2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to URSA 2025 at Park City High School!

10:30am MDT

Conference Credit

Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:30am - 5:00pm MDT

USBE Licensure Points & SUU CreditThis form has been created to earn USBE licensure hours OR SUU college credit for your attendance at the Utah Rural Schools Conference. Only one type of "credit" may be earned. In order to earn SUU credit, you must attend the whole conference including one presentation per time slot, and each keynote address. You must also register with SUU and...
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Speakers

Joe B. Wright

Executive Director, SEDC

Joe B. Wright has been the Executive Director of the Southwest Educational Development Center since 2018. Joe B. was born and raised in Kanab, Utah. He is a graduate of Kanab High School, Southern Utah University, Northern Arizona University, and Northcentral University. He holds... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 10:30am - 5:00pm MDT
PCHS Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

11:00am MDT

What to do in Summit & Wasatch Counties

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

a Link to Activities in the Area

There are so many fun and exciting things for you and/or your family to participate in while you are in the Park City area. Check out this link (or scan the QR Code below) to see your endless options!

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
a Link to Activities in the Area

Activities

11:00am MDT

Conference Wi-Fi Information & Tech Support (RM 145TC)

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

PCHS

WIFI

The SSID is: PCHS-Guest
The Password is: summer2025@PCSD

WIFI

The SSID is: PCHS-Guest
The Password is: summer2025@PCSD

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
PCHS Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

11:00am MDT

Exhibitors & Partners Hall

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

Exhibitor Hall

Exhibitor Hall Map

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Exhibitor Hall Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, UT, 84060

Exhibitors & Partners Hall

Learning Strand or Track Exhibitors & Partners Hall
Audience All of the Above

11:00am MDT

Presenter's Lounge & Workspace: RM 136TC, 236TC, 245TC Tech Support in RM 145TC

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

PCHS

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
PCHS Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Presenter's Lounge

Learning Strand or Track Presenter's Lounge
Audience All of the Above

11:00am MDT

Conference Registration and Badge Pick-Up

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

PCHS

Wednesday July 9, 2025 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
PCHS Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Registration

Learning Strand or Track Registration
Audience All of the Above

12:00pm MDT

Conference Welcome, NUES URSA Award, Friend of Education Award

Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:10pm MDT

Eccles Center Theater

Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:00pm - 12:10pm MDT
Eccles Center Theater

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

12:10pm MDT

Keynote: Honoring the Ask – Respecting What it Takes to Engage in Coaching

Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:10pm - 1:25pm MDT

Eccles Center Theater

Speakers

Katie Dewey Hill

Quality Instruction Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education

I'm the Quality Instruction Coordinator at the Utah State Board of Education. I lead the work of instructional coaching throughout the state and support the implementation of Utah's Professional Learning Standards - I believe that professional learning should be something that 'makes... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 12:10pm - 1:25pm MDT
Eccles Center Theater

Keynote

Learning Strand or Track Keynote
Audience All of the Above

1:10pm MDT

Conference Information

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:10pm - 1:25pm MDT

PCHS

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:10pm - 1:25pm MDT
PCHS Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

1:30pm MDT

Analyzing Acadience Reading Data

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #132

How to see and analyze Acadience Reading data, including Progress Monitoring, to support students.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, ChromebookIdentified Students for BOY Interventions Worksheet:...
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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 →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

1:30pm MDT

Earn Credits, Endorsements, and APPEL Competencies with Utah Microcredentials!

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #147

Are you working toward an endorsement that is hard to get from a rural location? Or perhaps you are trying to build up credits toward a salary level change? Maybe you want to build skill as an educational leader within your school or community? Or maybe you are an administrator seeking ways to help teachers within your school earn their endorsements? Utah Microcredentials offer you options to...
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Speakers

Amy Coray

Digital Innovation Supervisor, Davis School District

Amy Coray is a Digital Innovation Supervisor working in Davis School District. She is passionate about personalized educational pathways for all students, including educators. After teaching five years in elementary and four years in junior high, Amy learned about the possibility... Read More →

Daron Kennett

Professional Learning Coordinator, Davis School District

Daron is the district's accreditation and evaluation coordinator. He taught English language arts, reading, and ESL. He earned his doctorate at Utah State University. Go Aggies!

How to earn a Utah Microcredential pdf

How to Claim Your Utah Microcredentials Voucher pdf

Utah Microcredentials A Choose Your Own Adventure pptx

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Empowering Student Sensemaking: A Student-Driven Approach to Learning

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #232

This presentation will explore the transformative power of student-driven learning in fostering sensemaking in the classroom. Drawing on practical examples and research-based insights, the presentation will highlight how student-centered strategies, supported by technology like Nearpod, can empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and construct...
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Speakers

Lora Gibbons

Senior Technical Trainer

Utah Education Network

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Exploring Earth & Sky: Navigating Stellarium, SOS Explorer and Universe Sandbox

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #135

Bring Earth and space science to life with three powerful, free digital tools your students will love! This hands-on session introduces Stellarium, Universe Sandbox, and NOAA’s Science On a Sphere Explorer (SOSx)—interactive platforms that make complex science concepts more engaging and accessible.Use Stellarium to take your students on a virtual journey through the night sky. They'll model...
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Speakers

Thomas Quayle

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

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

Jason Trump

Education Programs Supervisor, Clark Planetarium

Jason brings substantial expertise to the field of astronomy education. As the head of the education department at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, he oversees statewide field trip, teacher development, elementary outreach, and summer camp programs. He holds a Bachelor of Science... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

1:30pm MDT

High Engagement Writing

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #148

Come participate in a highly engaging writing experience that you can take back to modify and share with your students. This session will outline a start to finish process as an example of what is possible with the combination of tools used to create a final student product. This training will showcase WeWillWrite (grades 4-12), Google Slides, and Adobe Express in a mashup that will keep your...
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Speakers

Buffy Camps

6th Grade English Teacher, Helen M. Knight Elementary

I am in my 20th year of teaching. Fifteen of those have been in sixth grade, with the most recent nine years teaching English after we departmentalized.

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #148 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Science, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level 3 - 4, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

How to Ukulele Your Way to Classroom Success

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #237

Ukulele has become a popular instrument of choice for music educators of all grade levels. It is affordable, simple to learn, and kids love it because they can play their favorite popular songs. This workshop is designed to help administrators and music educators build thriving ukulele programs or ukulele units in their classrooms. It will introduce strategies through hands-on learning on how to...
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Speakers

Chris Woods

Music Teacher, Rich High School

Chris has been a music educator, songwriter, composer, and performer for over 20 years. He began his teaching career at a small after-school academy in Park City in which he taught guitar lessons to students ages 10-50. When he became a full-time teacher, he was able to expand the... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music
Audience Teachers, All of the above
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Rhythm, Rhyme, and the Hip-Hop Canon

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #144

What literary qualities earn a text a place in the canon? Who gets to decide? Shakespeare wisely wrote, “Even the genius asks his questions.” …Actually, Tupac Shakur penned those words. Does their value change if the author does?What if we expanded our definition of essential literature? This session explores the literary evolution of Hip-Hop, from its cultural roots in the Bronx, NY, to its...
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Speakers

Elyse Arrington

ELA Teacher & Reading Interventionist, Utah Teacher Fellow, East High School, Utah Teacher Fellows

Elyse E-Z-E Arrington has worked as a secondary Reading interventionist, Language Arts teacher, and Restorative Justice practitioner for seven years at East High School. Elyse graduated with her MA from Columbia University’s Teachers College in NYC and was a founding teacher at... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

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

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #241

Ever feel like your high school students are half-asleep by third period? Or that no matter how engaging your lesson is, they’re glued to their seats (and their phones)? It’s time to shake things up—literally! In this high-energy session, you’ll learn 10 easy, no-prep movement strategies that get students out of their seats, engaged in learning, and actually having fun. These aren’t...
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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 →

Incorporating Movement Lesson Plan pdf

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Accuracy & Automaticity: Science of Reading for Upper Elementary Students

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #137

In recent years, schools and districts throughout Utah have updated their reading practices to better promote student literacy. Rightfully, much of this attention has been devoted to early elementary readers. Still, some may wonder how to apply Science of Reading principles to upper elementary readers. This session outlines how to support multisyllabic word reading accuracy in Tier I as well as...
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Speakers

Jake Downs

Assistant Professor, Science of Reading Education, Utah State University

Dr. Jake Downs is assistant professor of Science of Reading Education at Utah State University and host of the Teaching Literacy Podcast. He is a former 4th grade teacher, instructional coach, and Elementary Literacy Coordinator for Cache County School District. Learn more about Jake... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #137 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Leadership
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6

1:30pm MDT

Beyond the Page: Elevating Students with Digital Resources

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #235

Step into the dynamic world of digital literacy and discover how to transform your classroom with two powerful resources: Teaching Books and Sora ebooks. This session will equip K-12 educators with practical strategies to enhance student engagement and deepen comprehension through multimedia content and digital access. Are you looking for innovative ways to bring books to life? We'll explore...
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Speakers

Chris Haught

Media Specialist, SEDC - Southwest Educational Development Center

Chris Haught is the Technology/Media Mentor at Southwest Educational Service Center (SEDC), a regional Service Center that serves six district and seven charter ELA’s.Chris works closely with the region’s librarians providing support and training

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Bucking the National Trend: Competency-Based Licensing Impacts Teacher Shortages

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #134

Utah is leading the way in addressing the national teacher shortage with its innovative, competency-based approach to educator licensing. This session will explore how Utah's focus on real-world skills and streamlined pathways is attracting and retaining qualified educators. Learn how this model prioritizes classroom readiness and removes traditional barriers to licensure, paving the way for a...
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Speakers

Malia Hite

Executive Coordinator of Educator Licensing, Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Malia Hite has served as the Executive Coordinator of Educator Licensing for the Utah State Board of Education for the past five years. She led Utah’s shift to a competency-based educator preparation and licensing system, digital licensing applications, science of reading teacher... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Other
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Burnout or Resilience: Addressing the challenges of educators in today’s schools and classrooms?

