2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Only Purchase One Ticket for Each Individual Attendee
Full URSA 2025 Session Schedule will be published here NO LATER than June 1. Please check back soon!

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9:45am MDT

AI and Privacy: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Lecture Hall

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 Thursday, July 10 at 9:45 am in Room 241.

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

Speakers

John Lyman

Student Data Privacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Nicole Sanchez

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

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

Jeremy Zabriskie

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

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

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

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

9:45am MDT

AI for Administrators

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #131

AI for Administrators will inform school leaders about efforts in the state and around the country to securely use AI Tools for administrative tasks and to enhance the executive functions of administrators.

NOTE: This session repeats on Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 pm 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

Speakers

David Long

Superintendent, Beaver County School District

David Long has served as the Beaver County School District superintendent for the last six years. During that time his team has developed P-LTE communication network for the school district that allows LTE enabled Chromebooks to connect throughout the school district, on and off campus... Read More →

Cody Spendlove

Retired, Retired

Cody Spendlove served as the technology director for the Alpine School District for a number of years before retiring and has stayed actively involved in technology initiatives throughout the state. He recently assisted UETN on the BEAD Grant and has been an valued friend to technology... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience District / School Administrators, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level Not Applicable

11:00am MDT

Creating a predictable environment for optimal behavior In our schools and classrooms

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #237

Environments are the key to safety and security for our students. When we can provide environments that are consistent with behavioral principals we create an environment with fewer behavioral struggles and students that are happy and well adjusted.

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

Speakers

Elizabeth Howcroft

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, LBA, licensed Special Education Teacher, Northeastern Educational Services

Liz was born and raised in rural Utah where she has worked with students and families of students with high educational and behavior needs for the past 20 years. Liz has worked in education, foster care, early intervention, and the clinic setting both in home and in clinic. Liz has... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm 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.