we’ll workshop classroom scenarios and discuss the ways artificial intelligence can support and empower our students when implemented strategically.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 11:00 am in 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
avatar for Braxton Thorley

Braxton Thorley

Senior Technology Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network
Braxton specializes in using technology to personalize learning and utilizing artificial intelligence to promote student success. Before joining UEN’s professional development team, Braxton worked as a high school language arts teacher and digital learning coach in Jordan School... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Johnson

Nicole Johnson

Academic Advisor & Content Specialist, UEN - Utah Education Network
Nicole is an educational technology specialist who equips school counselors with the tools they need to implement comprehensive school counseling programs and increase equitable student outcomes through technology. She also provides academic planning and advising for teachers looking... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #244 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060, USA
  1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

The Pressure is on: Using SEEd to Design Highly Effective 3D Lessons
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #143
Having participated in the 3-Dimensional Rural Science Teacher Grant this past year, we have crafted an intentional lesson that effectively integrates the Science and Engineering Practices, Cross Cutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Attendees will share what they have observed using a student hat and a teacher hat to experience SEEd design to create their own highly effective 3D lesson. Our example lesson “The Pressure's On: How Air Mass Movement Shapes Our Weather” aims to help students investigate and analyze data to observe the interactions between air masses that cause changes in weather conditions (Utah 6.3.2, ESS2.C, Ess2.D, MS-ESS2-5).

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
avatar for Jan Hermansen

Jan Hermansen

Science Teacher, South Summit School District
I have taught 7th grade science, chemistry, physics, 6-12 math, STEAM, and middle school computer science. I enjoy being outside, reading books, and quilting when I am not busy acquiring new skills for my career.
avatar for Kaylei Jones

Kaylei Jones

Teacher, San Rafael Middle School
I have taught a variety of subjects and elementary grades. This year, I am teaching science and English.
avatar for Westen Miller

Westen Miller

Teacher, Fairview Elementary
I have taught 6th grade science and math.
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #143 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.

9:45am MDT

Vector Self Portraits
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #235
This lesson is designed to guide students in creating a vector self-portrait using Google Drawings. This engaging activity is suitable for in person, distance learning or as a substitute teacher activity. While younger students may need some initial guidance, the project is enjoyable and yields fantastic results that students will love revisiting in the future.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Students need to use google drawing and a mouse.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Students need to use google drawing and a mouse.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Feik

Sarah Feik

Art Teacher, Carbon Schools
I have had the pleasure of teaching art to both elementary and secondary students in a rural school for the past six years. Art, in all its forms, has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I genuinely enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with anyone who will listen.On a personal note, I am... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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.

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
avatar for JoLynn Torgerson

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.

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
avatar for John Lyman

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 →
NS

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 →
JZ

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.

9:45am MDT

Amplify Classroom Voices with Adobe Podcast
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #147
Learn how Adobe Podcast can help you and your students create engaging audio content, making learning more interactive and fun. Master the ins and outs of Adobe Podcast, from recording to editing. It could be perfect for boosting student engagement and adding a fresh dimension to your teaching toolkit. Ready to amplify your classroom experience? Join us and turn up the volume on learning.

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

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

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 9:45am - 10:45am 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.

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.

9:45am MDT

From Past to Press: Teaching News Literacy Strategies through Social Studies Historical Thinking
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #134
In this session, classroom and library educators will explore historical thinking skills alongside news literacy strategies, gaining insights into their interconnectedness. As they deepen their understanding, educators will be equipped to help students make meaningful connections between historical analysis and media literacy, seamlessly integrating both into standards-based content curriculum.

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: Any of the above
Speakers
avatar for Jodi Ide

Jodi Ide

Teacher Specialist, Canyons School District
Jodi Ide is a Teacher Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, where she provides support to high school social studies teachers, instructional coaches, teachers and students in key areas such as digital citizenship, media literacy, news literacy, and debate. With 23... Read More →
avatar for Gretchen Zaitzeff

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 →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

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
SR

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 →
avatar for Teri Davis

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.

9:45am MDT

Introducing K-2 Computer Science using Robotics
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #242
In this session we will unpack the Utah Computer Science Standards for grades K-2. Using Sphero INDI robots we will practice hands-on CS aligned activities that will introduce concepts such as algorithms, programming, and computational thinking to your 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: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Nathan Wilson

Nathan Wilson

Technology Integration Specialist, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center
Nathan is a Technology Integration Specialist for the Southeast Education Service Center serving Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan school districts. Nathan has been an educator for 25 years, and has been with SESC for 13 years. He also serves as SESC’s STEM & Robotics manager... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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.