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #143

Feedback Survey

Effective classroom learning depends on the ability of school leaders and teachers to address the deepening complexities and challenges of schools effectively. Job stress and burnout are a significant threat to that work. As a follow up to last summer’s presentation, this workshop will extend the discussion of challenges of burnout and resilience for schools to examine specific strategies that...
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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 →

Meghan Everette

Director of Teaching and Learning, Utah State Board of Education

Meghan Everette is the Director of Teaching and Learning at the Utah State Board of Education. She previously served as the State Director of Utah Leading through Effective, Actionable, and Dynamic Education (ULEAD) Director. Meghanis a veteran educator and taught elementary school... Read More →

URSA Burnout 2025 Shared Slides pdf

Principal Job Satisfaction pdf

Principal Job Satisfaction Survey Findings pdf

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Other
Subject Area Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Equal Opportunity in Education

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #238

This presentation aims to familiarize educators with the policies and practices that ensure equal education opportunities in Utah public schools. Attendees will learn about the relevant policies and recent changes regarding equal opportunity in education. The presentation emphasizes the importance of treating all students with dignity and respect, fostering a safe learning environment, and...
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Speakers

Holly Bell

Student and Family Rights Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Holly Bell is a dedicated advocate for the well-being and belonging of all students. Her priority is ensuring that every Utah student has access to high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment. She was a school counselor for the first ten years of her career. She now... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Mild to Spicy- Turning Up the Heat on Math Rigor

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #146

We can't wait to share with you the story of how two middle school math teacher, one new and one experienced have used the RISE performance level descriptors and RISE DOK blue prints to plan backwards to increase the rigor in their classrooms. They have approached it differently, one analyzing existing assessments and the other creating new ones. Come take a look at their amazing work and receive...
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Speakers

Jenna Keyes

7th Grade Math Teacher, South Summit Middle School

Paula Carlson

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

Paula is in her 28th year in education. She has taught math in South Summit School District for 25 of those 28 years until THIS year when she took on the role of instruction coach. Instructional Coaching is new in South Summit School District and when you ask Paula why she is passionate... Read More →

Stephanie Folkman

8th Grade Math Teacher, South Summit Middle School

URSA Mild to Spicy Padlet QR code docx

New URSA Mild to Spicy pdf

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #146 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Assessment & Data Management, Other
Subject Area Mathematics
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

On the Edge of AI: Exploring Emerging Innovations

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Lecture Hall

The world of AI is changing almost daily—are you keeping up? This session brings you the most exciting, education-relevant innovations in artificial intelligence. From AI multimodal tools that combine voice, text, and visuals, to expanding on AI scientific research, and diving into deep learning models. We’ll explore AI breakthroughs that are redefining what’s possible in learning...
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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 →

Jonathan Stewart

DTL Specialist, General

Jonathan Stewart has been an educator for over 20 years. He is a facilitator and trainer for the AI in K12 project for the Utah State Board of Education. He is also the co-lead of the AI team in Canyons School District in Sandy, UT, in addition to other projects related to education... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Career and Technical Education, Other
Audience EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

The National EdTech Plan in Action: Improving Technology Use in Utah Schools through Shared Successes

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #133

The 2024 National Education Technology Plan (NETP) provides a critical framework for leveraging technology to enhance teaching and learning in K-12 education. This presentation will examine the NETP's focus on addressing three key digital divides: the Digital Use Divide, the Digital Design Divide, and the Digital Access Divide. Participants will gain an understanding of how these divides impact...
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Speakers

Amber Wright

Digital and Instructional Materials Specialist, USBE

Amber Wright is the Digital and Instructional Materials Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. She previously taught elementary for 7 years at a charter school, then taught 1st and 2nd grade online and finally transitioned into a technology coaching role before coming to... Read More →

Rick Gaisford

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, USBE

Rick Gaisford has 40 years in education and has been involved with educational technology for over 35 years at the classroom, school, district and state levels. He was an elementary school teacher, school technology specialist, district technology specialist and trainer. For the past... Read More →

Melanie Valentine

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Melanie Valentine‚Äôs decades-long career spans many educational trends, from teaching with no technology, to the shift to at-home learning, to navigating AI. She has first-hand experience introducing personal computing to rural teachers in Utah and has classroom experience in... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

The Power of Feedback: Using Data and Reflection to Enhance Instruction

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #131

In this interactive session, we will explore how both formative and summative feedback can be powerful tools for improving teaching and student outcomes. Attendees will learn practical strategies for utilizing timely, actionable feedback to inform instruction, foster student growth, and refine teaching practices. Attendees will gain practical tools for analyzing team-based student data, fostering...
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Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Kelbie Jackson is an Instructional Coach at Bear River High School with seven years of experience teaching English Language Arts. She is passionate about increasing literacy in secondary schools and improving student learning through teacher collaboration and Professional Learning... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

The Role of Prevention and Intervention in school behavior

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #234

This session will cover the importance of prevention and intervention plans as it relates to school behavior issues. The presenter will define both areas and give examples of behavioral strategies in both areas. Prevention will focus on PBIS strategies, and intervention will focus on the most common pediatric disorders seen in classrooms and behavioral strategies for success. Participants MUST...
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Speakers

Heidi Mucha

Pediatric Psychologist, Wasatch Pediatric Neuropsychology

Dr. Mucha works as a pediatric psychologist at Wasatch Pediatric Neuropsychology and specializes in ADHD, Anxiety, Learning Disorders and Behavior Disorders. She worked with schools and districts on the implementation of PBIS, RTI and MTSS for 20 years and has taught graduate courses... Read More →

Mucha Rural Schools 2025 pdf

FERPA HIPAA pdf

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

What's New and Exciting in Adobe Express?

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #231

Adobe Express continues to evolve in innovative and exciting ways. This session will showcase the latest (and best) new features, including the amazing new mobile app, the powerful Classrooms feature, useful Google Drive and Canva integrations, how to make your own assignment templates, and more! You'll come away from this session even more ready to Express yourself with this most useful Adobe...
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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 →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Centering On Students: PCBL In Action from Modern Classrooms In Utah

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #233

The traditional approach to instruction relies on all students in each classroom being at the same place in their learning journey each day. We know this ideal can be practically impossible to achieve. By leveraging innovative planning and facilitation practices that put students at the center of their learning, educators can create opportunities for truly personalized instruction. In this...
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Speakers

Michael Hakkarinen

Partnership Director, Modern Classrooms

Michael Hakkarinen is an experienced classroom teacher, instructional technology specialist, professional learning facilitator and former PCBL Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. As Partnership Director with the Modern Classroom Project he now supports teachers, leaders... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Beginner

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Other
Subject Area Other
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Science of Reading Foundations: Building Student’s Executive Functioning Skills

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #142

Research on the foundations of literacy development emphasizes the importance of executive functioning skills such as planning, focusing, cognitive flexibility, problem solving, and information processing. Teachers can support children’s executive functioning skill development through classroom activities and play-based learning. This session provides ideas and activities teachers can use...
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Speakers

Jared Lisonbee

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Cristina Barrera

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Katrina has a dual BA in Early Childhood and Elementary education, a master’s in education with an emphasis in early numeracy, and she holds a current dual Utah teaching license in PK-3 and 1-8 grades with a TESOL endorsement. Katrina completed her doctorate degree in Educational... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Language Arts, Science
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6

1:30pm MDT

Vector Self Portraits

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #245

This lesson is designed to guide students in creating a vector self-portrait using Google Drawings. This engaging activity is suitable for in person, distance learning or as a substitute teacher activity. While younger students may need some initial guidance, the project is enjoyable and yields fantastic results that students will love revisiting in the future.Participants MUST HAVE one of the...
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Speakers

Sarah Feik

Art Teacher, Carbon Schools

I have had the pleasure of teaching art to both elementary and secondary students in a rural school for the past six years. Art, in all its forms, has been a lifelong passion of mine, and I genuinely enjoy sharing this enthusiasm with anyone who will listen.
On a personal note, I am a mother of four and have been happily married for 25 years. My family and I have made Utah our home for the last 20 years, although I’ve also had the chance to live in California, Washington, and Oregon. We share our home with two dogs and seven chickens... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #245 1765 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Other
Subject Area Performing Arts / Visual Arts
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Best Practices for Using Scrible in the Classroom

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #138

Discover how Scrible, an advanced research and writing platform, can transform the way students approach their assignments. Available to all K-12 students in Utah, Scrible allows users to seamlessly curate research, annotate sources, and generate citations—all within a single platform. In this session, you'll learn best practices for integrating Scrible into your classroom, empowering your...
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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 →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #138 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Navigating the Landscape of School Mental Health: A Comprehensive Systems Approach

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #145

The Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC) Model is a statewide initiative designed to enhance school-based mental health systems through evidence-based practices, technical assistance, training, and community partnerships. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the USMHC framework, guiding participants through the process of implementing a multi-tiered system of support...
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Speakers

Trevor Olsen

Associate Director of Training and Technical Support, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative - University of Utah

Trevor Olsen Ed.S. is an Associate Director with the University of Utah’s School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC). USMHC is dedicated to enhancing well-being in educational settings. In his role, Trevor works with schools and school districts to evaluate and create plans to enhance... Read More →

Chathuri (Chat) Illapperuma-Wood

Partnerships Director, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative - University of Utah

Dr. Chathuri (Chat) Illapperuma-Wood Ph.D. is the Partnerships Director at the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative and the U-TTEC Lab within the College of Education at the University of Utah. A nationally certified school psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, she... Read More →

Matthew T. Smith

Associate Director of Training and Technical Support, Utah School Mental Health Collaborative - University of Utah

Matthew Smith M.Ed. is an Associate Director of Training and Technical Support at the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC) within the University of Utah's Department of Educational Psychology, is dedicated to enhancing well-being in educational settings. He excels at evaluating... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Polleneighbors

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #243

Garden grown and student tested, the Polleneighbors Bin is filled with 3D printed pollen, digital microscopes, and preserved flowers and pollinators from Red Butte Garden. You and your 2nd graders will dive into plant structures, functions, and patterns alongside discussions and research on pollinators and habitats. With three lessons covering SEEd Standards 2.2.1-2.2.3, this bin equips you with...
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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 →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #243 1755 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level PK - 2

1:30pm MDT

Six Leadership Moves for High-Impact Professional Learning Systems

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #141

How can school and district leaders design professional learning systems that actually improve teaching and learning? In this interactive session, the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center at the University of Utah will share a research-informed framework for building coherent and aligned professional learning systems that result in improved student outcomes. Participants will explore six...
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Speakers

Andrea Rorrer

Director, UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center

Dr. Andrea K. Rorrer  is the Director of the UEPC and a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. Andrea, who has 35 years of experience in education, received her master’s degree at the University of Virginia and her Ph.D. from the University of Texas... Read More →

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center

Cori Groth, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC)
Dr. Cori Groth is the Associate Director of the Utah Education Policy Center at the University of Utah, where she collaborates with school, district, and community leaders to strengthen programs, policies, and practices that lead to excellent and equitable outcomes for young people... Read More →

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 →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Using TBRI and Connection to Teach Content and Standards

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #136

This presentation will take the idea of TBRI and show how to implement it in the classroom and wrap it around curriculum. TBRI was created for caregivers but has a clear application to the classroom. This session will give schools some of the tools necessary to teach the curriculum while also meeting student needs. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to...
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Speakers

Amie Huggins

TBRI Coach for Schools, Raise the Future

Amie Huggins M.Ed. has been a teacher in the classroom for 30 years. She has also a foster/adopt mom, a grandma and a TBRI Practitioner. She is the co-author of the book Creating a Connected Classroom with Marti Smith. Her dream is that all people who work with kids understand the... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #136 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:30pm MDT

Refreshment Break

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT

Exhibitor Hall

Pretzel Connection and Lee's Snack Pack
*The SnackPack fits the dietary requirements for Gluten-free, Kosher, Lactose-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian, and Vegan.

