2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

WiFi: SUU Conference, Password: TBD

Tech Support for presenters can be found at this phone number - (435) XXX-XXXX or by swinging by the Level 2 Lobby of the Education Building.

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT
ED Level 2 Foyer, East - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Level 2 Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Tech Support

Learning Strand or Track Tech Support
Audience Everyone

8:30am MDT

Becoming Better Grownups: Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering to Fly

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

AU - Auditorium

TBD

Speakers

Brad Montague

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Keynote, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Keynote
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience All of the Above
Grade Level Not Applicable

9:45am MDT

20 in 20: Rapid-Fire Strategies for Classroom Engagement

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:03am MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Buckle up for a high-speed tour of 20 actionable strategies designed to wake up your classroom. In just 20 minutes, we’ll do a full circle tour of of purposeful movement, structured talk, and seamless tech integration. You’ll leave this session with ready-to-use tactics that turn passive listeners into active participants.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Emma Moss is a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist and AI Project Co-Lead in Canyons School District, as well as the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Program Director in Utah. She founded the Utah AI Collaborative and leads monthly meet-ups on AI and innovation in education... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:03am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Not Applicable

9:45am MDT

Canva Reimagined: Unlock the Magic

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

Move beyond static slides and embrace active learning! Join us for an immersive look into Canva’s Magic Studio. We’ll show you how to use Magic Media and Magic Design to transform K-12 lessons into personalized, interactive experiences. Plus, discover "next level" tools like Magic Activities, Canva Sheets, and Code for me—empowering students to build apps and games without writing code. Turn students into creators and unlock a world of magic that makes school future-ready.

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: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Chromebook

Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Kayla Towner is a Senior Product Trainer at the Utah Education Network (UEN) and, first and foremost, a passionate educator. She loves spending time with her family—playing soccer ⚽️, reading books 📚, hiking 🥾, and adventuring across Utah 🏔️. Kayla is dedicated to... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area 3-4, 5-6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Other, Not Applicable

9:45am MDT

Making Sheets Work For You

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

Go beyond the basics and learn some ways to have Google Sheets do some of the busy work for you so that you can narrow in on the important things. We will talk about several formulas for organizing data and even throw in some AI helps to get things just how you want them!

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

Speakers

Stacey King

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Assessment & Data Management, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Not Applicable

9:45am MDT

AI, Bloom, and the Cognitive Gap in Educational Technology

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level)

Most technology integration frameworks—SAMR, TPACK, TIM—focus on tool function, not on how students think and learn. As a result, even well-intentioned ed tech use can bypass the most important question: What kind of thinking does this tool actually support?This session explores how AI and other digital tools intersect with cognition and learning. Participants will revisit Anderson and Krathwohl’s revised Bloom’s taxonomy as a cognitive framework to evaluate technology use, recognizing common pitfalls such as surface-level engagement, cognitive overload, and misplaced focus on tool novelty over mental processes. Together, we’ll analyze practical classroom examples and discuss how ed tech and AI tools can either enhance or inhibit student thinking, depending on how they’re designed into instruction.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Valarie O'Bryan

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Instructional Coaches, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level Instructional Coaching

9:45am MDT

Brad Montague Breakout Session

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

AU - Auditorium

TBD

Speakers

Brad Montague

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Keynote Breakout Session, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Keynote Speaker Session
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Not Applicable

9:45am MDT

School Leadership Theory vs. Practice: Doing what should be done while doing what has to be done

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

TBD

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

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Quinn Kellis is the Leadership Development Coordinator at USBE. He leads the USBE School Improvement team, is the Accreditation Liaison, Rural Schools Liaison, and chair of the Utah Coalition of Education Leaders. He is a former superintendent from Arizona where he served 32 years... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

9:45am MDT

Why Some PLCs Pop and Other Don't: Small Shifts That Lead to Big Results

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

Some PLCs lead to meaningful gains in teaching and student learning while others struggle to move beyond routine meetings. What makes the difference? In this interactive session, teachers and leaders will examine the key practices of effective teams, reflect on their current reality, and identify small, high-leverage shifts that can strengthen collaboration and improve results. Participants will leave with practical strategies and clear next steps they can implement immediately in their own PLCs.

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

David Boren

Assistant Clinical Professor, Brigham Young University

David Boren grew up on a small farm in Northern Idaho before heading to BYU to study elementary education. He loved his years in the public schools as a teacher and administrator, and during those years worked on a master’s and PhD in Educational Leadership from BYU. He is now starting... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

9:45am MDT

10 Minute Movement ideas for Language Arts k-6th grade

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level)

We will explore the language arts curriculum for K-6 and integrate movement possibilities for students. Each lesson will be less than 10 minutes long and easily adapted to a classroom setting.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Ashley Boyack

Professional Development Director, University of Utah Tanner Dance

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

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts

9:45am MDT

Beyond Aspire Plus: Navigating the Transition in High School Assessment

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level)

The landscape of secondary assessment in Utah is entering a phase of significant change. Following the passage of SB 39 (2025), the state is transitioning from the fixed-form Utah Aspire Plus (UA+) to a course-based, computer-adaptive High School RISE model for English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. For rural LEAs—where teachers often operate as "departments of one"—this shift introduces unique technical hurdles alongside powerful new data opportunities.This session provides a comprehensive roadmap for these upcoming changes, specifically addressing how the move from predictive, grade-based scores to adaptive, course-based reporting directly affects instructional planning. Unlike the previous model, the High School RISE model ensures that data is a precise reflection of the specific course being taught, offering rural educators a clearer picture of student mastery within their specific disciplines.We will dive deep into three primary challenges unique to the rural experience:Overcoming Professional Isolation: We provide "pre-packaged" formative tools and USBE resources, such as the Performance Task Writing Template, to reduce the burden of designing assessments from scratch.Managing Instructional Breadth: We demonstrate how course-based data empowers teachers who lead multiple subjects to refine instruction with subject-specific accuracy.Mitigating Data Volatility: We explain how the Computer Adaptive (CAT) model provides more statistically reliable measures in small cohorts, ensuring that individual outliers do not skew school-wide results.Attendees will leave equipped with a clear understanding of USETS and UTIPs, ready to leverage these state resources to support local needs and foster resilient, data-informed rural classrooms.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Teresa McEntire

Presenter, Utah State Board of Education

Teresa McEntire is the Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. She has a master's degree in School Administration and a bachelor's in Elementary Education. She spent eleven years in the classroom in grades 3-6 and three years as an administrator... Read More →

Samantha Tinkey

Secondary Science Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Sam Tinkey is a Secondary Science Assessment Specialist with USBE. She is an experienced educator and researcher with 11 years in Utah’s public school system, including eight years as a secondary science teacher. Her classroom experience informs her work in improving how instructional... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Language Arts, Mathematics, Science

9:45am MDT

Facilitating Career and Technical Education Pathways for Students with Disabilities in Utah

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level)

Join us as we explore insights from Utah educators on facilitating Career and Technical Education (CTE) participation for students with disabilities. Dive into the results of a comprehensive research study analyzing interviews and data from educators and administrators in Utah schools. As part of an ongoing research-practice partnership with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) conducted a study of facilitators and barriers to the representation of students with disabilities in CTE. The study sought to understand how facilitators and barriers differed among Local Education Agencies (LEAs). The findings and recommendations complement the USBE’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan for Utah’s Secondary Career and Technical Education, which outlines the goals of Awareness and Outreach, Industry Alignment, Postsecondary Alignment, and Durable Skills. In addition, this research supports an understanding of how LEAs are ensuring students with disabilities are aware of and have access to educational opportunities, including those that prepare them for employment or career preparation (USBE Special Education Rules, 2023).

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Crystal Emery

SSIP and Transition to Postsecondary Specialist for Students with Disabilities, Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Career and Technical Education, Special Education

9:45am MDT

Simple and Easy Adaptations in the Classroom

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106

General idea- we will be providing simple and easy ideas of how you can increase engagement through organization, reading, technology and going old school with paper and pencil (we will provide more details).