9:45am MDT

Let Them Count
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #237
Have your students been struggling with early numeracy skills? Could counting help them? I believe counting is a foundational skill that is often undervalued. In this session, we will engage in counting, discovery and learn to assess counting skills of our 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
avatar for Jaci Keetch

Jaci Keetch

District Coach, Rich
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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.

9:45am MDT

Pathways to Success: Positive School Experiences Supporting Students with Disabilities
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #142
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
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Rorrer

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 →
CE

Crystal Emery

SSIP and Secondary Transition Specialist for Students with Disabilities, Utah State Board of Education
Crystal Emery, PhD is a secondary transition professional with over 25 years of experience working with young children and adolescents. She is certified as an early intervention specialist, a Coach for Early Childhood Professionals, an Employment Specialist, and a Customized Employment... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #142 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.

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
JT

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.

9:45am MDT

Trigonometry in Motion
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #141
NOTE: This is the first of a two session presentation. Attending the first part is not required to attend the second.

Some learn things about trigonometry that you never knew. We will take an in-depth and right triangle trig and the meaning behind each of the ratios sine, cosine, and tangent. We will then extend this knowledge in a practical way to build the graphical representation for each of the ratios. If you have ever worked with trigonometry, this class will be super informative and eye opening. The goal is for all attendees to have a solid understanding of the relationships between the angles and the side lengths of a triangle.

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
JW

Josh White

Teacher, Emery School District
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

Understanding Weather: Heat, Water, and Air
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #146
Clark Planetarium offers teacher resources aligned with sixth grade SEEd standards. In this session, participants will explore our Energy and Weather kits (Strands 6.3 and 6.4) and Density kits (Strands 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3). Hands-on investigations reveal how different materials retain and release heat, supporting an understanding of how the Sun drives weather patterns. Participants will collect experimental data, graph and compare the effects of heat energy, and link their findings to local, regional, and global phenomena. We’ll also demonstrate how a two-compartment tank can model the role of heat energy in driving ocean and atmospheric currents. These resources emphasize three-dimensional learning, support data analysis practices, and help bring complex Earth systems to life in the 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
TQ

Thomas Quayle

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

Jason Trump

Education Programs Supervisor, Clark Planetarium
Jason brings substantial expertise to the field of astronomy education. As the head of the education department at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, he oversees statewide field trip, teacher development, elementary outreach, and summer camp programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #146 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.

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
avatar for Breyanna Evans

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 →
avatar for Rachelle Packer

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.

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
PT
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner

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
avatar for Rob Bentley

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.

11:10am MDT

3 Dimensional Science: Evaluating Pool Chemistry
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #237
Join us for an engaging professional development session focused on integrating the three dimensions of science—Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts, and Science and Engineering Practices—into your classroom. In this hands-on workshop, participants will step into the role of students as they experience a high school chemistry lesson on equilibrium and pool chemistry, designed by fellow educators. This interactive approach will highlight how the three dimensions work together to deepen student understanding.

This professional development is perfect for educators looking to elevate their science instruction, promote student inquiry, and foster a deeper understanding of scientific principles. Leave with practical ideas and resources to make the three dimensions of science an integral part of your teaching.
https://3drst.byu.edu/

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
avatar for Kaitlyn Mecham

Kaitlyn Mecham

Science Teacher, Emery High School
Kaitlyn Mecham is a chemistry teacher at Emery High School. She began her teaching career in 2021 at San Rafael Middle School teaching middle school science. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Science Educational Studies from WGU in 2022. Although she is new to teaching she is excited... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #237 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.

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
avatar for Jason Snow

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.

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
avatar for Katie Jones

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.

11:10am MDT

Scrible 101: Free Research and Writing Platform for Newbies
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #233
Did you know that Scrible is a FREE award winning resource for all public/charter school teachers and students in Utah? If you've never used Scrible or are just getting started, come learn how to use this powerful platform to streamline research and elevate writing in your class. We'll get you set up, walk you through creating an assignment, annotating online articles and more. We'll also review how you can use Scrible to prevent AI plagairism and scaffold the writing process for 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: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Shilpa Duvoor

Shilpa Duvoor

Head of Customer Success, Scrible
Shilpa has over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, school leader, leadership coach, and a customer success leader in edtech startups. She has worked with innovative ed tech companies and districts all over the United States. She is the Head of Customer Success at Scrible... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #233 1759 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.