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT
Exhibitor Hall Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, UT, 84060

Break

Learning Strand or Track Break
Audience All of the Above

2:50pm MDT

Elevating Classroom Management

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #237

In my session, I will share practical, evidence-based techniques and strategies that equip teachers in rural schools with the tools and support needed to manage low-level chronic disruptions, reduce disciplinary referrals, and enhance teaching time. By empowering teachers to effectively manage classroom behavior, my training reduces stress, reclaims valuable instructional time, and fosters an...
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Speakers

Kenneth Applegate

Educator, Local Education Advocate

Kenneth Applegate believes genuine connections with students are essential for academic success. His own educational background and love of lifelong learning continues to fuel his passion to help educators embrace their callings. He advocates for research-based, practical strategies... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Water Wise: Engaging Science, Inspiring Stewardship

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #146

Join us for an engaging and dynamic professional development experience where science teachers across the state will gain exclusive insights into Utah’s newest curriculum designed to equip teachers with the latest tools and knowledge to bring water science, conservation, and stewardship to life in their classrooms! The team made up of former educators, policy makers, and science specialists...
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Speakers

Milo Maughan

Secondary Science Education Specailist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Milo Maughan is the Secondary Science Education Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. With a strong background in physics and a passion for innovative teaching methods, Milo has been instrumental in developing and implementing science standards that engage and inspire students... Read More →

Jill Flygare

Chief Operating Officer, Utah Water Ways/ Slow the Flow

Jill Flygare serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Utah Water Ways (UWW), where she oversees organizational operations, contract review, and the development of data systems and reporting frameworks. She also leads the establishment of organizational policies and procedures.
Prior to joining UWW, Flygare was the Senior Vice President of Economic Development and Social Impact at LSI Business Development, where she collaborated with state agencies and national organizations to secure federal grants, strengthen institutional capacity, and advance regional... Read More →

Chris Miller

Implementation Specialist

Fippen Group

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #146 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Won't you be our neighbor? Free educator resources from PBS Utah

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #241

PBS content packaged in free, easy accessible resources, media galleries, interactive lessons and full lesson plans? Yes, please! This web based resource centered on PBS content from Daniel Tiger, to Nova, to Nature, to Frontline is for all teachers Prek-12 in any subject all aligned with statewide and nationwide curriculum standards. It is easy to filter for subject and grade, easy to use in the...
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Speakers

Annie Frazier

Education Manager, PBS Utah

Annie Frazier is the Education Manager for PBS Utah. She has always been passionate about children’s media and the power of education through storytelling. Annie studied Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Utah, where she received both her bachelor’s degree... Read More →

Melanie Pehrson

Education Coordinator, PBS Utah

An avid reader, mother of 3 small children, and a regular user of libraries, I believe in the power of public spaces and believe they are truly palaces for the people. I have worked for PBS Utah as an Education Coordinator for 3 years, in which I facilitate the distribution of educational... Read More →

PBS LearningMediaJune25 pdf

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

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

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #133

Ever feel like your high school students are half-asleep by third period? Or that no matter how engaging your lesson is, they’re glued to their seats (and their phones)? It’s time to shake things up—literally!In this high-energy session, you’ll learn 10 easy, no-prep movement strategies that get students out of their seats, engaged in learning, and actually having fun. These aren’t just...
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Speakers

Mary Saylor

Instructional Coach, Cedar Middle School

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

2:50pm MDT

A Legislation Update on Education Law

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #132

This session will provide an overview of the education bills passed during the Utah 2025 Legislative Session that relate to K-12 schools. This session is appropriate for teachers, principals and charter and district leaders.

Co-Presenter:
Douglas R. Larsen, General Council
Granite School District

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 →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

AI for Administrators

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #131

AI for Administrators will inform school leaders about efforts in the state and around the country to securely use AI Tools for administrative tasks and to enhance the executive functions of administrators.Session Handouts - Offline AI for Educators and AI Tools and Uses HandoutNOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in Room 131.Participants MUST HAVE one of the following...
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Speakers

David Long

Superintendent, Beaver County School District

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

Cody Spendlove

Retired, Retired

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

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

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

2:50pm MDT

Designing Support for students with Executive Function Skill challenges

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #147

Executive function skills encompass cognitive processes like planning, organizing, working memory, and self-regulation. These skills are crucial for academic success and daily life. Students with ADHD and Autism often struggle with these functions, leading to difficulties in school and social settings. Effective supports and interventions can be the catalyst for these students' academic success....
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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 →

Lauren Ezzell

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Central Utah Educational Services

Lauren Ezzell is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). She has a Master’s Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis and has been with CUES since 2019. Lauren is passionate about providing behavior-analytic... Read More →

Katie Clark

BCBA, School Psychologist Intern

URSA NUES:CUES 2025 Executive Function pdf

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

From Potential to Proficiency: Driving Systemic Change

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #244

Leadership can be lonely - especially when leading systemic change. Join fellow leaders to consider why change is hard and how to channel your energy as you lead necessary shifts with instruction and innovation.Transforming student learning outcomes requires more than just great programs—it demands systemic change driven by evidence-based practices, strategic leadership, and the effective use of...
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Speakers

Marci Houseman

Partnership Specialist, Age of Learning

Marci Houseman is an experienced turnaround consultant, customer success professional and sales executive with expertise in coaching, developing capacity, and using data to measure and improve outcomes for teams and schools. Marci also serves her community as a member of the Sandy... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Leading the Way to Improved Literacy Outcomes-The Principals Pivotal Role

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #143

This professional learning session is designed to empower elementary principals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to champion literacy improvement in their schools. Grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned with current educational policy, the session will guide principals through understanding their multifaceted role in fostering a thriving literacy environment. Participants MUST...
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Speakers

Christine Elegante

K-3 Literacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

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 →

Literacy Leaders pptx

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Language Arts, Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

2:50pm MDT

Reaching Every Student: How Utah is Using Early Warning Systems to Support Student Success

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #134

In an era where personalized support is more critical than ever, Utah is leading the way in using data-driven tools to reach and teach every student. This session will explore the state’s implementation of Panorama Student Success as a statewide Early Warning System (EWS), designed to proactively identify students who may be at risk of falling off track and ensure timely, targeted...
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Speakers

Nicole DellaRocco

Senior Account Director, Panorama Education

Nicole DellaRocco is a Senior Account Director at Panorama Education, where she partners with state and district leaders across the country to support student success through data-driven practices. In her role, Nicole works closely with organizations like the Utah State Board of Education... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, STEM / STEAM, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Mental/Behavioral Health, Other
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Roles and Responsibilities for Faculty and Staff for ALL Learners

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #148

The "Roles and Responsibilities for Faculty and Staff for ALL Learners" presentation will focus on the essential roles and responsibilities that educators and staff members must embrace to ensure an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. The session will highlight the importance of understanding diverse learner needs, including students with varying abilities, backgrounds,...
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Speakers

Tony Pellegrini

Professor and Department Chair, Southern Utah University

Tony Pellegrini is a professor of Education at Southern Utah University. He received his B.A from Brigham Young University, his M.Ed. from Utah State University, and terminal degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, before eventually becoming school principal at Blanding Elementary... Read More →

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 →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #148 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Special Education
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Suicide Prevention in Schools

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #135

This session will provide school staff with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation in students, offer immediate support, and respond effectively in crisis situations. Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and educators are often the first to notice signs of distress in students. By equipping staff with the proper training and resources, we...
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Speakers

Holly Todd

Crisis Response, MTSS/PBIS Support, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Holly Todd has worked in K-12 education for 25 years. Holly has worked in some of Utah's largest and smallest districts as a classroom teacher, school counselor, crisis team, and intervention specialist. Holly worked at the Utah State Board of Education as a School Counseling Program... Read More →

handout.suicide prevention pptx

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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

2:50pm MDT

Survey Says! Educator Job Satisfaction

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #144

Have you ever wondered what happens after educators share their valuable insights in state surveys? This session delves into the critical findings from Utah's educator surveys, revealing key insights into retention and job satisfaction for all educators—teachers, principals, and support staff alike.We know that job satisfaction is more than just a metric; it's the foundation of a stable,...
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Speakers

Meghan Everette

Director of Teaching and Learning, Utah State Board of Education

Julie Lundell

School Leadership and Improvement Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Julie Lundell, serves as the School Leadership and Improvement Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. With a focus on enhancing educator retention and evaluation processes, Julie has been instrumental in various initiatives aimed at improving the educational landscape in... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

The Big Six: Designing a District-Wide Technology Strategy

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #231

Learn how to do more with less when it comes to technology tools. Find out how one district has enhanced student learning by focusing on specific technology tools in the classroom. By designing a district technology philosophy that encourages depth over breadth, Jordan School District is finding innovative ways to meet their district vision: Be Curious, Be Intentional, Be United. Learn more about...
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Speakers

Jared Covili

Administrator, Digital Teaching and Learning, Jordan School District

Jared Covili is the Administrator for Digital Teaching and Learning in the Jordan School District. Jared's background is in secondary education where he was a Language Arts teacher at the secondary level. Jared received his Bachelor's degree in English and his Master's degree in... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Leadership
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:50pm MDT

The Power of Connection: Influencing Others Through Authentic Relationships

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #238

In an age where people, especially children are feeling disconnected, it is critical to find ways to connect with students, teachers and staff. As leaders, we must find ways to build genuine relationships with all that we can within our buildings. We will share our experience in making connections and building relationships. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order...
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Speakers

Travis Henderson

Assistant Principal, North Sevier High School

Travis Henderson as been in education for 11 years and 7 years in administration.