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

April Stevenson

President, Utah Middle Level Association

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Social Science, Science

9:45am MDT

Commemorate America250 Utah with History, Civics, and Heart

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level)

It's been 250 years since the pivotal events of 1776. The student activities, lesson plans, and resources from America250 Utah will help you connect to the our nation's founding and our state's rich history no matter what content you teach! This session will introduce key resources for elementary, middle, and high school, with a focus on events that connect to Utah in 1776, and the individuals, groups, ideas, and actions that shaped the Revolutionary Era.America250 Utah offers hands-on opportunities to explore history, create shared experiences, and engage with this milestone celebration. You can create powerful opportunities for your students and school community to reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look together toward the future. Presenters: Wendy Rex Atzet, PhD, and Rebecca Kirkman, Curriculum Specialist, Utah Historical Society

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Wendy Rex Atzet

Manager of K-12 Initiatives, Utah Historical Society

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

Rebecca Kirkman

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, Everyone, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Counselors or School-based Ment
Grade Level Social Science, Language Arts

9:45am MDT

The Power of Student Voice: Enhancing Literacy Through Oral Language

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

Oral language is the foundation of successful literacy development. Participants in this session explore ways to support students' language growth by intentionally shifting classroom dynamics from teacher-centric instruction to high student engagement and talk. Attendees will discover, practice, and make plans to implement practical strategies and effective instructional methods that simultaneously increase student engagement, learning, and oracy. This session is designed to equip educators with actionable steps to enhance instruction and optimize student academic outcomes by supporting oral language development in their classrooms.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

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 →

Harmony Langford

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts

9:45am MDT

Supporting Multilingual Learners in the ELA Classroom

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122

This session is designed for elementary educators seeking practical, high-impact strategies to support multilingual learners within core ELA instruction. Participants will explore concrete instructional practices that increase access to grade-level content through intentional scaffolds, language supports, and strategic instructional design—without lowering expectations. Teachers will leave with actionable strategies they can immediately implement in whole-group and small-group settings to ensure multilingual learners can meaningfully engage in Tier 1 ELA instruction.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Jennifer Throndsen

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts, ESL

9:45am MDT

Printable Potential: Using 3D Printing in the Classroom

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate!

This 2-hour session will focus on basic 3D modeling and how to incorporate 3D printing in the classroom. Attendees will walk away with curated lists of 3D prints that align to standards, plug-and-play Canvas modules developed by University of Utah students, and a brand new 3D printer!

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Becca Robison

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level STEM / STEAM, Career and Technical Education

9:45am MDT

zSpace

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🛝 Format Alert: This is a fluid, 2-hour "drop-in" playground where you can stop by anytime to explore small-group activities at your own pace.

TBD

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

Brandon Harrison

Art, Media, & Innovation Specialist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Brandon is the Media, Innovation, and Technology Integration Specialist at CUES in Richfield. He has been involved in education for 25+ years. Before CUES, he spent 3 years as an Education Mentor for the Cache County and Logan City School Districts' YIC program. He then taught junior... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour Playground - hands on activities and discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Subject Area High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Computer Science, STEM / STEAM

9:45am MDT

Getting Your New Teachers to Stay: Research to Impact Practice in Small Schools

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🖼️ Format Alert: This is a relaxed, 2-hour "drop-in" poster session where you can browse at your leisure and chat informally with presenters.

New teacher attrition is a concern for all school systems, especially small or rural schools. Learn current research insights regarding new teacher induction. This poster session will suggest ways to design effective mentoring and induction activities based on research. Discussion, interaction, sharing of best practices, and exploring ways to impact new teacher retention in your setting will be a key part of this presentation. Finally, I will ask for interview volunteers to help in my research and will provide initial research findings, if possible.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Pamela Pedersen

Doctoral Researcher, University of Utah, Education Leadership and Policy

I bring 27 years of experience in public education, beginning as a special education teacher and later serving as a grant writer and secondary administrator in the Salt Lake City School District.

For the past 17 years, I have led in a range of school settings, including small district charter schools, alternative high schools, and large comprehensive high schools. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities schools face across different... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Instructional Coaching, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Instructional Coaching, Leadership

9:45am MDT

Policy Implications for Principalship: "An Unfunded Mandate"

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🖼️ Format Alert: This is a relaxed, 2-hour "drop-in" poster session where you can browse at your leisure and chat informally with presenters.

It seems that education is one of the most over-politicized fields. Each year the legislature tries to "solve" all of "problems" they see in society by pushing more policies into the schools. Administrators play a big role in implementation for many of the top-down policies that are newly signed into law each year. Sometimes the laws make a little bit of sense. Sometimes they are just a nuisance. This poster session will discuss finding from my dissertation regarding policy implementation struggles and successes for school leaders. It will also give participants an opportunity to share their biggest policy struggles with me to guide my next research project because until practitioners and legislatures see each other, not much is going to change. Let's make policy work for Utah's rural school children!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Bethany McGarry

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership, Other

9:45am MDT

Going for Gold: The New Gold Medal Schools Framework

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🛝 Format Alert: This is a fluid, 2-hour "drop-in" playground where you can stop by anytime to explore small-group activities at your own pace.

Join us for an engaging session on the Gold Medal Schools Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to promote healthy lifestyles, regular physical activity, and nutritious eating habits among students. Originally created to coincide with the 2002 Utah Olympics, this locally developed program is being re-established to align with the upcoming 2034 Olympic games, playing a key role in the state's broader Rural Health Transformation Plan.In this session, we will explore the core components of the proposed five-year Gold Medal Schools Pilot Program, which empowers eligible elementary schools to implement evidence-based strategies and create school policies that support lifelong health and wellnessLearning Intentions: Inform participants about the new Gold Medal Schools Program for rural schools, including grant opportunities.Demonstrate the framework (to be developed) and model activities that educators can implement as part of the program. Activities may include: nutrition education, fitness assessments, adaptive and inclusive sports, bike education, and active transport. Success Criteria: Participants have access to the framework and understand the requirements of Gold Medal Schools. They will also know how to apply for funding for the 2026-27 school year. Participants can lead and administer the activities modeled during the session with students.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Jodi Paker

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour Playground - hands on activities and discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Health and Physical Education, Leadership

9:45am MDT

Basic Self Care: What do you need to know

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate!

In this session, we will explore what self-care truly means—and what it does not. Together, we will reflect on the role of self-talk and how our internal dialogue shapes our perception of ourselves and our overall well-being. Participants will have the opportunity to assess their current self-care routines, identify areas for growth, and consider practical ways to strengthen their daily habits.

We will also introduce foundational concepts across key domains of wellness, including physical, emotional, mental, financial, spiritual, and social health. This session is designed to be both reflective and practical, offering simple, meaningful strategies that can be applied immediately.

Join us for an engaging and supportive experience focused on building awareness, fostering balance, and enhancing overall well-being.

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

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 16 years. Before that, she was a Special Education Teacher in the Nebo district for five years. She earned an associate's degree from Utah Valley University and a dual Bachelor of Science in special... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Mental/Behavioral Health

9:45am MDT

School nurse to student ratio and Utah legislative ratio recommendation

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🖼️ Format Alert: This is a relaxed, 2-hour "drop-in" poster session where you can browse at your leisure and chat informally with presenters.