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
avatar for JoLynn Torgerson

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 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.

11:10am MDT

A Love Affair With Picture Books Across the Standards
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #143
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
avatar for Teresa Pugmire

Teresa Pugmire

PreK-12 Learning Coach, Northeastern Utah Educational Services
Teresa serves as a Learning Coach for rural schools in northeastern Utah. In her role, she supports teachers, coaches, and administrators in enhancing literacy and math outcomes for their schools. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, where she teaches... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

11:10am MDT

Building Foundations: Strategies for Successful Early Learning Instruction
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #142
This presentation, "Building Foundations: Strategies for Successful Early Learning Instruction," addresses the critical issue of opportunity gaps in early learning and offers strategies to improve educational outcomes for all students. It emphasizes the importance of shifting from a deficit mindset to one that recognizes and addresses the root causes of these gaps.

The presentation highlights the role of high-quality practices and individualized instruction in creating supportive and inclusive learning environments. It also underscores the significance of understanding cultural context, aligning curriculum with the Utah Core State Standards for Early Learning, and using data-driven instruction to personalize learning and support teacher effectiveness.

By providing educators with actionable strategies and promoting a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to opportunity gaps, this presentation equips them to create successful learning experiences for all children, ultimately closing the opportunity gap and fostering a brighter future for Utah's youngest learners.


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
avatar for Jared Lisonbee

Jared Lisonbee

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

Cristina Barrera

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

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Katrina has a dual BA in Early Childhood and Elementary education, a master’s in education with an emphasis in early numeracy, and she holds a current dual Utah teaching license in PK-3 and 1-8 grades with a TESOL endorsement. Katrina completed her doctorate degree in Educational... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #142 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.

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
avatar for Kelli Cannon

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.

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
avatar for Gretchen Zaitzeff

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 →
avatar for Davina Sauthoff

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.

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
avatar for Dari Thacker

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.

11:10am MDT

Sine Curves and Spaghetti
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #141
NOTE: This is the second of a two session presentation. Attending the first part is not required to attend the second.

Some learn things about trigonometry that you never knew. We will take an in-depth and right triangle trig and the meaning behind each of the ratios sine, cosine, and tangent. We will then extend this knowledge in a practical way to build the graphical representation for each of the ratios. If you have ever worked with trigonometry, this class will be super informative and eye opening. The goal is for all attendees to have a solid understanding of the relationships between the angles and the side lengths of a triangle.

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
JW

Josh White

Teacher, Emery School District
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

11:10am MDT

Using Nearpod to Support Multilingual Learners
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #244
Over the last three years, the number of multilingual learners (MLs) in Utah’s schools has increased by 14% while, at the same time, these students’ WIDA proficiency levels have decreased by 6%. Now more than ever, teachers require the knowledge and skills to differentiate and scaffold learning for MLs. During our session, you will learn how to utilize multiple Nearpod features (Immersive Reader, AI Create, and Draw-It), and you’ll leave with the tools, strategies, and resources (including lesson and activity templates) you need to better support the MLs in your classroom.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Braxton Thorley

Braxton Thorley

Senior Technology Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network
Braxton specializes in using technology to personalize learning and utilizing artificial intelligence to promote student success. Before joining UEN’s professional development team, Braxton worked as a high school language arts teacher and digital learning coach in Jordan School... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #244 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060, USA
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

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
avatar for Sheryl Vernon

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.

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
avatar for Dani Tuttle

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.

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
avatar for Jason Snow

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.

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
avatar for Katie Jones

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 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.

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
avatar for JoLynn Torgerson

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 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.

1:40pm MDT

Scrible 102: Scaffolding Research and Writing in ELA & Social Studies
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #233
Scrible, an award winning FREE resource for all Utah public/charter school teachers and students, is chock full of features that can help students and teachers scaffold the research and writing process. Learn how to use Scrible's advanced features to strengthen students' writing and media literacy skills. We will review how to track student progress, provide timely and specific feedback, and effectively use the Scrible Writer doc add-on.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Highly suggested to use a laptop or tablet of any kind and not a mobile device.