Ryan Harris

Principal, Sevier School District

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

2:50pm MDT

The White Whale of Reading: Effective Comprehension Instruction

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Lecture Hall

The ultimate goal of reading is comprehension. Recently, great strides have been made throughout Utah to update reading practices to better align with the Science of Reading. Still, for many, effective comprehension instruction remains elusive. How do we teach kids to understand text? What do we do when kids don't understand text? What about skills and strategies? Is knowledge-building the answer?...
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Speakers

Jake Downs

Assistant Professor, Science of Reading Education, Utah State University

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Leadership
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

2:50pm MDT

Unlocking Digital Literacy: Empowering Teachers for Today's Middle Level Classroom

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #234

Presented by Utah Middle Level Association. As digital technologies reshape our world, empowering students with digital literacy skills is more crucial than ever. This session equips middle school educators with strategies and resources to effectively teach digital literacy to the middle level student.Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this...
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Speakers

April Stevenson

President, Utah Middle Level Association

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

2:50pm MDT

Utilizing the New Focused Graduation Pathway to Keep Students Engaged

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #232

Too often students who are severely credit deficient become hopeless and drop out of school. The new Focused Graduation Pathway (FGP) provides these students with the opportunity to stay in school and acquire the necessary high school level knowledge and skills needed to pass the GED® test. The FGP will provide a student with a High School Credential and allow them to graduate in the same year as...
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Speakers

Stephanie Patton

Adult Education Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education

Stephanie's career has focused on working with underrepresented populations in various positions, including teaching and counseling at an alternative school; working as an advisor for Educational Talent Search; directing an adult education program; and working with adult education... Read More →

URSA Focused Graduation Pathway pptx

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Adult Education, Leadership
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

2:50pm MDT

Writing with Purpose: Build a Collaborative and Supportive Community of Writers

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #235

Writing with Purpose: In this presentation, we will explore the importance of creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel connected to one another and to their teacher. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, students become more comfortable engaging in writing activities. We will discuss how to establish opportunities for students to collaborate, offer and receive feedback, and...
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Speakers

Jenny Blauer

Early Learning Literacy Instructional Coach, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

LETRS / Keys to Writing Facilitator: Jenny Blauer brings 30 years of experience as a Regular and Special Education teacher, literacy specialist, behavior specialist, and instructional coach. She is an Early Learning Instructional Coach and LETRS / Keys to Writing Facilitator for CUES... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

2:50pm MDT

Full Class Missions: Bridge the Gap Between Learning and Application for RISE Success

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #233

Join us for an interactive session where you'll discover Mission.io, the ultimate learning adventure that’s free for all rural schools! We’ll guide you through setting up your account, launching your first student mission, and exploring data that shows how schools using Mission.io see RISE scores improve at twice the rate.This isn’t just another ed-tech tool, it’s a game-changing...
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Speakers

Brooks Heder

Founder, Mission.io

Founder of the internationally award winning program Mission.io, Brooks is committed to making cutting-edge educational tools accessible to all, ensuring that every rural school has free access to Mission.io.

Brooks finds joy helping others experience something new and amazing. Something that makes people want to do and be better. Brooks loves making people laugh, smile, and view life with a more positive attitude. In every interaction he hopes to be more then just someone you know, but yo... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Beginner

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

2:50pm MDT

Building Better Bots: Elevating Teaching with AI

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

Room #242

AI chatbots aren’t just for techies—they’re becoming instructional powerhouses in the hands of creative educators. This session shows you how to design AI bots that elevate your instruction, personalize student support, and save you time. The key? Writing a clear “AI constitution” that sets the tone, boundaries, and purpose for your chatbot. You’ll explore real examples of classroom...
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Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Jonathan Stewart

DTL Specialist, General

Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #242 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Career and Technical Education, Other
Audience Teachers, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

7:45am MDT

What to do in Summit & Wasatch Counties

Thursday July 10, 2025 7:45am - 4:00pm MDT

a Link to Activities in the Area

Thursday July 10, 2025 7:45am - 4:00pm MDT
a Link to Activities in the Area

Activities

8:00am MDT

URSA 2026 Video Presentation

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:00am - 8:07am MDT

Eccles Center Theater

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:00am - 8:07am MDT
Eccles Center Theater

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

8:07am MDT

SESC & SEDC URSA Awards & Keynote Welcome

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:07am - 8:30am MDT

Eccles Center Theater

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:07am - 8:30am MDT
Eccles Center Theater

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

8:30am MDT

Keynote: Better Conversations: Coaching Ourselves and Each Other to Be More Credible, Caring, and Connected

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

Eccles Center Theater

Our schools are only as good as the conversations that take place in them. This workshop introduces communication beliefs and habits that will help anyone communicate more effectively, both professionally and personally.*Identify and explore personal communication beliefs and habits*Gain new communication habits that will have an immediate, positive impact on your ability to communicate at work...
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Speakers

Jim Knight

Instructional Coaching Group

Jim Knight is a founding senior partner of the Instructional Coaching Group (ICG) and a research associate at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. He has spent more than two decades studying professional learning, effective teaching, and instructional coachin... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Eccles Center Theater

Keynote

Learning Strand or Track Keynote
Audience All of the Above

8:30am MDT

Exhibitors & Partners Hall

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm MDT

Exhibitor Hall

Exhibitor Hall Map

Thursday July 10, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm MDT
Exhibitor Hall Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, UT, 84060

Exhibitors & Partners Hall

Learning Strand or Track Exhibitors & Partners Hall
Audience All of the Above

9:45am MDT

Empowering Coach-Teacher Collaboration: Elevating Impact with AI

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

Room #145

This presentation explores how instructional coaches can leverage AI chat bots to enrich coaching conversations with teachers. Attendees will gain firsthand experience by setting up and navigating a School AI Space during the session. This interactive workshop will provide practical insights and step-by-step guidance, empowering coaches to create personalized learning experiences that foster...
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Speakers

Amy Wood

Teacher Specialist, Jordan School District

Amy Wood is a coaching specialist for Jordan School District, with 20 years of educational experience. She has served as both a mentor specialist and a 1st-grade teacher. As a National Board Certified Teacher and UT Teacher Fellow Alumni, Amy is passionate about helping teachers reach... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Instructional Coaching
Audience EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Not Your Grandmother's Spreadsheets: Deep Dive Into Google Sheets

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

Lecture Hall

Tired of spending hours on tedious spreadsheet tasks? Discover how to transform your workflow with Google Sheets and streamline your productivity. You'll learn how to effortlessly create personalized certificates and notes, send automated form responses, and leverage macros for powerful automation. Say goodbye to manual labor and hello to efficient, organized processes. Join us to unlock the full...
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Speakers

Kaley King

DTL / CTE Program Administrator, Spectrum Academy / UCET

Kaley has been in the education field for 14 years, from paraprofessional, to teacher, to assistant principal, to principal to her current role as Digital Teaching and Learning & Career and Technical Education Program Administrator. A well-rounded educator giving well-rounded pre... Read More →

[Public] Not Your Grandmother's Spreadsheets pdf

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

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Pedagogy First: Guiding Principles for Using AI to Empower Students

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

Room #244

Learn how to utilize AI in your classroom in ways that go beyond hype and truly foster deep learning. In this session, we’ll briefly review the underlying mechanics of large language models before proposing four guiding principles to help you implement AI strategically in your classroom: task alignment, cognitive awareness, digital literacy, and human-centeredness. Using these principles as a...
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Speakers

Nicole Johnson

Academic Advisor & Content Specialist, UEN - Utah Education Network

Nicole is an educational technology specialist who equips school counselors with the tools they need to implement comprehensive school counseling programs and increase equitable student outcomes through technology. She also provides academic planning and advising for teachers looking... Read More →

Braxton Thornley

Senior Technology Trainer, Utah Education Network

Braxton specializes in using technology to personalize learning and utilizing artificial intelligence to promote student success. Before joining UEN’s professional development team, Braxton worked as a high school language arts teacher and digital learning coach in Jordan School... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable, Other
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Rural STEM Learning Pathways and Effective Educator Support: Strategies for Success

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

Room #137

Rural Utah STEM: Let's tackle real challenges together. In just 45 minutes, we'll explore key insights from the National Academies' report on "K-12 STEM Education and Workforce Development in Rural Areas." We'll focus on two crucial areas: supporting our valued rural STEM educators and enhancing student STEM learning experiences. Discover practical strategies for recruitment, retention, and...
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Speakers

Milo Maughan

Secondary Science Education Specailist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Michelle Berg

Science/STEM Education Specialist

USBE

URSA 25 Rural Utah STEM pdf

STEM Teaching Tool 103 Bringing Fish Back by Quinault Youth pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #137 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area STEM / STEAM
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

The Pressure is on: Using SEEd to Design Highly Effective 3D Lessons

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

Room #143

Having participated in the 3-Dimensional Rural Science Teacher Grant this past year, we have crafted an intentional lesson that effectively integrates the Science and Engineering Practices, Cross Cutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Attendees will share what they have observed using a student hat and a teacher hat to experience SEEd design to create their own highly effective 3D lesson....
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Speakers

Jan Hermansen

Science Teacher

I have been teaching science for the last 10 years. Currently, I am teaching 7th grade science.

Kaylei Jones

Teacher

Emery School District

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.