School nurses provide important training, administrative support, advocacy, and direct carein a school setting. Professional organizations and state governments create recommendations on school nurse staffing that adequately support student health, safety, and learning. During the 2022 Utah General Legislative Session, House Bill 114 was passed which encourages having 1 school nurse for every 2,000 students in Utah schools.This poster presentation provides a map overview of the school nurse to student ratio and full-time equivalent hours needed to meet the Utah legislative ration recommendation as outlined in the 2025 School Health Workload Report. In the 2024-2025 school year, fewer than 3 out of 10 schools met the state's nurse to student ratio. This includes more than 523,900 students at 772 schools with a ratio higher than the 1:2,000 recommendation and 90 charter schools and 46,712 students with no school nurse-based health care coverage. Duchesne, Emery, and Cache counties have the highest student to school nurse ratios at 2 to 3 times recommendation. Many rural counties need to add less than 1 full time equivalent school nurse to meet the ratio recommendation.A high student to school nurse ratio can have many consequences in schools, such as decreased student attendance, decreased student academic performance, and increased time spent by principals, teachers, and office staff addressing student health concerns. About 82 FTE positions are needed for schools to meet the legislative recommendation across the state, with about 24 FTE positions needed for schools with no nurse.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Mary Kathryn Curcio Stoddard

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Health and Physical Education, Mental/Behavioral Health, Other

9:45am MDT

Teaching Communication to Replace Challenging Behavior

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

🛝 Format Alert: This is a fluid, 2-hour "drop-in" playground where you can stop by anytime to explore small-group activities at your own pace.

This hands-on session gives educators practical ways to support students with challenging behavior by teaching communication (including AAC) as a replacement skill. You’ll learn to think about the “why” behind behavior and use that information to choose and teach simple, functional communication responses that fit your setting.We will use a Behavior Skills Training format (teach, model, practice, feedback) so you can try out strategies during the session and get feedback. You’ll leave with ready-to-use tools, including behavior observation sheets, function-based communication planning guides, AAC-friendly examples, and simple data sheets designed with rural schools in mind.This session is designed for general and special education teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, and administrators. No behavior analysis background is needed—everything will be explained in plain, classroom-focused language with real examples.

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

Speakers

Dr. Audrey N. Hoffmann

Rhea Rayomand Palkhiwala

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Assessment & Data Management, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Other, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour Playground - hands on activities and discussions with various small groups during a 2-hour window
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, Teachers
Grade Level Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health

9:45am MDT

Kinesthetic Astronomy 4th grade

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic.

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: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Jayceen Craven Walker

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

Jayceen has been with the planetarium in one way or another since 1987 at the Hansen when she was an actor in The ZAP Show. She joined the staff in 1989 and worked her way up through the ranks of part-time reservationist, science demo presenter, AstroVan presenter, volunteer coordinator... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
Subject Area 46085
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Science

9:45am MDT

Patterns & Partnerships

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic.

Come engage with hands-on, phenomenon-based, 3D investigations and lesson plans that explore Utah’s mountain ecosystems. Covering all Sixth Grade life science SEEd standards 6.4.1-6.4.5, this bin includes customizable curriculum, over 100 specimens, drone footage, scientific tools, and more! The bins are reusable resources located at districts and service centers statewide and are available at no cost to Utah public schools (district and charter).

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum

Heather has over 20 years of experience in both formal and informal education K-12. Most of that has been spent in informal science education working with statewide programs that include outreach, teacher resources, professional development and writing curriculum to support state... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
Subject Area 5-6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Science, STEM / STEAM

10:06am MDT

Community Access to Care for First Episode Psychosis

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:06am - 10:24am MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Information on services we provide and how individuals and providers can refer people for those services. We are a community provider specializing in psychotic episodes in individuals aged 15-25. Our services are available at no cost, as we are grant funded. We have done a lot of outreach in Cedar City and Iron County, and would love the chance to increase our circle of support as well as inform about similar programs state wide.

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

Dylan Chase

Kylie Frandsen

Brandon Gren

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:06am - 10:24am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Mental/Behavioral Health

10:27am MDT

Partnership Power! Bringing Poetry to Life with Statewide Competitions from the Division of Arts & Museums

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:27am - 10:45am MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums administers two different statewide competitions for 9-12 grade students designed to bring poetry to life for young learners while advancing literacy, confidence and public speaking skills.

Poetry Out Loud is a nationwide contest that starts at the local level with individual classrooms and schools. Lesson plans and other teacher resources are available to help teachers integrate the contest into their curriculum. Participating schools can request free on-site workshops with the state poet laureate. Students select from a collection of great works of poetry to memorize and recite, and local contest winners move on to the regional and then the state level, where cash prizes are awarded, and one Utah student will get a free trip to Washington D.C. for the national finals to compete for the $20,000 grand prize.

We also hold a statewide poetry writing competition called Poetry Ourselves. Students are encouraged to enter their own original works in both English and Spanish. Free workshops on bilingual poetry are available from our agency to encourage engagement from language learners in your school. Winners receive cash awards and a trip to Salt Lake to read their work at the state finals event in March.

We are committed to expanding this program to every corner of the state. Join us to learn how you can participate in the coming year.

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

Justin Ivie

Reilly Jensen

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:27am - 10:45am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts

10:45am MDT

Networking and Refreshment Break

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:10am MDT

TBD

Thursday July 16, 2026 10:45am - 11:10am MDT
TBD 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Break

Learning Strand or Track Break
Audience Everyone

11:10am MDT

Supporting Students with Complex Needs

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 11:28am MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

I will be sharing my student's story. How I advocated for my student with admin and families, and how that communication helped everyone be on the same page. How my team and I set up safety and regulation spaces and supports. What we learned using them thoughtfully. Strategies I used to support my staff (building buy-in, navigating tough days, dealing with all the "real-life" variables like staffing and schedules). Data collection that is simple and realistic so you are able to see patterns and ask for the right kinds of support.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Rachel Jacobsen

Rhea Rayomand Palkhiwala

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 11:28am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators, Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Special Education

11:10am MDT

AI as a Design Variable

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium

Educators are in the moment, deciding what teaching and learning with AI will accomplish. Research shows AI used in a cavalier manner hurts congitive ability and research shows AI can improve brain function. Both are true. This presentation introduces frameworks, strategies, and things to try tomorrow to ensure you have the best interactions with AI for you and your students.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web enabled device

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 →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Keynote Speaker Session
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Leadership

11:10am MDT

AI on the Ground: Research Meets Rural Realities

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how educators plan, teach, and learn - but what does that look like in practice, especially in rural contexts? In this interactive workshop, the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) will facilitate a collaborative learning experience where research insights and educator expertise come together to help make sense of AI's rapidly evolving role in education and in their schools and classrooms. Drawing on recent UEPC research, participants will explore the opportunities, functions, and guardrails for responsible human-AI collaboration, including how AI can serve as a feedback partner, instructional support tool, and collaborative coach, alongside key considerations for ethics, transparency, and teacher agency. The UEPC will share findings from ongoing survey research with Utah educators about their AI use, including which tools they're using, how it's changing their practice, and what concerns and questions remain. These insights set the stage for the session's central activity: a structured, collaborative exchange in which participants share their AI experiences, strategies, cautions, and questions with peers across diverse rural school contexts. Participants will leave with:Key research insights on AI's roles in professional learning and instructionA snapshot of where Utah educators currently stand with AI integrationPractical strategies and ideas from fellow educators to support responsible human-AI collaboration Whether you're an AI enthusiast, skeptical adopter, or hopeful bystander, this session is designed to meet you where you are. Bring your experiences, your questions, and your willingness to learn alongside your peers about how AI is shaping our educational landscapes.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Kody Colvin

Assistant Director, Professional Learning & Technical Assistance, Utah Education Policy Center

Kody Colvin is the Assistant Director of Professional Learning and Technical Assistance at the Utah Education Policy Center, where he partners with schools and systems to strengthen instructional leadership, professional learning, and continuous improvement efforts. With over 15 years... Read More →

Amy Reynolds

Julianne Zemaitis

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone
Grade Level STEM / STEAM, Leadership

11:10am MDT

We can help your students learn more about engineering.

