Name: Every Seat Matters: Creating Classrooms of Belonging
Start: 2025-07-10T09:45:00-0600
End: 2025-07-10T12:10:00-0600

Welcome to URSA 2025 at Park City High School!

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT

Commons

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

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

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

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

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

Speakers

Alaina Marti

History Teacher in SLCSD, M.A.T., and Utah Teacher Fellow, SLCSE-Bryant Middle School

Alaina Marti is a History teacher from SLC District. Alaina began teaching Social Studies in 2020 while earning her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland. She is passionate about engaging in community and advocacy toward strengthening education throughout our... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | bring printed handouts to share with attendees if needed, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

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2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Alaina Marti

Attendees (5)

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2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

Alaina Marti

Attendees (5)

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