6 3 2 air mass movement weather lesson plan pdf

The Pressure is on: Using SEEd to Design Highly Effective 3D Lessons gslides

air mass movement article at grade level gdoc

air mass movement article reading level 4th grade gdoc

air mass movement article spanish gdoc

investigating weather conditions teacher slides gslides

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

9:45am MDT

What's Next in Google Workspace? Essential Updates for Every Educator

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

Room #131

Stay ahead of the curve! This session offers a forward-looking perspective on the newest Google innovations impacting K-12 education. We'll delve into emerging tools and updated features that are shaping the future of learning, from enhanced integration capabilities to AI-powered assistance. Discover how these advancements can help you create more personalized, accessible, and future-ready...
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Speakers

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Integration Specialist, Southeast Education Service Center

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

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

AI and I: Exploring Generative AI for K-12 Education

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

Room #245

Join us for a hands-on workshop designed to provide opportunities for educators to gain experience with generative AI and to learn about how you can earn a $200 grant by utilizing AI in your classroom. In this interactive session, educators will explore the fundamentals of AI, build a common language for discussing its applications, and gain practical experience with a variety of AI tools....
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Speakers

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 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #245 1765 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area All
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

AI and Privacy: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

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

Room #241

Want to leverage the power of AI in your classroom but worried about student privacy? This session is for you! We'll cover the basics of AI and privacy, including:- What is AI and how can it be used in education?- What are the privacy risks of using AI?- How can you protect student privacy when using AI?- We'll also provide you with practical tips and resources to help you use AI safely and...
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Speakers

John Lyman

Student Data Privacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Nicole Sanchez

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

Nicole Sanchez is a former junior high teacher and instructional coach, and is now a Student Data Privacy Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Nicole especially loves to work with districts and charter schools across the state to help them improve their privacy practices... Read More →

Jeremy Zabriskie

Data Privacy and Security Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

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

9:45am MDT

Amplify Classroom Voices with Adobe Podcast

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

Room #147

Learn how Adobe Podcast can help you and your students create engaging audio content, making learning more interactive and fun. Master the ins and outs of Adobe Podcast, from recording to editing. It could be perfect for boosting student engagement and adding a fresh dimension to your teaching toolkit. Ready to amplify your classroom experience? Join us and turn up the volume on learning. ...
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Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Commemorate America250 with National History Day

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

Room #136

In 2026, America250 activities will celebrate our nation’s founding in 1776. In connection with the semiquincentennial, National History Day participants will explore the theme Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History during the upcoming school year. NHD brings history to life for young people, providing rich opportunities for individualized learning that makes history relevant and...
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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 →

Tatiana Chudy

National History Day Program Assistant, Utah Historical Society

Tatiana Chudy is a program assistant for National History Day Utah. She received her BA in history from Willamette University and a BA in Russian Studies at the University of Utah. Tatiana is an NHD alumnus, competing for eight years before returning to the program as an assistan... Read More →

2025 URSA Am250 + National History Day pdf

2025 URSA Am250 + National History Day pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #136 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Social Studies, Media Literacy
Audience All of the above
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Elevate Your Institution's Competetive Advantage with Family Engagement

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

Room #238

Amidst a changing educational environment and increasing competition, this conversational session provides actionable insights into how strategic family engagement can be your institution's most powerful competitive advantage.We'll move beyond the challenges of declining enrollment to explore concrete methods for building strong family partnerships that attract and retain students. Discover...
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Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

From Past to Press: Teaching News Literacy Strategies through Social Studies Historical Thinking

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

Room #134

In this session, classroom and library educators will explore historical thinking skills alongside news literacy strategies, gaining insights into their interconnectedness. As they deepen their understanding, educators will be equipped to help students make meaningful connections between historical analysis and media literacy, seamlessly integrating both into standards-based content curriculum. ...
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Speakers

Jodi Ide

Teacher Specialist, Canyons SD

Jodi Ide has taught high schoolers and educators to question everything—except her music preferences and the Oxford comma. A social studies specialist with a soft spot for media literacy-themed picture books, she’s on a mission to make sure “once upon a time” doesn’t mean... Read More →

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District library media specialist, Canyons School District

As co-lead of the Utah Information, News, and Media Literacy Collaborative, Gretchen Zaitzeff brings a strong background in fostering critical media engagement and empowering educators to integrate information, news, and media literacy across the curriculum. She works as the District... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Social Studies, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

How Nature and Movement Can Impact Educator and Student Wellness

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

Room #144

In this engaging and insightful presentation, we will explore the profound effects that nature and physical movement have on the wellness of both educators and students. Drawing from recent research and practical examples, we will delve into how integrating natural environments and physical activities into educational settings can enhance mental health, boost cognitive function, and improve...
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Speakers

Sarah Roundy

Health Specialist, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Sarah Roundy is a public health specialist dedicated to building healthier schools. As the Health and Wellness School Specialist at the Department of Health and Human Services, she provides professional development opportunities for schools to incorporate physical activity and nutrition... Read More →

Teri Davis

Physical Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Teri Davis is the Physical Education & Instructional Materials Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). In her role, she focuses on enhancing the quality of physical education across the state. She collaborates closely with various agencies, departments, and educators... Read More →

Nature and Movement Impacts Educator and Student Wellness 7 9 25 pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Health and Physical Education
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Introducing K-2 Computer Science using Robotics

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

Room #242

In this session we will unpack the Utah Computer Science Standards for grades K-2. Using Sphero INDI robots we will practice hands-on CS aligned activities that will introduce concepts such as algorithms, programming, and computational thinking to your students. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable Participants MAY...
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Speakers

Nathan Wilson

Technology Integration Specialist, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #242 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Computer Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level PK - 2

9:45am MDT

Leaving the Classroom for Leadership: Lessons in First Year School Leadership

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

Room #231

Most administrators start their careers as classroom teachers or educational staff, and at some point decide to move into an administrative role. This presentation draws on recent research on the experiences of first-year leadership to examine the factors that lead us to take on leadership roles, what those challenges are in our first year of leadership, and how to decide and prepare to move...
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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 →

Transition into Leadership.Stump pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators

9:45am MDT

Let Them Count

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

Room #237

Have your students been struggling with early numeracy skills? Could counting help them? I believe counting is a foundational skill that is often undervalued. In this session, we will engage in counting, discovery and learn to assess counting skills of our students. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable Participants...
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Speakers

Jaci Keetch

District Coach, Rich

Let Them Count Counting Objects Assessment pptx

Count and Land URSA 2025 pdf

Buttons on a Shirt Counting Game URSA 2025 pdf

Clothespins Counting Game URSA 2025 pdf

Kindergarten Counting Skills Monitor Guide pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Mathematics
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level PK - 2

9:45am MDT

Maintaining Privacy Through the Whistleblowing Process

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

Room #133

This presentation examines the essential role of whistleblowing with a focus on whistleblower protection in the context of education. It aims to discuss how transparency and privacy work together to protect students, parents, teachers, and staff. Creating a culture of whistleblowing in schools helps identify fraud and unsafe practices at an early stage. It also promotes a secure environment for...
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Speakers

Mark Meyer

Assistant State Privacy Auditor, Office of the State Auditor

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Pathways to Success: Positive School Experiences Supporting Students with Disabilities

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

Room #142

Join us for an insightful session as we explore Utah's Post School Outcomes! Dive into the results of a comprehensive research study analyzing five years of data from the annual post school outcomes survey. Discover the trends and positive experiences identified by students and families during high school that have led to success after graduation. We'll discuss how these findings can significantly...
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Speakers

Andrea Rorrer

Director, UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center

Crystal Emery

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

2025 URSA HS Experiences Leading to Positive PSO pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Raising Up Readers: Scaffolding Grade Level Text for All

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

Room #235

This session will focus on effective strategies to scaffold grade-level texts, ensuring all students, regardless of their reading levels, can access and engage with complex materials. By leveraging before, during, and after reading strategies, educators will learn how to provide the necessary scaffolding to help students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in grade-level content. This...
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Speakers

Dr. Jennifer Throndsen

Educational Consultant, Impactful Learning Designs

With over 20 years of experience in education, Jennifer Throndsen, PhD, has served in various roles across the classroom, school, district, and state levels. Her career includes positions as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional coach, adjunct faculty, district office... Read More →

25 Scaffolding Strategies List pdf

Active Reading Descriptions pdf

Active Reading Small Group Chart pdf

Graphic Organizer Planning Template pdf

Paragraph Shrinking Coach pdf

Paragraph Shrinking Reader pdf

Somebody Wanted But So Then pdf

WINDOW Template Beginner pdf

WINDOW Template Intermediate pdf

Explict Vocabulary Instructional Routine pdf

URSA 2025 Raising Up Readers pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

School Improvement In Successful Schools: Making Good Schools Great

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

Room #232

Speakers

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators

9:45am MDT

Taming the AI Dragon: Practical Gemini & Notebook LM for Educators

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

Room #135

Ready to ditch the digital drudgery and inject some AI awesomeness into your teaching toolkit? This session dives into the dazzling world of Google Gemini and Notebook LM – your FREE secret weapons for boosting productivity and student engagement! Forget endless searching; we'll explore how Gemini can brainstorm ideas faster than you can say "artificial intelligence," speed up writing tasks, and...
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Speakers

Clint Stephens

Educational Technology Innovation Specialist & Coach, Southwest Educational Development Center

During his twelve years teaching secondary Science, Regional Technology Integration Specialist Clint Stephens was awarded the Utah Middle School Science Teacher of the Year award in addition to several technology innovation grants & awards. Currently, Clint is a Level 1 & 2 Certified... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Trigonometry in Motion

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

Room #141

NOTE: This is the first of a two session presentation. Attending the first part is not required to attend the second. This presentation is for mathematics teachers and anyone else who has dabbled in trigonometry but never really understood it. Come learn things about trigonometry that you never knew. We will take an in-depth look into right triangle trigonometry and the meaning behind each of the...
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Speakers

Josh White

Teacher, Emery School District

Trig Functions in Motion pdf

Rotations and Radians pdf

Angles and Angle Measure pdf

Coterminal Angles and Reference Angles pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Mathematics, Science
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

SchoolAi: Using AI in the Classroom

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

Room #233

Discover how SchoolAI can revolutionize classroom learning across all subjects. This session will explore the dynamic role of AI in education, demonstrating how it can make lessons more engaging, personalized, and effective.You'll get hands-on experience with SchoolAI's innovative tools, learning how to integrate them seamlessly into your teaching practice. By the end of this presentation, you'll...
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Speakers

Jeff Couch

Director of School Growth, School AI

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Professional Learning Communities - PLC's, PLN's, etc.
Subject Area Not Applicable, Other
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Keynote Breakout: Fundamentals of Leadership Coaching (A Growth Model)

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

Eccles Center Theater

Leader’s Effectiveness

This session will briefly explore how a coaching approach, together with a strong coaching process and key coaching skills, can make a significant and immediate difference in the conversations in which school leaders engage every day.