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level)

Come learn about the resources we can provide you to help your students learn more about engineering. We have hands on activities, summer research internships, summer camps, discover engineering traveling exhibit and engineering day. We also have lesson plans and teacher checkout materials. https://www.price.utah.edu/k12https://www.price.utah.edu/discover-engineeringhttps://www.price.utah.edu/k12/lesson-plans

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Morgan Boyack

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area 3-4, 5-6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12, Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level STEM / STEAM

11:10am MDT

Scam Academy - Teaching Students to Outsmart the Algorithms

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level)

This session moves beyond basic digital safety checklists to teach students the crucial skill of healthy skepticism. We will introduce \"Scam Academy\" resources, which implement Civic Online Reasoning’s Three Questions. These questions help move students from being vulnerable to online manipulation to being digital detectives. Resources available for all grade levels (K-12). Let’s teach students to be smarter than the bots, influencers, and algorithms that exist to trick them!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Dani Sloan

IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Dr. Dani Sloan helps educators lead, research, and teach digital citizenship. She's a UEN Product Manager and Instructor at the University of Utah. She is a former Elementary Teacher and current mom to a seventh grader. Dani is passionate about preparing students for a digital world... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Everyone, Technology Coordinators /
Grade Level Media Literacy

11:10am MDT

Managing Change as a New School Administrator

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

This session is designed for the new school administrator, and will provide a framework for understanding how to assess and navigate the change needed in a school for which you are the new principal. This program will identify four key types of schools, the unique qualities of each, and how best to move forward in making change and improving a school based on these descriptions.

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

Doug Stump

Director of Graduate Programs, Education, Southern Utah University

Doug Stump teaches in the Educational Leadership program at Southern Utah University. Doug has 18 years experience in Pk-12 schools as a teacher, mid-level administrator and head of school. Doug has worked with schools in Virginia, rural western New York and Texas. He has 14 years... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

11:10am MDT

Everything that Matters Begins with Trust: How to Create It, Sustain It, and Restore It

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

This workshop helps educators examine trust as the foundation for effective learning, leadership, and school culture. Participants will review the sources of trust in a school, practice trust-building responses to common school scenarios, and leave with a concrete commitment for specific actions. The focus will be on practical application of concepts in case studies and hands-on activities that answer the question: “What does trust look like in schools? How do leaders and teachers create and sustain it?”

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Dale COX

Associate Professor, Program Director K-12 Educational Leadership, UVU - Utah Valley University

Dale Cox is an Associate Professor and the Program Director of K-12 Educational Leadership at Utah Valley University. He received his doctorate in educational leadership from Lehigh University, his M.Ed. in educational administration from Arizona State University, and his B.A. in... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

11:10am MDT

Engagement 101

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level)

As Anita Archer says, "Learning is NOT a spectator sport!" If you are new to engagement or would like a refresher, this is the session for you. We will spend the hour engaged in high-impact low prep strategies that you can use with your students starting your first week back in school. Come prepared to think, engage, and learn in a collaborative environment.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Melissa Metcalf

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

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

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Other

11:10am MDT

Engagement Strategies for the Middle Years 6th-8th Grade

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106

Being a teacher "in the middle" (6-8/9 grades) is a unique place to be. During this session we will look at how we are engaging with our students at this age. What are their unique developmental needs and how do we empower their learning while keeping our sanity.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

April Stevenson

President, Utah Middle Level Association

Melodie Garcia

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Other

11:10am MDT

Exploring Utah's Writing Benchmark Platform

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122

With Utah's transition to a new formative writing platform, educators have access to a brand-new suite of tools designed to streamline the writing process and enhance student growth. We will move beyond the basics of administration and dive into the instructional tools available to teachers and students. Participants will get hands-on experience navigating the interface, utilizing the platform's evaluation tools to support students during the writing process, and accessing data reporting features to drive meaningful student-centered conversations. Learning Intentions: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:Navigate the New Interface: Locate essential tools and confidently navigate the teacher and student dashboards.Utilize Built-In Tools: Understand how to leverage the platform's built-in tools to provide timely, actionable support and feedback to students during the writing process.Analyze Actionable Data: Interpret the platform's reports to identify trends, guide instructional decisions, and facilitate collaborative student-centered discussions.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Speakers

Dallas Brooks

Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dallas holds a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well as a K-12 Reading Endorsement. She has served as both an elementary teacher and a Title I Coordinator, bringing over a decade of experience in supporting student achievement. In her current role, Dallas specializes... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area 3-4, 5-6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts

11:10am MDT

Intro to PCBL: Guiding Principles & Strategies for Improving Learning

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

Join us for an insightful presentation on Personalized Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) to explore effective strategies for enhancing student learning. You'll learn to set clear learning goals, establish measurable objectives, and leverage intrinsic motivators to foster a personalized learning environment. The session will also cover goal-setting, progress monitoring, and curating resources, providing practical strategies you can immediately implement in your classroom.

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: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Chromebook

Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Other

11:10am MDT

Portrait of Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities: A Roadmap for Educators, Students, and Families

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level)

There are a myriad of resources identifying best practice in secondary transition for students with disabilities. It can be challenging for practitioners, students, and families to visualize and implement these resources in a meaningful way. Additional resources are needed to help stakeholders identify meaningful opportunities, experiences, services, and supports to implement the postsecondary transition planning process with compliance and high quality. Utah's Portrait of a Graduate defines 13 competency areas essential for success in adult life. Utah’s Statewide Collaborative on Improving Postsecondary Transition Outcomes for Students with Disabilities (STC) recognized that students with disabilities often need additional support and services to achieve these same competencies as their peers without disabilities. Over the past year and a half, the STC has gathered insights on best practices, identified necessary skills for postsecondary success, and learned from the experiences of youth with disabilities. The result? The Portrait of Secondary Transition (POST) as a companion to the Portrait of a Graduate. This has been a long-term, multi-agency, collaborative process designed to affect whole-system change in how we serve young people with disabilities as we help them prepare for life as adults.This session will share our journey, lessons learned and inspire you to build on this work in your own setting. Don't miss this opportunity to explore our multi-tiered model and discover practical strategies to support young people with disabilities as they prepare for life as adults. Let's make a difference together!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Crystal Emery

SSIP and Transition to Postsecondary Specialist for Students with Disabilities, Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Special Education, Career and Technical Education

11:10am MDT

Chaos Coordinators: Frontload the Calm, Teach the Tough

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level)

In today’s classrooms, challenging behavior can quickly disrupt learning, but it doesn’t have to. This session focuses on how to frontload the calm through proactive, practical strategies that prevent escalation before it starts, while also equipping educators to confidently teach through tough moments when they arise.Participants will learn how to design supportive environments, use antecedent strategies, and embed clear expectations and reinforcement systems that reduce problem behavior. We’ll also explore in-the-moment response strategies that maintain safety, preserve relationships, and turn challenging situations into meaningful teaching opportunities.

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

Speakers

Katie Clark

BCBA, School Psychologist Intern

Dana Blazzard

Behavior Specialist, BCaBA, LABA, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Dana Blazzard is a licensed educator and behavior specialist who supports students across northern Utah through FBAs, BIPs, and collaboration with school teams. She is committed to creating positive environments where students can thrive.Outside of her professional work, Dana enjoys... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Mental/Behavioral Health