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
avatar for Shilpa Duvoor

Shilpa Duvoor

Head of Customer Success, Scrible
Shilpa has over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, school leader, leadership coach, and a customer success leader in edtech startups. She has worked with innovative ed tech companies and districts all over the United States. She is the Head of Customer Success at Scrible... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

1:40pm MDT

Unlocking Authentic Expression: How AI Empowers Writers
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Lecture Hall
Can AI truly help us express ourselves more genuinely? Absolutely! This session explores how educators can leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help students find and refine their authentic voices. We'll move beyond the hype and delve into practical AI-powered strategies that support every stage of the writing process, fostering creativity, confidence, and a love of writing in students.


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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: any device
Speakers
avatar for Naomi Watkins

Naomi Watkins

Language Arts Secondary Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Naomi Watkins is the Secondary English Language Arts Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Previously, she was a middle school ELA teacher, instructional coach, and university professor. She earned a PhD from the University of Utah.
avatar for Davina Sauthoff

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 1:40pm - 2:40pm 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.

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
avatar for Kellie Yates

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 →
avatar for Kody Colvin

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.

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
JK

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.

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
KE

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.

1:40pm MDT

Playful Pathways: Teaching Science of Reading Using Developmentally Informed Interactions
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #143
During this session, we will focus our energy on beginning to address the challenges of teaching the science of reading skills in a developmentally appropriate manner. Discover how these skills connect across different age groups and engage in meaningful conversations about their development. We will define these skills in the context of child development and collaborate on strategies to seamlessly integrate Science of Reading instruction into play-based learning experiences for children from preschool through 3rd grade.

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
avatar for Jared Lisonbee

Jared Lisonbee

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

Cristina Barrera

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

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Katrina has a dual BA in Early Childhood and Elementary education, a master’s in education with an emphasis in early numeracy, and she holds a current dual Utah teaching license in PK-3 and 1-8 grades with a TESOL endorsement. Katrina completed her doctorate degree in Educational... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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
avatar for Gretchen Zaitzeff

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 →
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.

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
DP

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 →
avatar for Pam Powell

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 →
avatar for Sarah Allen

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.

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
avatar for Wendy Rex-Atzet

Wendy Rex-Atzet

Director, K-12 Initiatives, Utah Historical Society
Wendy Rex Atzet, Ph.D., is a public historian at the Utah Historical Society, where she manages K-12 programs such as National History Day® and I Love Utah History. She develops teacher and classroom-oriented resources for teaching Utah history, ethnic studies, and historical thinking... Read More →
EC

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 →
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.

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
avatar for Dani Sloan

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 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.

1:40pm MDT

Writing instruction for grades K-2
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #142
Empower your young learners with strong writing foundations. This course focuses on practical, evidence-based instructional practices for teaching essential writing skills in kindergarten through second grade. Learn how to implement developmentally appropriate strategies that can be immediately applied in your classroom, regardless of your current writing program.

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
avatar for Christine Elegante

Christine Elegante

K-3 Literacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Christine Elegante is a dynamic educator who currently serves as a K-3 Literacy Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. She is passionate about education and considers herself a life-long learner. Her own educational journey began at Utah State University where she earned... Read More →
avatar for Courtney Bills

Courtney Bills

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Courtney Bills is a seasoned literacy specialist currently serving K-3 students at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Her career demonstrates a deep commitment to improving literacy outcomes for young learners. Prior to USBE, Courtney worked at a Dual Language Immersion (DLI... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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
avatar for Jared Chapman

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

1:40pm MDT

Kinesthetic Astronomy
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #146
In our hands-on session, we will practice how to implement kinesthetic activities aligned with fourth-grade SEEd standards, specifically Strand 4.4. We will develop models for day/night cycles, changing constellations throughout the year, and for why our Sun is the brightest star. By using our bodies to model the Earth, participants will demonstrate how rotation and revolution cause the cycles of day and night and changing constellations throughout the year. Participants will also become individual stars by holding an LED light as they investigate how distance relates to perceived brightness and will work together to form the constellation of Orion. This session will emphasize the use of models and how they provide evidence for constructing explanations of astronomical phenomena. Clark Planetarium is pleased to offer a kit of free, take-away materials for teachers to apply the activities in their classroom. More information can be found at https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/clark-planetarium/education/ (scroll down to “Fourth Grade Astronomy Kit Activities”).

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
TQ

Thomas Quayle

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

Jason Trump

Education Programs Supervisor, Clark Planetarium
Jason brings substantial expertise to the field of astronomy education. As the head of the education department at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, he oversees statewide field trip, teacher development, elementary outreach, and summer camp programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #146 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.