Speakers

Jim Knight

Instructional Coaching Group

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Eccles Center Theater

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

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Keynote, Leadership
Subject Area All
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Understanding Weather: Heat, Water, and Air

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

Room #146

Clark Planetarium offers teacher resources aligned with sixth grade SEEd standards. In this session, participants will explore our Energy and Weather kits (Strands 6.3 and 6.4) and Density kits (Strands 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3). Hands-on investigations reveal how different materials retain and release heat, supporting an understanding of how the Sun drives weather patterns. Participants will collect...
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Speakers

Thomas Quayle

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

Jason Trump

Education Programs Supervisor, Clark Planetarium

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #146 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

9:45am MDT

Discover Hidden Gems in Utah’s Online School Library

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

Room #138

Get ready to dig deep into Utah’s Online School Library and uncover the hidden gems that will elevate your students’ research and literacy skills! In this presentation, you’ll learn how to navigate the library’s extensive resources and discover the best-kept secrets that will help your students excel. Explore the Gale Reference Collection for academic and vetted information on topics like...
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Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #138 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Other
Subject Area Not Applicable, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Empowering Rural Schools Through the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP): Navigating Opportunities and Challenges.

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

Room #243

This two-hour session is designed to equip Utah rural school administrators with the knowledge and tools to effectively leverage the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP) to enhance student success and optimize school resources. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the 2024-2025 SEATS process, including enrollment, compliance requirements, and strategies to navigate closeout...
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Speakers

Meagan Johnston

SOEP Program Manager, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Meagan Johnston is the Program Manager for the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP) and a dedicated advocate for student choice and equitable access to education. With 21 years of experience in the public education system, Meagan has taught in both the traditional and online... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #243 1755 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Thank You for the Feedback

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

Room #132

Explore with us the three types of feedback that can be leveraged to create a culture focused on growth and improvement in your classroom, school, and district. We will be looking at the attributes of appreciative, coaching, and evaluative feedback. You will dig into how to create each type of feedback and set up feedback sessions for success with students, teachers, and administrators.We will...
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Speakers

Paula Carlson

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

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 →

Shelley Halverson

Director of Teaching and Learning, South Summit School District

Shelley Halverson feels fortunate to be working in South Summit School District as the Director of Teaching and Learning. She is passionate about creating cultures where others are able to do their best work, take risks, move the work forward, and have a lot of fun in the process... Read More →

Greg Maughan

Superintendent, South Summit School District

Thank you for the Feedback zip

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Tier 1 Text: Scaffolded Reading Techniques to Engage Every Student

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

Room #148

This two-hour interactive presentation will consist of an overview of the University of Utah Reading Clinic’s research-based Tier 1 Text model with a focus on how this model allows teachers to support and reach every student. The purpose of this model is to assist students in building fluency and comprehension for immediate and transfer text. This instructional model can be used with any and...
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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 →

Rachelle Packer

Intervention Specialist, University of Utah Reading Clinic

Rachelle Packer (M.Ed.) earned a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Brigham Young University, and a Master’s of Education degree in Reading and Literacy from the University of Utah with an Advanced Reading Endorsement and an Intervention Endorsement. Rachelle has been a... Read More →

URSA Presentation PPT 2025 pdf

Why Can't I Skip My 20 Minutes of Reading docx

Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #148 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Language Arts, ESL, Special Education, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

“AI-Powered Literary Circles: Unlocking Eragon, The Book Thief, and Catching Fire”

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

Black Box Theater

Table #2: This poster presentation session showcases innovative and engaging AI-infused lesson plans developed by K-12 educators and supported by the Utah STEM Action Center and USBE. These lesson plans integrate AI technologies and concepts into various subject areas, demonstrating how AI can transform teaching and learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these lesson...
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Speakers

Vanessa Torgerson

TAP Teacher, Monticello High School

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Computer Systems Troubleshooting Practice With AI

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

Black Box Theater

Table #1: This poster presentation session showcases innovative and engaging AI-infused lesson plans developed by K-12 educators and supported by the Utah STEM Action Center and USBE. These lesson plans integrate AI technologies and concepts into various subject areas, demonstrating how AI can transform teaching and learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these lesson...
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Speakers

Kimberly Hancock

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area CTE
Audience Teachers
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

InstaTeacher: Teacher Leadership in the Age of Social Media

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

Black Box Theater

Table #6: In today’s digital world, teachers have become more than classroom leaders; they are influential figures online. InstaTeacher explores how educators can use social media to build their professional identity, advocate for their roles, and strengthen connections with the broader school community.This session dives into key strategies for:-Self-Advocacy & Self-Presentation: Learn how to...
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Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Jamie Marble

Classroom Teacher, Bear River High School

Jamie Jo Marble is an English Teacher at Bear River High School, and is currently in her 5th year of teaching. She strives to make authentic connections with her students, and develop collaborative relationships based on the practical applications of language arts education in both... Read More →

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Kindergarten Storytelling with AI Animation

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

Black Box Theater

Speakers

Heather Heath

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

PD: Walking with You Through the APPEL Orchard

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

Black Box Theater

Table #3: This poster presentation session showcases innovative and engaging AI-infused lesson plans developed by K-12 educators and supported by the Utah STEM Action Center and USBE. These lesson plans integrate AI technologies and concepts into various subject areas, demonstrating how AI can transform teaching and learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these lesson...
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Speakers

Lorissa Nelson

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Professional Development
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

The Crime at Vista Heights Middle School - An AI Math Mystery Review

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

Black Box Theater

Table #4: This poster presentation session showcases innovative and engaging AI-infused lesson plans developed by K-12 educators and supported by the Utah STEM Action Center and USBE. These lesson plans integrate AI technologies and concepts into various subject areas, demonstrating how AI can transform teaching and learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and discuss these lesson...
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Speakers

Rachel Pitt

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Mathematics
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

9:45am MDT

USBE AI in Education Showcase - Teacher-Created Lesson Plans in All Grade Levels & Curriculum Areas

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

Black Box Theater

**Specific presentation titles and descriptions coming soon!These poster presentation sessions showcase innovative and engaging AI-infused lesson plans developed by Utah K-12 educators and supported by the Utah STEM Action Center and USBE. These lesson plans integrate AI technologies and concepts into various subject areas, demonstrating how AI can transform teaching and learning. Attendees will...
See More →

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area All
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Using an AI Chatbot to analyze lab data

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

Black Box Theater

Speakers

Jessica Stant

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

What’s Said and What’s Meant: Writing Dialogue That Reveals Character

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

Black Box Theater

Speakers

Joseph Wiederhold

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

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Every Seat Matters: Creating Classrooms of Belonging

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

Black Box Theater

Table #5: 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,...
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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
Black Box Theater 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

10:45am MDT

Networking & Refreshment Break

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:10am MDT

Exhibitor Hall

Mixed nuts, cheese, pretzels, cereal snack box
*For those with dietary requirements, we have the Day 1 SnackPack that fits the dietary requirements for Gluten-free, Kosher, Lactose-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian, and Vegan and will be available upon request for all those requiring this accommodation.

Thursday July 10, 2025 10:45am - 11:10am MDT
Exhibitor Hall Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, UT, 84060

Break

Learning Strand or Track Break
Audience All of the Above

11:10am MDT

Bringing Characters to Life Using Adobe Character Animator

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 11:27am MDT

Room #144

Discover the magic of Adobe Character Animator as you step into the future of storytelling. Learn how to create engaging, animated characters that can lip-sync in real-time with your own voice (or your students' voices), bringing lessons to life in an interactive and fun way. You'll learn how to make characters sync to your face, shoulders, and hands so you can both speak and act in character....
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Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 11:27am MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

3 Dimensional Science: Evaluating Pool Chemistry

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #237

Join us for an engaging professional development session focused on integrating the three dimensions of science—Disciplinary Core Ideas, Crosscutting Concepts, and Science and Engineering Practices—into your classroom. In this hands-on workshop, participants will step into the role of students as they experience a high school chemistry lesson on equilibrium and pool chemistry, designed by...
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Speakers

Kaitlyn Mecham

Science Teacher, Emery High School

Kaitlyn Mecham is a chemistry teacher at Emery High School. She began her teaching career in 2021 at San Rafael Middle School teaching middle school science. She graduated with a Bachelor's in Science Educational Studies from WGU in 2022. Although she is new to teaching she is excited... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

AI for a Rise and Something to Aspire to!

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #143

Come see what how educators are able to mimic the k-8 Rise Test questions and High School Aspire plus questions. Practice all Year using the one tool we all have access to, Canvas! Nothing here to buy you already have all you need! This is a colaborative project, if you don't see what you need, Lets make it together!NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 1:40 pm in Room...
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Speakers

Jason Snow

Digital Teaching and Learning Coach, Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Jason a reformed middle school science teacher and the last 7 years spreading the good NUES to North Eastern Utah Teachers as a regional trainer. Trying to personalize the PD to only what matters in your classroom.