11:10am MDT

Positive Childhood Experiences in the K-12 Setting

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

As part of my work with the district, I sit on a multi-disciplinary team that focusses on preventive measures to help students and adults make healthy life-style choices. In that work, we have talked a lot about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's), and the lasting impact that trauma can have on one’s life. We have also spent considerable time looking at Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE's), and have learned that they may have a more lasting impact on health and behavior than do ACE’s. One study concluded that “Regardless of the number of ACE’s, PCE’s were associated with lower odds of having mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral conditions…” (2025 Study of 2022 National Children’s Health Data; 23,133 children). This leads us to believe that The Positive has a lasting impact on each of us! The work of Positive Childhood Experiences is centered in seven areas of which four are directly tied to schools: “enjoying participation in community events; having at-least two non-parent adults who took genuine interest in you; feeling supported by friends; and feeling a sense of belonging in high school.” From this work, it is evident that the experiences a child has in school can and will have a lasting positive impact in their life, to the point that it can outweigh their adverse experiences. But it doesn’t stop there, research is being conducted that shows that the effect of The Positive continues into adulthood and that positive adult experiences, the ones you and I experience in the seasons of our careers as we interact with students in our spheres of influence, may help us to overcome and persevere through life's challenges.In this session, we will look at experiences and interactions from throughout my career, and those of my colleagues, that demonstrate how public schools truly are a setting where students are able to interact with trusting adults in a way that builds resilience and capacity. We will see that in many instances it is because of people like you, dedicated educators, that students obtain the relational resilience they need to overcome adverse childhood experiences. We will reflect together on experiences in our careers where we have been positive influences in the lives of students and together increase our resolve to persevere in this amazing journey of investing ourselves in the lives of young people.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Phillip Bertoch

Human Resources Director, Duchesene County School District

Phillip Bertoch grew up in Duchesne County and graduated from Union High School in 1987. He is the product of rural schools and understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come from living in, and being educated in, a rural community. He is a thirty year career educator... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Mental/Behavioral Health

11:10am MDT

The Science of Learning in Utah Math Classrooms

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

What ULEAD found in effective Utah math classroomsSound research practicesCommon MythsHow students learn math: core science-of-learning principlesHigh impact routinesLethal mutationsApplication: practiceCommit to one high-leverage changeThe Science of Learning in Utah Math Classrooms.docx

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Jennie Earl

State Board Member, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jennie's commitment to education is showcased by her 7 ½ years of service on the State Board of Education two of those years were spent serving in a vice chair position. Throughout her tenure, she has been an integral part of numerous committees and initiatives. Her roles... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Mathematics

11:31am MDT

Unmuting Your Classroom: Supporting Multilingual Learners

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:31am - 11:49am MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Empower your multilingual learners! In this session, you'll master essential AI tools for communication. We'll cover document translation using Canva, instant live captions with Google Meet and Class Tools, and creating scaffolded activities that align with language goals using the SchoolAI Chrome Extension and Gemini. Additionally, we'll detail a replicable welcome packet complete with community resources for your newcomers. Leave with immediately applicable strategies to use with your multilingual tomorrow.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Kelli Cannon has been an educator for 12 years, teaching upper elementary students prior to her current role as a Digital Learning Specialist. Kelli holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, as well as endorsements in STEM, Teaching English as a Second Language and Instructional... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:31am - 11:49am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Everyone
Grade Level ESL

11:52am MDT

Igniting STEAM

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:52am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Check out elementary leveled websites that provide project-based learning ideas that engage students to connect Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Teachers are often overwhelmed by the numerous responsibilities they face these days. These websites provide access to platforms and resources, such as SORA, MissionIO, USBE, PhET, PBS, and other resources. Connecting these resources with the curriculum to ignite STEAM and cross-curricular 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

Kathleen Riebe

Digital Teaching and Learning Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Kathleen Riebe is a Digital Teaching and Learning coach with NUES, Northeastern Utah Education Service Center. Prior to NUES, Kathleen worked as an Educational Technology Specialist with Granite School. She received her Master's from USU and is attending SUU. In her free time, she... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 11:52am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Mathematics, Science, STEM / STEAM

1:30pm MDT

From Data to Insights: Monitoring Student Achievement Over Time via Utah RISE

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level)

Transforming raw assessment data into actionable instructional strategies can often feel like a daunting task. However, the key to unlocking continuous student growth lies in understanding the long-term trends hidden within these numbers. This session is designed to empower educators with the practical skills needed to navigate and maximize the Utah RISE Reporting platform (utahrise.org).During this presentation, we will explore critical features of the RISE Reporting platform. First, we will dive deep into the strengths and weaknesses view. This tool allows teaching teams to dissect specific reporting categories, providing the targeted insights necessary to critically evaluate and refine the scope and sequence of classroom instruction.Second, participants will learn how to effectively utilize the longitudinal view. By tracking a specific cohort’s scores across multiple academic years, educators can identify overarching growth patterns and evaluate the long-term impact of their educational strategies.Join us to bridge the gap between compliance-driven testing and meaningful pedagogical improvement. You will leave equipped with the analytical tools to monitor achievement effectively and make data-driven decisions that foster lasting academic success.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Brooke Anderson

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, 3-4, 5-6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts, Mathematics

1:30pm MDT

Great Grading!

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level)

In this session, we will share how data, assessments, and grading can be intentionally designed to focus on student centered learning, provide an accurate picture of student strengths and areas for growth, and accurately communicate student proficiency to stakeholders using systems and processes each clearly understand and connect with.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Tony Campbell

Angela Poulton

Jared Wilkinson

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

1:30pm MDT

Digital Resilience: Strategies for Managing Social Media and Student Focus in Grades 6–12

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

Secondary students are constantly navigating a digital world that was designed to capture their attention. This session provides 6–12 educators with practical strategies to help students manage this reality. Instead of just talking about safety, we will focus on building Digital Resilience.We will explore how to teach students to "look under the hood" of their social media feeds, recognize how algorithms influence their worldview, and use mental health check-ins to combat digital fatigue. You will leave with a toolkit of routines that integrate easily into any subject area, ensuring your students develop the self-regulation skills they need for the modern workforce.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Davina Sauthoff

K12 Library Media Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Davina Sauthoff, EdD. is the Library Media Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. She loves reading, 📚 spending time with family 💟 which includes two pups. She is passionate about leveraging the expertise of school 🏫 librarians and the vital role the school... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Media Literacy

1:30pm MDT

From Prompt to Page: Building Better Canvas Content with AI

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level)

From Prompt to Page: Building Better Canvas Content with AI

This 1-Hour BYOD Workshop session demonstrates how AI can be used to quickly generate well-designed Canvas pages, assignments, and instructional materials that are both aesthetically engaging and pedagogically sound through coding. Rather than spending hours formatting content, aligning elements, and troubleshooting layout issues, participants will see how simple prompts can produce clean, organized, and accessible Canvas-ready code in minutes. The focus is on practical, time-saving strategies that faculty can immediately implement in their own courses.

During the session, I will model how AI can help structure content with clear headings, visual organization, and thoughtful instructional flow that supports student learning. Examples will include building assignment pages, instructional modules, and activity directions that improve clarity, reduce cognitive load, and enhance student engagement. I will also demonstrate how AI can assist with creating ADA-conscious formatting, including readable layouts, consistent hierarchy, and accessible design choices.

In addition to saving time, this approach helps instructors focus more on pedagogy and less on technical formatting. Participants will see how AI can support alignment between objectives, instructions, and learning activities while also producing polished, professional-looking pages. The goal is to provide a realistic workflow that instructors can replicate immediately, whether they are new to Canvas design or looking to streamline existing course development.

Attendees will leave with concrete examples, prompt ideas, and a practical process for moving from concept to Canvas page quickly and effectively.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Device that can access Canvas and the Internet

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

Crystal Stott

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Other

1:30pm MDT

From Fragmented to Focused: Strengthening Your School’s System of Support

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

When systems of support are fragmented, students experience delays, duplication, or missed opportunities. This session helps educators move toward a more focused and aligned approach by clarifying how collaborative teacher teams, school leadership teams, and intervention teams work together within an RTI framework. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to improve coordination, ensure timely interventions, and better meet the needs of all 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: Not Applicable

Speakers

David Boren

Assistant Clinical Professor, Brigham Young University

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

1:30pm MDT

Leading High Leverage Practices in Schools

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

Speakers

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

1:30pm MDT

Teacher's are Leaders Inside and Outside of the Classroom

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204

Teachers have limited professional opportunities outside of moving away from the classroom to the district or admin offices. Educators will learn about how they can take on new leadership roles that are supported by the state board, state legislature, and may even be able to apply for stipends funded by the legislature through matching grants. These new leadership roles allow a teacher to stay in the classroom while expanding their career to new opportunities. We will explore the Utah State board approved Roles of a Teacher Leader Guidebook and the various leadership opportunities for teachers.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: As long as they have a web enabled device it will be fine.