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
avatar for Molly Basham

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 →
avatar for Mike Spencer

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 →
avatar for Melissa Garber

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.

1:40pm MDT

Supporting Language Development through the Creative Process
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #243
All students need and deserve the opportunity to be creative! All students also need and deserve to develop and practice academic and social language skills. In this session, you will engage in and practice language-development strategies that are essential for all students as they learn to be creative independent artists, successful students, and engaged learners.
Speakers
avatar for Mindy Curtis

Mindy Curtis

Elementary BTS Arts Specialist, Canyons School District
Dr. Mindy Curtis has been teaching, writing, devising, directing, choreographing, and producing in theatres, schools, and non-profit venues across the U.S. for decades. Her educational and theatrical work has consistently explored the power of content integration, collaborative creation... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Brown

Elizabeth Brown

Art Coach, NUES - Northern Utah Educational Services
Liz Brown was the 2024 UAEA Art Teacher of the year for Utah. She is passionate about arts integration and children getting the opportunity to create. She has worked in education for more than 20 years, as an elementary classroom teacher, with experience in kindergarten through 6th... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #243 1755 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities

1:40pm MDT

Rock Band - The Secret to Building Meaningful Music Programs in Rural Schools
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons
Great music changes lives, but making and playing great music in a rock band can change the world. To quote Jack Black from The School of Rock, "One Great Rock Show Can Change the World!" Are you interested in building a meaningful, life-changing and school-culture changing music program at your school, or do you already have a music program that needs a little more spice and pizzazz? Then this is the presentation for you. Rock Band represents all genres of popular music heard on the radio - rock, country, pop, punk, hip hop, etc. Most importantly, it represents the popular music that connects our students to the world in which they live. In this presentation/workshop, I will share experiences from my own life and 20 plus years of teaching that reinforce the idea of Rock Band and popular music as essential elements of modern music programs. I will teach you how to build Rock Band programs in your school on a limited budget. Lastly, I will demonstrate with volunteers from the audience how to create a performing rock ensemble on day 1 using ukuleles. And if I am able, I will include live performances from the Rich High School Rock Band.

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
CW

Chris Woods

Music Teacher, Rich High School
Chris has been a music educator, songwriter, composer, and performer for over 20 years. He began his teaching career at a small after-school academy in Park City in which he taught guitar lessons to students ages 10-50. When he became a full-time teacher, he was able to expand the... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  2 hour Playground - hands-on and discussion, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

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
avatar for Fangaafa Tuifua

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.

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
**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
PT
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner

2:20pm MDT

Engineering Design with Sphero Blueprint
Thursday July 10, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #144
Step into the world of engineering with Sphero Blueprint! This hands-on workshop utilizes Sphero Blueprint Build Kits to make engaging with mechanical and structural engineering fun and accessible to all. Blueprint serves as a classroom tool to make engineering education come to life, allowing students to quickly build, test, and learn engineering concepts

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
avatar for Nathan Wilson

Nathan Wilson

Technology Integration Specialist, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center
Nathan is a Technology Integration Specialist for the Southeast Education Service Center serving Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan school districts. Nathan has been an educator for 25 years, and has been with SESC for 13 years. He also serves as SESC’s STEM & Robotics manager... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm 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.

3:10pm MDT

Self-Determination is on the Menu!
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #144
Welcome to Determination Diner where self-determination is on the menu!
Have you attempted to figure out how to embed functional skills into academic content?
Have you tried to actively involve students in their IEP meetings but you're not sure how?
Is self-determination on your menu of instructional choices?
Self-determination/self-advocacy has been identified as a research-based predictor of postschool success; the elements of which can be incorporated into postsecondary transition planning to support students in creating effective postsecondary transition plans. So, bring your appetite and join us for a session catered to your needs!
We will provide a brief overview of self-determination, after which participants will choose from a menu of self-determination to apply to their respective settings. Work with us and other participants in this session to select a resource and develop and action plan to use the resource. Collaboration will be fostered, and resources will be provided to take with you. There will be time to share out to learn from each other about the use of the resources.
Join us for an incredible dining experience of self-determination appetizers, main course items, desserts and chef's specials!
Bon appétit!