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Collective Efficacy: Empowering Teachers and Boosting Student Success

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #235

This session will empower participants to create a culture of collective efficacy, leading to improved teacher morale, increased student engagement, and ultimately, higher levels of student achievement. By focusing on building shared beliefs and empowering staff, schools can unlock their full potential and create a truly successful learning environment for all students. Participants MUST HAVE one...
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Speakers

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Katie Jones brings 29 years of diverse educational experience to her work, with a deep passion for supporting and retaining effective teachers. Having served as a classroom teacher (K-7), reading specialist, and instructional coach, Katie understands firsthand the critical role of... Read More →

Collective Efficacy Empowering Teachers & Boosting Student Success pdf

Alphabet Pyramids pdf

2025 26 Fostering Collective Efficacy Institute Flyer (2) pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Data-Driven Storytelling: Creating User Friendly Dashboards in Looker Studio

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #135

Take your data visualization skills to the next level! Learn how to transform raw data into engaging and informative dashboards. Discover the art of storytelling with data, from structuring your Looker Studio reports to enhancing their visual appeal with graphic design principles. Dive deeper into advanced formulas and navigation techniques to create interactive and user-friendly dashboards. By...
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Speakers

Kaley King

DTL / CTE Program Administrator, Spectrum Academy / UCET

[Public] Data Driven Storytelling Creating User Friendly Dashboards in Looker Studio pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Rural STEM Learning Pathways and Effective Educator Support: Strategies for Success

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #137

Speakers

Milo Maughan

Secondary Science Education Specailist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Michelle Berg

Science/STEM Education Specialist

USBE

URSA 25 Rural Utah STEM pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #137 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area STEM / STEAM
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Scrible 101: Free Research and Writing Platform for Newbies

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #233

Did you know that Scrible is a FREE award winning resource for all public/charter school teachers and students in Utah? If you've never used Scrible or are just getting started, come learn how to use this powerful platform to streamline research and elevate writing in your class. We'll get you set up, walk you through creating an assignment, annotating online articles and more. We'll also review...
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Speakers

Shilpa Duvoor

Exhibitor Partner, Scrible

Shilpa has over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, school leader, leadership coach, and a customer success leader in edtech startups. Shilpa met Victor Karkar, CEO and co-founder of Scrible, and helped pilot early versions of Scrible in her classes! She is now the Head... Read More →

Scrible 101 Free Research and Writing Platform for Newbies (URSA) pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Special Education, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

What's Next in Google Workspace? Essential Updates for Every Educator

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #131

Speakers

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Integration Specialist, Southeast Education Service Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

A Love Affair With Picture Books Across the Standards

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Lecture Hall

Join us for an exciting session where you will discover how picture books can support the Utah Core Standards across all subjects! You will leave with fun ideas that can be applied to any picture books you own, as well as a wealth of book titles to add to your wish list!Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not ApplicableParticipants...
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Speakers

Teresa Pugmire

Academic Achievement Coach, Park City School District

PadletLink- https://padlet.com/thegtpugs/ursa-2025-books-across-the-standards-xtqgr9l5s45pe0k2
Teresa serves as an Academic Achievement Coach for Park City School District. In her role, she supports teachers, coaches, and administrators in enhancing literacy and math outcomes for their schools. Additionally, she serves as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, wher... Read More →

URSA 2025 key

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, ESL, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6

11:10am MDT

AI and I: Exploring Generative AI for K-12 Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #245

Speakers

Matt Winters

AI Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #245 1765 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area All
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Building Foundations: Strategies for Successful Early Learning Instruction

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #142

This presentation, "Building Foundations: Strategies for Successful Early Learning Instruction," addresses the critical issue of opportunity gaps in early learning and offers strategies to improve educational outcomes for all students. It emphasizes the importance of shifting from a deficit mindset to one that recognizes and addresses the root causes of these gaps. The presentation highlights the...
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Speakers

Jared Lisonbee

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Cristina Barrera

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

URSA 2025 Building Foundations and Strategies for Successful Early Learning Instruction pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Adult Education, Leadership
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level PK - 2

11:10am MDT

Celebrating Educators: Creating Meaningful Recognition Practices

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #242

Join us for an inspiring session on celebrating teachers and fostering a culture of appreciation in schools. Discover creative and meaningful ways to recognize educators' efforts, build morale, and highlight their invaluable contributions. This session will include practical strategies, examples of successful recognition programs, and collaborative brainstorming to help participants tailor...
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Speakers

Kristin van Brunt

JR HIGH TEACHER, Davis School District

Kristin van Brunt began her educational journey as an English/Language Arts and Spanish teacher in the Davis School District 31 years ago. Over the years, she has discovered and developed a passion for professional learning and helping teachers continue to grow throughout their careers... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #242 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience Instructional Coaches, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Digital Skills, Analog Tools: Unplugged Coding for Kids

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #147

Explore coding through hands-on, screen-free activities using everyday materials. This session equips educators with strategies to teach algorithms, sequencing, and problem-solving. Gain ready-to-use activities that develop critical thinking and collaboration in diverse classrooms, enhancing coding skills with analog tools in an engaging way. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following...
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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 →

Unplugged Coding for Kids pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Exploring Cultural Responsiveness: Practicum Experiences in Rural Educational Settings

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #136

Southern Utah University is committed to equipping teacher candidates with diverse classroom experiences rooted in a culturally responsive framework. As part of this mission, we have established a unique partnership with Monument Valley High School, where students immerse themselves for a week in a rural school setting within a Navajo community. This session will explain the rationale behind this...
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Speakers

Laureen Graves

Assistant Professor and Field Services Director, SUU - Southern Utah University

Laureen Graves is a passionate educator, married to Christopher Graves, with four children and six grandchildren who bring immense joy to their lives. The role of being GG is a most cherished role! As a committed advocate for the teaching profession, Laureen hopes to prepare students... Read More →

Heather Kennedy

Assistant Professor, SUU - Southern Utah University

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #136 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Adult Education
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

From Comics to Comprehension: Why Graphic Novels Belong in Every Classroom and School Library

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #241

In this dynamic and relevant session, K-12 educators will explore the powerful role of graphic novels in fostering literacy, critical thinking, and student engagement. We will examine how graphic novels support diverse learning needs, enhance comprehension through multimodal storytelling, and align with educational standards. Educators will gain practical strategies for integrating graphic novels...
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Speakers

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District library media specialist, Canyons School District

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 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Important Lessons in School Safety from a Behavioral Health Perspective

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #134

Targeted violence against schools continues to take place at an alarming rates across our nation, leading to increased fears and anxiety, and threating the very function of schools. Educators are faced with the enormous task of maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment which is essential to ensuring that students can learn and grow into their best selves. Examining the details behind...
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Speakers

Scott Eyre

Emergency Recovery Planning in Schools, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Scott Eyre serves as the School Based Mental Health Specialist for Utah’s School Safety Center. He works for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Use and Mental Health and is a member of the Education Advisory Board to the State Security Chief. Scott’s... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Other
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health, Other
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

Leading Deeper Learning with Deeper Purpose

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #232

If we want to accomplish our USBE portrait of a graduate in every school and every classroom for every student, we cannot teach and lead the way we have always taught and led. Explore some first steps to cultivating an environment conducive to deeper learning imbued with an inspiring higher purpose for both students and educators.

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 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Leadership

11:10am MDT

Lessons in Leadership from the Culture Code

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #231

Discover how to create a thriving school culture with insights from Daniel Coyle's best-seller, The Culture Code. This presentation is designed for educators, instructional coaches, and school leaders who want to improve their leadership skills. By understanding the importance of safety, vulnerability, and purpose, you can create an environment where people feel comfortable taking risks, sharing...
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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 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Power Tools: Differentiate For All Your Learners Without Teacher Burn-Out

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #234

We've all faced it. The dilemma of how to best meet the diverse needs of ALL our students and still provide the same instruction to all. In this session, I will show you ways to easily re-level texts for struggling readers or readers who need to be challenged; quickly produce a text that meets the requirements of a given Core Standard that is age-appropriate for your students; and easily translate...
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Speakers

Dari Thacker

4th/5th Grade Teacher

South SummitSilver Summit Elementary

Power Tools Differentiate for All Learners pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area ESL, Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Sine Curves and Spaghetti

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #141

NOTE: This is the second of a two session presentation. Attending the first part is not required to attend the second. This presentation is for mathematics teachers and anyone else who has dabbled in trigonometry but never really understood it. Students often find it hard to connect right triangle trigonometry to the curves of the sine and cosine function. In this session we will be building large...
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Speakers

Josh White

Teacher, Emery School District

Unit Circle Exploration Makeup pdf

Sin Curves and Spaghetti pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Mathematics, Science
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

Strengthening Leadership Capacity Through Communities of Practice in Utah

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #133

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE), in partnership with the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center, supports Utah principals through the Principals’ Partnership Network (PPN) program. PPNs are structured Communities of Practice (CoPs) designed to foster collaboration among school leaders across the state. These networks are organized by geographic region (e.g., North Utah) or content focus...
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Speakers

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Kody Colvin

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Not Applicable

11:10am MDT

Taking a Unified Approach to Meet School Prevention Requirements

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #238

In accordance with Utah law, every school is mandated to develop and implement a substance use prevention plan, also known as a positive behaviors plan, as well as a suicide prevention plan. This presentation will explore how these two essential plans can be integrated to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. By recognizing the overlapping requirements and similar strategies inherent in both...
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Speakers

Cathy Davis

Prevention Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Since 2014, Cathy Davis, M.Ed. has served as the Suicide Prevention Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) focusing on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention (after a suicide) efforts.
She began her education career in 1994 as a science educator. She taught ecology, biology, and health sciences (anatomy and physiology) for over eighteen years at Murray High School. For seven of those years, she created curriculum and managed a school success program for dropout... Read More →

Clarissa Stebbing

Prevention Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Clarissa joined the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) as a Prevention Specialist in 2019, where she is primarily responsible for substance use prevention and coordinating the Prevention Block Grant.

Her career began at a substance use disorder treatment center for adolescents, where she gained valuable insight into the importance of prevention. She then went on to spend 11 years working at a non-profit organization where she coordinated community and school-based mentoring programs... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Using Nearpod to Support Multilingual Learners

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

Room #244

Over the last three years, the number of multilingual learners (MLs) in Utah’s schools has increased by 14% while, at the same time, these students’ WIDA proficiency levels have decreased by 6%. Now more than ever, teachers require the knowledge and skills to differentiate and scaffold learning for MLs. During our session, you will learn how to utilize multiple Nearpod features (Immersive...
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Speakers

Braxton Thornley

Senior Technology Trainer, Utah Education Network

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area ESL
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

Learning How to be Diagnostic. Evidence-Based Interventions Made Easy and How to Intensify Them for Each Tier.