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

Stephan Seabury

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

1:30pm MDT

A Beginners Guide to Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

In this presentation we will provide an overview of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to support students with complex communication needs. We will discuss classroom integration strategies to create inclusive, communication-rich environments where every student can be heard. The presentation’s goals are to build foundational knowledge of AAC and reduce confusion around the technology and terminology. Strategies shared include identifying potential AAC users, incorporating AAC into classroom routines, modeling AAC use throughout the day, and fostering a culture of communication for all students. These approaches can be implemented right away and do not require advanced training. Ideal for working professionals.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Alyssa Roylance

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Special Education

1:30pm MDT

Today's Middle School Student

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106

Today's middle school student is not the same as the middle school student of 15, 10 or even 5 years ago. The social, emotional and intellectual development of our young teens is an aspect we need to understand so that we can serve them better in our classrooms.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

April Stevenson

President, Utah Middle Level Association

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Other

1:30pm MDT

You've Got To Move It! (Incorporating Movement in the Secondary Classroom)

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level)

In this fast-paced, practical breakout, you’ll learn 10 simple, no-extra-prep strategies that get students out of their seats, thinking, talking, and engaging — without sacrificing rigor or losing control of your class. These ideas work in secondary settings (yes, even with high schoolers), align with instructional goals, and can be implemented tomorrow.Secondary classrooms weren’t designed for stillness… but somehow we’ve all ended up there. If you’ve ever looked out at a room full of slumped shoulders, tired eyes, and students who seem physically present but mentally somewhere else — this session is for you.The good news? You don’t need elaborate stations, complicated rotations, or hours of planning to bring energy back into your classroom. You just need movement — the right kind, at the right moments.We’ll explore how purposeful movement increases attention, improves retention, and strengthens classroom culture — especially during long block periods. You’ll leave with simple movement routines you can drop into any content lesson.If you’re ready to rediscover what matters most — real engagement, real energy, and real learning — it’s time to move it. Come ready to participate. (Yes, you’ll be moving too.)

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Mary Saylor

Instructional Coach, Cedar Middle School

Mary Saylor is a secondary ELA teacher turned Instructional Coach who is passionate about helping teachers create engaging classrooms without adding hours of extra work. With 16 years of classroom experience, she shares practical strategies, mindset shifts, and classroom systems that... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Other

1:30pm MDT

Rediscovering Health Through Rural and State Partnership

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122

Duchesne County School District (DCSD) and the Healthy Environments Active Living (HEAL) Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services partnered to strengthen student and staff health through practical, school-based strategies focused on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and chronic disease management. In a geographically isolated rural district with limited access to healthcare resources and only one school nurse, this partnership created an opportunity to build sustainable systems of support.A key strategy was the creation of a district-level Wellness Coordinator role to bridge schools, community partners, and public health systems. This role supported the development of school-based wellness teams composed of staff and students, who used the School Health Index (SHI) to identify priorities and guide action planning tailored to each school’s needs.Key implementation strategies included: (1) expanding staffing through the addition of school health aides to support student health needs, (2) implementing the SHI across all schools to assess policies and practices, and (3) establishing wellness councils to lead school-level planning and strengthen a culture of health. Schools also engaged in data collection efforts, including the Healthy Students and Healthy Schools Questionnaire, to inform decision-making and monitor progress.These efforts increased engagement among staff, students, and community partners, strengthened cross-sector collaboration, and built a foundation for sustainable, long-term health improvements. This partnership demonstrates how rural districts can leverage relationships, data, and simple systems to create meaningful and lasting change in school health.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Halee Ficklin

Mary Kathryn Curcio Stoddard

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Health and Physical Education, Mental/Behavioral Health

1:30pm MDT

3D in 8th Grade Science - Oxidation in Action in Utah

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level)

This one-hour session highlights how the BYU 3D Rural Science Teachers (3D-RST) project supports rural educators in implementing three-dimensional science instruction aligned with Utah SEEd Standards and NGSS. Participants will explore a classroom-tested Grade 8 chemistry lesson focused on oxidation that integrates Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs) through meaningful, place-based phenomena.Using the 2019 Zion National Park rockfall and a hands-on fruit oxidation investigation, the lesson engages students in planning and carrying out investigations to determine whether a chemical reaction has occurred. Participants will see how students analyze patterns in observable properties—such as color change—to develop evidence-based explanations for chemical change, directly addressing Utah SEEd Standard 8.1.3.The session emphasizes how 3D-RST lessons are intentionally designed for rural contexts, using low-cost, easily accessible materials and flexible structures that support small class sizes, limited lab resources, and multi-prep teaching assignments. Presenters will walk through how the lesson scaffolds student sensemaking, supports discourse, and makes three-dimensional learning explicit and visible.Participants will leave with access to all lesson materials developed through the 3D-RST project, along with practical strategies for adapting phenomenon-based, three-dimensional instruction to their own rural classrooms and local contexts.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Maggie Grindstaff

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Science

1:30pm MDT

Building Better People Through Lessons from History, Lessons from the Holocaust

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

The Holocaust Learning Experience is a free resource offered to any school district, charter school, private school or home school network.During this session participants will experience one of our over 40 lessons from the Holocaust and discover how these lessons are imperative to teaching resiliency and empathy. Data will be shared, teachers will hear about the thousands of survey outcomes we have received and how the program is impacting students and teachers, how they are learning and understanding the importance of standing up for others. Character building is at the heart of our program, we are transforming generations to understand the importance of mitigating the language of hate, bigotry, bias and antisemitism, through the lens of lessons from the Holocaust.

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: None

Speakers

Leigh Routman

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Social Science, Instructional Coaching

1:30pm MDT

Writing Formative Assessment Clusters

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate!

Have you seen or heard that the RISE assessments have clusters? We will learn what assessment “clusters” are, how to write them, and then write them for use in our classrooms as part of our formative assessment process. Participants will be able to focus on ELA, Mathematics, or Science with support from the USBE Assessment Specialists.The RISE assessments in grades 3-10 include clusters, so utilizing this assessment format in classrooms can help prepare students for the RISE assessments.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Jared Wright

Elementary Math and Science Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

I have been in Education for 20+ years. Approximately half of that time was as an elementary school teacher of students in grades 2, 3, and 4. The other half has been in multiple roles at USBE in the Assessment and Accountability section.

Dallas Brooks

Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Samantha Tinkey

Secondary Science Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Language Arts, Mathematics, Science

1:30pm MDT

The Reclaimed Classroom: Leading AI for Teaching and Learning

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate!

AI is already shaping classrooms and schools—but how can teachers and leaders use it to meaningfully improve teaching, learning, and decision-making?In this interactive session, participants will explore lessons from Utah’s AI & School Leadership Collaborative, a statewide effort focused on practical, ethical, and human-centered uses of AI in schools. We will build a shared foundation by unpacking key concepts such as traditional vs. generative AI, large language models (LLMs), bias, hallucinations, and responsible data use, including considerations around PII and “walled garden” tools.Through educator case studies and student-facing scenarios, participants will examine real-world applications of AI for instructional planning, student engagement, and leadership decision-making. Using a simple AI fluency framework (e.g., the 4Ds), participants will explore how to move from awareness to intentional implementation. The session emphasizes ethical use, human judgment, and the role of educators in AI-supported environments.By the end of this session, participants will be able to:Build foundational AI understanding, including key concepts and risksAnalyze AI use cases to identify meaningful instructional and leadership applicationsApply an AI fluency framework to guide responsible implementationIdentify ethical and data privacy considerations in school contextsDevelop one concrete next step for AI use in their setting

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

Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Kody Colvin

Assistant Director, Professional Learning & Technical Assistance, Utah Education Policy Center

Matt Winters

AI Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Matthew Winters is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Educational Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. He was formerly a product manager and statewide trainer for Utah Education Network.He was the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) President for 2022-2024... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Leadership

1:30pm MDT

Art Tools and Teacher Tricks

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic.

