2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to URSA 2025 at Park City High School!

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:45am MDT

9:45am MDT

9:45am MDT

11:10am MDT

11:10am MDT

1:30pm MDT

2:50pm MDT

2:50pm MDT

2:50pm MDT

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