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, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Deanna Taylor

Deanna Taylor

Postsecondary Transition Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Deanna Taylor, M.S., M.Ed., is a Postsecondary Transition Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Her public education career has spanned more than 40 years as a music teacher, special education teacher, special education director and college instructor. Deanna has master’s... Read More →
JH

Julianne Hunter

Doctoral Student | Graduate Research Assistant, USU - Utah State University
SK

Stephen Kwiatek

Assistant Professor, USU - Utah State University
Stephen M. Kwiatek, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of special education at Utah State University (USU). Stephen’s research interests focus on preparing youth with disabilities for equitable postschool lives through three strands: (a) general education teacher involvement in college... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #144 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.

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
avatar for BethAnne Chidester

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.
HP

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.

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
avatar for Chris Haught

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.

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
avatar for Talia A. Casares

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 →
PZ

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.

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
avatar for Emily Perkins

Emily Perkins

5th Grade Teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary
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 13 years. Emily enjoys creating high-quality, engaging cross-curricular learning experiences for her students. Emily is on the district science, math... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Kantaris

Michelle Kantaris

6th Grade Teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary
Michelle Kantaris is a 6th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah.. She presently teaches 6th grade with prior experience in grades K-8. Michelle has a passion for reaching students through engaging cross-curricular activities. Michelle is on the district science... 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.

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
avatar for Nathan Auck

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.

3:10pm MDT

How to Improve Fluency through Partner Reading-Paragraph Shrinking
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #143
Melinda and her Early Learning Coach, Dina will share how they improved her students fluency and retell by using partner reading-paragraph shrinking. They will give information on how to implement this in a classroom, what they learned, and how to adjust it to meet the needs of students. This strategy is for an entire class who has a median composite score 51% or below or if you have seven students below benchmark proficiency on Acadiance Benchmark Data. This strategy is aligned with the Science of Reading and can be found in the book titled, Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsey Kemeny.




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

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

Melinda Meccariello

3rd Grade Teacher, Ferron Elementary
Melinda Meccariello is a dedicated third-grade teacher at Ferron Elementary, a small rural school in Emery County. Known for her warm, nurturing personality, she has spent the last 11 years shaping young minds and fostering a love of learning in her students. With a passion for reading... Read More →
avatar for Dina Wise

Dina Wise

Early Learning Coach, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center
Dina Wise's 20+ year educational career spans roles from paraprofessional to elementary principal and instructional coach, fueled by a passion for literacy. As a certified LETRS facilitator, she empowers teachers with effective literacy strategies. Outside of education, she's a family-oriented... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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
avatar for Ashley Boyack

Ashley Boyack

Director of Professional Development, University of Utah Tanner Dance Program
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.

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
avatar for JoLynn Torgerson

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 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.

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
avatar for Lauren Ezzell

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
  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.

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
KE

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 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.

3:10pm MDT

Writing Instruction in Grades 3-6
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #142
This course equips educators with practical, evidence-based instructional practices to enhance student writing skills across all subject areas in grades 3-6. Participants will explore research-supported strategies for teaching writing that seamlessly integrate into existing content instruction. Learn how to foster effective writing development without replacing your current writing curriculum or published programs. This course provides actionable techniques and teaching suggestions designed to be adaptable and applicable to diverse learning environments, empowering you to cultivate confident and proficient writers in your classroom.

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

Speakers
avatar for Denice Maedgen

Denice Maedgen

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Denice Maedgen is a K-3 Literacy Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). She previously served as the USBE Coach of Coaches. Denice has a wealth of experience in education, including 9 years teaching grades 1-3, 3 years as a literacy coach, and 2 years as an elementary... Read More →
avatar for Courtney Bills

Courtney Bills

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Courtney Bills is a seasoned literacy specialist currently serving K-3 students at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Her career demonstrates a deep commitment to improving literacy outcomes for young learners. Prior to USBE, Courtney worked at a Dual Language Immersion (DLI... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

3:10pm MDT

Supporting Your Students With Derivita
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #233
In this presentation, discover how the Derivita 6-12 Math Support, Assessment, and Analytics Platform supports both teachers and students by simplifying the instructional experience and improving student outcomes. Get a sneak peek of our new PLC and Reporting Features and be prepared to participate with fun engagement tools like SpotCheck!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Tablet or smart phone from any provider.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone
Speakers
DC

Duane Call

Chief Marketing Officer, Derivita
Born and raised in Utah, I’ve spent the past 20 years working in education technology, helping schools leverage innovative tools to improve learning. I’m proud to live in a state long known for its spirit of industry and progress—values that continue to shape the future of education... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Beginner
 
From $50.00
2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference
From $50.00

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