Looking to bring more creativity into your classroom without the mess or stress? In this hands-on workshop, elementary classroom teachers will learn practical tips and tricks for confidently using and managing basic art supplies. From watercolors to oil pastels colored pencils and more, we’ll explore what’s worth buying, what to skip, and how to get the most out of the supplies you already have. How can you use and manage these supplies more effectively?Participants will learn art hacks for the classroom that will minimize chaos and maximize instructional time. We’ll also cover easy-to-teach techniques that help students use supplies correctly and responsibly, saving money and reducing waste. Whether you’re art-loving or art-avoidant, you’ll leave with ready-to-use strategies that make creative activities smoother, more efficient, more successful and more engaging.Perfect for any teachers who want big creative impact with basic supplies!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Liz Brown

BTS Arts Integration Coach

Liz Brown is a BTS Art Integration educator. She was the 2025 Utah Art Educator of the Year for the National Art Education Association and the 2024 Art Educator of the Year for the Utah Art Education Association. She is passionate about arts integration and children getting the opportunity... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
Subject Area PK - 2, Elementary - grades K - 6, 5-6, 3-4
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Performing Arts / Visual Arts

1:30pm MDT

Evidence-Based Instruction Available to Your Area from The UURC

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic.

In this 2 hour interactive presentation, UURC staff will demonstrate brief examples of the high quality, evidence-based, effective intervention services that can be provided to students at home or in school in rural areas across the state of Utah, providing a breakdown and analysis of the instruction provided at varying developmental reading levels with case studies to show data-based decision making. In this demonstration, participants will see scaffolded reading support in connected text across varied text complexities, as well as with words in isolation, connected with writing, and repeated reading procedures crafted to increase student fluency outcomes.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Breyanna Evans

Reading Intervention Specialist, University of Utah Reading Clinic

Breyanna Evans received her B.S. 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 for Pinnacle Canyon... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts, Special Education

1:40pm MDT

Task management using Trello

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:40pm - 1:58pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Trello uses kanban board style task management to help quickly visualize tasks and organize steps in a process. I will demonstrate the basics of the kanban approach and how I specifically use Trello to manage my technology-related tasks for our district. If time permits, I will also show some automation tools that help make the product work even better to reduce the time I spend managing my time.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Christijan Draper

Technology Director, Daggett School District

Christijan Draper graduated from high school in the Alaskan Bush as a class of one—valedictorian by default. Dr. Draper has a PhD in instructional psychology and technology, a MS in youth and family recreation, and he studied communications as an undergrad. He spent five years as... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 1:40pm - 1:58pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Other

2:01pm MDT

Virtual Field Trips: Instructional Resources

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:01pm - 2:19pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

In rural communities, taking a variety of field trips can be challenging. But exposing our students to different peoples and places is so important. This session will provide participants with a list of websites that host free virtual field trips, as well as instructional resources to use before, during, and after field trips to maximize their impact.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Heather Kennedy

Assistant Professor, SUU - Southern Utah University

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:01pm - 2:19pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:22pm MDT

Simulating Moon Phases using your hand

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:22pm - 2:40pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Teach your students a simple, hands-on method for modeling Moon phases by using their own hand to represent the Moon’s position relative to the Earth and Sun; this interactive strategy helps them visualize and understand how phases change over time and serves as a memorable tool to support their success on the RISE test.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Jayceen Craven Walker

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:22pm - 2:40pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
Subject Area 46148
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Science

2:30pm MDT

Refreshment Break

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT

TBD

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT
TBD 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Break

Learning Strand or Track Break
Audience Everyone

2:50pm MDT

Supporting Student Learning and Creativity with Google Vids

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

Come explore a powerful teaching and learning tool that lives right inside your Google Workspace: Google Vids. In this session, you'll see how Google Vids can replace the work of multiple other tools, all streamlined into an AI-powered creation hub. Learn how to breathe new life into your existing slideshows, harness the power of Gemini to generate instant storyboards, and utilize "pro" features like the built-in teleprompter and AI voiceovers. Whether you want to narrate your slideshows, create how-to screen recordings or "Digital Sub Plans," or want to get your students creating videos, this session will help you learn this cinematic, collaborative learning tool—no expensive software required.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Rob taught secondary Spanish and Language Arts for 6 years. For the last 19 years, he's been teaching teachers how to integrate technology effectively into their curriculum. During his time at UEN, he's presented at URSA, UELMA, UCET, ISTE, FETC, UFLA, SUMS, and the CTE conferences... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:50pm MDT

Becoming Digitally Deliberate

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

Talmage works with teachers and staff to tackle screen time head on.Here is what we cover:The digital dangers affecting students and educators todayAdvice from the "digital doctor" on managing your own screen timeWhat is really happening to our students and why it mattersPractical tips to help kids build healthier habits with technologyStaff will walk away with:A better understanding of their own relationship with screensReal insight into what students are struggling with dailySimple, actionable strategies to help kids manage screen time in and out of the classroom

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Talmage Erickson

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Mental/Behavioral Health, Media Literacy

2:50pm MDT

Literacy, Mental Health, and School Engagement for Students with Learning Disabilities

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level)

Students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities are at increased risk for academic frustration, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem, which can significantly impact their connection to school. For many, repeated experiences of difficulty with reading contribute not only to skill gaps, but also to reduced engagement, increased school avoidance, and a heightened likelihood of negative school outcomes.This session will explore the relationship between literacy challenges and mental health, with a specific focus on how reading difficulties influence student engagement and overall school experience. Participants will learn how to identify these patterns and implement practical, evidence-based supports that address both academic and social-emotional needs.Grounded in research and real-world application, this session will highlight structured literacy approaches, progress monitoring, and systems of support that help students build reading proficiency while also restoring confidence and connection to school. Special attention will be given to actionable strategies Utah educators and administrators can use within MTSS frameworks to better support students with learning disabilities.Participants will leave with a renewed understanding of what matters most—ensuring that every student is not only learning to read, but also feeling successful, connected, and motivated to engage in school.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Paul Black

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Instructional Coaching, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health

2:50pm MDT

Scaffolding Tier 1 Phonics Instruction

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level)

Effective Tier 1 phonics instruction is critical for all learners, yet many students require targeted scaffolds to fully access grade-level content. This session will highlight evidence-aligned scaffolding strategies that teachers can embed within whole-group and small-group instruction to support student success during Tier 1 phonics. Participants will explore concrete instructional moves that preserve grade-level rigor while increasing access for developing readers. By the end of the session, educators will have a toolkit of practical strategies they can immediately apply to improve student engagement and outcomes in phonics instruction.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Jennifer Throndsen

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Instructional Coaching, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Utah Core Curriculum, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area PK - 2
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts, ESL

2:50pm MDT

Current Problems in School Leadership: A Think Tank Experience

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

Speakers

Jenna Olson

Principal, Monticello Elementary

Jenna Olson is the principal of Monticello Elementary, where she leads school improvement efforts focused on data-driven instruction and student growth. She has served on district leadership teams, mentored new principals, and is pursuing her EdD in Educational Leadership. Jenna is... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership

2:50pm MDT

Teachers are leaders and should be the shapers our profession

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204

What we do as educators is often dictated by those who are not in our classrooms. We lead in our classrooms and should lead outside of them too. We'll work through how and when to connect with your policy makers from the local school district to the legislature and state board. Teachers will become familiar with the legislative website and practice communicating with their legislators. Teachers will leave having a better understanding of how educational policy works and the successes that can occur as they engage themselves.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web enabled device

Speakers

Stephan Seabury

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level Social Studies, Leadership

2:50pm MDT

Collaborative Roots: Building Parent-Teacher Trust to Transform Student Outcomes

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

In public education, the relationship between a special education teacher and a parent is more than just a professional requirement -- it is the foundation of a student's support system. In close-knit, rural communities, these interactions often extend beyond the classroom, making the establishment of authentic long-term trust both a unique challenge and a significant opportunity. When a genuine partnership is formed, the focus shifts from mere legal compliance to a shared mission of student success. This interactive session, led by two veteran special education teachers and current Utah Teacher Fellows, explores practical, high-impact strategies for fostering trust that endures. We will discuss how to move beyond the formality of the annual IEP meeting to create an ongoing dialogue that honors the parent's lived expertise and the teacher's professional dedication. Participants will engage with three pillars of family partnership:The Anatomy of Trust: Identifying specific communication habits that build–or inadvertently break–rapport with families.Conflict to Collaboration: Utilizing restorative communication techniques to navigate disagreements and turn difficult conversations into collaborative breakthroughs.Measurable Outcomes: Examining how robust home-school bonds lead to increased student engagement, higher teacher efficacy, and a more supportive school culture. Attendees will leave with a practical toolkit of communication templates and “parent-friendly” guides designed to bridge the gap between classroom goals and the home environment, ensuring every stakeholder feels heard, valued, and empowered.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Shannon Neeley

Sydney Whatcott

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Special Education

2:50pm MDT

Leaving Children Behind: Grade Retention in the 21st Century

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level)

Grade retention refers to the practice of requesting that a child repeat a grade or to the postponement of entry into kindergarten or first grade. It has been practiced for generations in schools in the United States. High stakes testing, increased educational accountability, escalating curriculum, and multifaceted sectors of pressure have amplified the practice of grade retention despite mixed evidence of the efficacy related to this highly investigated practice. What does the research say, and what are other options? This session reports research findings across time and explores alternatives to the practice that has been part of the educational landscape for over a century.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Pam Powell

Dean and Professor in the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development, SUU - Southern Utah University

Dr. Pam Powell spent over two decades as an elementary teacher prior to her appointment in higher education 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... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Language Arts, Special Education

2:50pm MDT

Middle Level Educators Unite

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106

Utah Middle Level Association will be facilitating a round robin/speed dating (but no actual dates) type of brainstorming session. Some of the best ideas of how to solve a problem are being used by someone else who is working in a middle/junior high school. You have a solution to someone else's challenge. Middle School Educators let's unite!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

April Stevenson

President, Utah Middle Level Association

Kristy Stevens

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Other

2:50pm MDT

Navigating Sensitive Materials and Collection Development: Updated Strategies for School, Library, and Classrooms

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

This session provides a practical, strategy-based guide for educators to navigate the 2026 updates to Utah’s sensitive materials laws. We will focus on the professional standards used to develop high-quality classroom and library collections that align with both state law and Utah Core Standards.Participants will learn how to apply objective selection rubrics to ensure new materials are age-appropriate and educationally relevant. We will explore how to stay current with the USBE statewide tracking system and how to handle the local review process with transparency and professional clarity. Whether you manage a school library or a personal classroom collection, you will leave with the tools to build a compliant, high-quality environment.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Davina Sauthoff

K12 Library Media Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Other

2:50pm MDT

3D Science lessons- Gravity and Inertia

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level)

The presentation is on 3 dimensional science lessons.In Why the Moon Doesn’t Yeet into Space, students explore how gravity and inertia work together to keep the Moon in orbit around Earth. Using the Earth–Moon system as an anchor phenomenon, students investigate the driving question: What keeps the Moon from falling into Earth or flying off into space?Students begin by observing a simulation of the Moon orbiting Earth and sharing initial ideas. They then build background knowledge by reading about gravity and inertia and connecting these concepts to familiar experiences, such as a passenger continuing to move forward when a car suddenly stops. Through discussion and guided questioning, students deepen their understanding of inertia as forward motion and gravity as an attractive force.To model orbital motion, students use marbles and paper plates with gaps to represent gravity and inertia. As marbles roll around the plate and then exit through the opening, students observe how the marble continues in a straight line when the “gravitational pull” is removed. By testing marbles of different masses, students evaluate how well the model represents real orbital motion and identify its limitations.Students synthesize their learning by drawing and explaining a model that shows how gravity and inertia interact to keep the Moon in orbit. The lesson emphasizes developing and using models, identifying system interactions, and explaining unobservable mechanisms, aligning with Utah SEEd Standard 6.1.2 and NGSS expectations.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None

Speakers

Westen Miller

Teacher, North Sanpete School District

My name is Westen Miller. I am a 6th grade Math and Science teacher. I work for North Sanpete School District at Fairview Elementary. I am a teacher participant in the BYU 3D-rst program.

Kristine Erickson

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area 5-6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Science

2:50pm MDT

Implementing the Success Sequence: Key to Updated Health Education Standards

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122

This session is designed to support Health Educators in successfully implementing the newly approved Health Education Standards that incorporate the Success Sequence. Participants will receive clear explanations of the requirements for teaching the Success Sequence, have the opportunity to ask questions, and receive resources for incorporating the standard into instruction. By the end of this session, educators will be able to describe the key components of the updated standards and have tools to teach the Success Sequence next school year. Learning Intentions: Support Health Educators in the implementation of the newly approved Health Education Standards on the Success Sequence. Explain the Code requirements for teaching the success sequence Success Criteria: Health Educators can successfully identify and describe the key components of the newly approved Health Education Standards related to the Success Sequence.Educators understand the Utah Code requirements for teaching the Success Sequence in the classroom.

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: Any of these

Speakers

Jodi Parker

Health Education Specialist and Title IV, Part A State Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jodi Parker is the Health Education Specialist and Title IV, Part A State Coordinator for the Utah State Board of Education. She is President for The Society of State Leaders for Health and Physical Education and supports advisory committees including the University of Utah Driving... Read More →

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Health and Physical Education

2:50pm MDT

Virtual Field Trips at the Springville Museum of Art

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

Visit an art museum from your classroom! The Springville Museum of Art offers FREE virtual tours to K-12 teachers across the state. Whether led by a Museum Educator or self-guided, these interactive virtual tours mimic coming to the Museum in person through 360/VR experiences. Art is a powerful learning tool, providing differentiation and creativity when approaching the Utah Core Standards incorporated into every tour. Meet 4th grade social studies standard requirements by exploring Grand Ambitions, an exhibition celebrating the monumental works and aspirations of Utah artists from Pre-Expansion to the present day. A guided tour through In Sight, Out of Mind brings 6th grade science standards to the classroom through paintings, photographs, and 3D objects that invite us to consider what is easily overlooked in the natural world, including the impact of human activity. Participants of this session will leave with information and resources regarding this incredible USBE funded (through the Utah State Legislature) program, as well as an opportunity to sign up for a virtual tour right then and there.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Peyton Richards

Cheynie Wray

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Performing Arts / Visual Arts

2:50pm MDT

Demystifying Mastery: The What, the Why and the How of Proficiency Scale Construction

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level)

In a learner-centered classroom, students shouldn't have to guess what success looks like or how to get there; proficiency scales provide the essential GPS for their educational journey. This session will explore the what, why, and how of building scales that transform Utah Core standards into transparent, actionable roadmaps for every learner. We’ll define proficiency scales as a progressive continuum that breaks down complex skills into observable milestones, moving far beyond the static nature of traditional rubrics. By shifting from a "mystery grading" system that combines behaviors and understanding into one opaque measure, we can foster true learner agency, empowering students to identify exactly what they need to know and how to get there. Participants will explore a practical design process: first, exploring standards to identify essential skills; second, crafting clear descriptors for varying levels of mastery from emerging to extending; and third, integrating student voice to ensure the language is accessible and meaningful. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the tools and concrete examples needed to replace traditional grade books with a system that turns every student into a self-directed, assessment capable learner.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Speakers

Nathan Auck

STEM Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education

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

Thursday July 16, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Not Applicable