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 2:40pm MDT

Room #145

This collaborative learning opportunity will present the research-based information obtained from Matt Burns's book Effective School Interventions and combine it with research by Stevenson and Reed 2017 (Instruction for intensify interventions), The National Center for Intensify Instruction, The Taxonomy of Intensify Instruction by Fuch et al. 2017 and the High-Level Practices (CDC). So when a...
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Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

How to be Diagnostic URSA 2025 pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 2:40pm MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Assessment & Data Management, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music, Computer Science, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Special Education
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:30am MDT

Mindset Shifts: Actionable Growth Mindset Techniques

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:30am - 11:47am MDT

Room #144

This presentation proposes a practical framework and actionable steps for integrating Carol Dweck's "Mindset" principles into special education classrooms. We will explore the transformative power of shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of educators embodying these principles to foster authentic implementation. Many students, particularly those with special needs,...
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Speakers

Dani Tuttle

Special Education Teacher, Preschool Supervisor

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:30am - 11:47am MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Special Education, Other
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

12:20pm MDT

Lunch (click to see details)

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:20pm - 1:30pm MDT

Gym: LUNCH Hall

Apple Spice Junction sandwiches, wraps, and salads.

Thursday July 10, 2025 12:20pm - 1:30pm MDT
Gym: LUNCH Hall

Lunch

Learning Strand or Track Lunch
Audience All of the Above

1:40pm MDT

Next Up in Postsecondary Transition: We’ve Got You Covered!

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 1:57pm MDT

Room #144

It’s show time! Introducing Utah’s very first interagency website on postsecondary transition: Utah Transition Elevated, newly launched in August of 2024! Learn about this comprehensive resource that serves as a “one stop shop” for everything related to preparing youth with disabilities for adult life. Utah Transition Elevated supports efforts to improve services and outcomes for youth....
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Speakers

Crystal Emery

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

Deanna Taylor

Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Deanna Taylor is a Postsecondary Transition for Students with Disabilities Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Her public education career has spanned over 40 years as a music teacher, special education teacher, special education director and college instructor in three... Read More →

Next Up in Postsecondary Transition URSA pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 1:57pm MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Special Education
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

AI for a Rise and Something to Aspire to!

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #131

Speakers

Jason Snow

Digital Teaching and Learning Coach, Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Building a STARfleet: Mentoring for Teacher Retention

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #235

The future of education depends on the next generation of teachers. This session will provide practical strategies for teacher leaders and principals to cultivate STAR Mentors who effectively Support, Train, Advise, and Retain our bright new stars before they burn out, leading to a stronger, more stable teaching STARfleet. New teacher attrition is a significant challenge, but effective mentoring...
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Speakers

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Building a STARfleet Mentoring for Teacher Retention pdf

Mentoring & Induction Collaborative Agenda pdf

SHINE Framework Overview pdf

STAR Mentoring on the Starship Enterprise pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Connecting to Best Practice: Small Moves for Big Effects

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #242

https://bit.ly/SmallMove Unlock the power already within your practice! Discover the exciting connections between the successful strategies flourishing in Utah schools and proven, evidence-based research. This isn't about starting over; it's about recognizing the impactful, meaningful instruction you already deliver and seeing its foundation in effective practices. Prepare for a highly...
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Speakers

Meghan Everette

Director of Teaching and Learning, Utah State Board of Education

Small Shifts Big Effects (1) pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #242 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Elevating ELA Engagement with Adobe Express

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #241

Discover how Adobe Express can transform your K-6 CKLA curriculum and invigorate your students' learning experiences! This session will showcase practical examples of how Adobe Express tools like Character Animator, graphic design templates, video editing, and Guided Activities can be used to create visually appealing and interactive activities that reinforce CKLA concepts and ELA standards. Learn...
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Speakers

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Integration Specialist, Southeast Education Service Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

1:40pm MDT

Elevating Your Art Instruction: Adobe Fresco

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #234

Teachers can take their art instruction to the next level by introducing Adobe Fresco into their classrooms. Digital art is transformative and allows more seamless integration of student work into projects, posters, assignments, etc. Learn the tools and possibilities that your FREE Adobe account can unlock for you. IPads are recommended. Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the...
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Speakers

Steve Weller

Technology Coach, South Sanpete School District

An English teacher for 17 years at Ephraim Middle School and now a district tech trainer, Steve has seen a few things and learned a few tips and tricks along the way.

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Scrible 102: Scaffolding Research and Writing in ELA & Social Studies

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #233

Scrible, an award winning FREE resource for all Utah public/charter school teachers and students, is chock full of features that can help students and teachers scaffold the research and writing process. Learn how to use Scrible's advanced features to strengthen students' writing and media literacy skills. We will review how to track student progress, provide timely and specific feedback, and...
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Speakers

Shilpa Duvoor

Exhibitor Partner, Scrible

Scrible 102 Scaffolding Research and Writing in ELA Social Studies (URSA) pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Instructional Coaching, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Special Education
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Unlocking Authentic Expression: How AI Empowers Writers

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #132

Can AI truly help us express ourselves more genuinely? Absolutely! This session explores how educators can leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to help students find and refine their authentic voices. We'll move beyond the hype and delve into practical AI-powered strategies that support every stage of the writing process, fostering creativity, confidence, and a love of writing in...
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Speakers

Naomi Watkins

Secondary ELA Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Naomi Watkins is the Secondary English Language Arts Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, where she provides strategic oversight for ELA instruction, standards, and adolescent literacy. With over 20 years of experience in education and a Ph.D. specializing in adolescent... Read More →

Davina Sauthoff

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Other
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

AI and I: Exploring Generative AI for K-12 Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #245

Speakers

Matt Winters

AI Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #245 1765 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area All
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Building STEM Leadership and Integration: Lessons from Utah’s SEI Cohort

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #135

Nearing the completion of year two of a five-year initiative, the STEM Action Center (STEM AC), in partnership with the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center, developed STEM Education Innovators (SEI) program—a statewide professional learning cohort designed to support secondary STEM educators (grades 6–12) in growing their capacity across four key areas: teacher leadership, STEM integration,...
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Speakers

Kellie Yates

Collaboration and Program Development Manager, STEM Action Center

Kellie Yates is the Collaboration and Program Development Manager at the Utah STEM Action Center, where she serves as the STEM Liaison between the STEM Action Center and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). She earned a bachelor’s degree in Technology and Industrial Education... Read More →

Kody Colvin

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Discovering what your students really know when “asking” the right questions

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Lecture Hall

We have all been students or participants in lessons during which people talked “at us” but didn’t engage us. We weren’t expected to do anything. So what did we do? What did we learn? Most likely, not much. But, when a teacher uses well-crafted questions and short “tasks” throughout a lesson in which students have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of content, students...
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Speakers

Jennifer King

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

Jennifer King has been involved in education for 29 years. She has been a middle and high school social studies teacher, has been an elementary and high school instructional coach in Park CIty School District, and an elementary principal in Murray School District. She is currently... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Instructional Coaching, Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Energize and Elevate Teaching and Learning for All!

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #137

Would you like to develop critical thinking for all of your students ? Do you want to motivate the unmotivated by bringing fun, divergent ways of thinking to your classroom? Do you want students who are interested in your standards-based lessons and who retain and track their own learning? If so, don’t miss this opportunity to learn strategies to elevate your instruction.. I’ll focus on...
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Speakers

Kathy Einhorn

Teacher (retired) Administrator (retired), Park City School District (retired)

Kathleen (Kathy) Einhorn is in her 40th year an educator. She started her career in Salt Lake City, Utah as a junior high special education teacher, and continued working as a teacher (English, reading, Special Education), curriculum director, Instructional Support Specialist, Principal... Read More →

Handout for Engaging and Motivating Your Students! docx

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #137 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Leading Off the Grid: Innovation and Leadership in Rural Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #231

Leading in a rural or remote school requires creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of community. This session explores the realities of living and working "off the grid"—from navigating staffing challenges and teacher retention to maximizing limited resources through creative scheduling, spending, and space-sharing. Participants will learn how rural principals are building strong support...
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Speakers

Jenna Olson

Principal, Monticello Elementary

Jenny Atcitty

Heather Amado

Principal, Tse' Bii 'Nidzisgaii Elementary

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators

1:40pm MDT

Leading with Hope: Building Resilient Communities

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #141

In a world where school leaders face increasing challenges, the need for compassionate leadership and a hopeful mindset has never been more crucial. This session will explore the transformative power of compassion and hope in fostering school communities where both staff and students thrive. Participants will gain practical strategies for integrating these values into everyday school leadership...
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Speakers

Holly Todd

Crisis Response, MTSS/PBIS Support, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

handout.Leading with Hope pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Nearpod 2.0: Renaissance Next Connection

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #244

Discover the transformative potential of Nearpod's integration with Renaissance Next. This presentation explores how these powerful educational platforms combine to create a seamless learning ecosystem that enhances student engagement, provides real-time assessment data, and personalizes instruction. Learn how this integration empowers educators to deliver dynamic content while tracking growth...
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Speakers

Faith Smith

National Academic Advisor, Renaissance

Renaissance is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, early literacy, and data-driven solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts. We are committed to providing teacher-facilitated instructional delivery with resources to help students build a strong foundation for succ... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Playful Pathways: Teaching Science of Reading Using Developmentally Informed Interactions

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #143

During this session, we will focus our energy on beginning to address the challenges of teaching the science of reading skills in a developmentally appropriate manner. Discover how these skills connect across different age groups and engage in meaningful conversations about their development. We will define these skills in the context of child development and collaborate on strategies to...
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Speakers

Jared Lisonbee

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Cristina Barrera

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

URSA 2025 Playful SoR Pathways pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, ESL, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level PK - 2

1:40pm MDT

Professional Development Credit Options

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #237

Southern Utah University provides a unique opportunity for education organizations to build tailored courses for Professional Development (PD) graduate credit. Our P-12 Team works directly with your PD representative(s) to develop course activities that reinforce your desired learning outcomes. In this session, you will be introduced to the process and parameters for providing this unique...
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Speakers

Joey Foote

Presenter, Southern Utah University

Joey Foote is a 40 year veteran of Utah Public Schools, working there as teacher and principal. In addition, he served 5 years as District Superintendent in Rural Idaho Public Schools. After retiring from Public Education, Joey accepted a position as the Clinical Director in the UVU... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Other
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Reel Rights: Curating, Streaming, and Copyright Essentials for Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #134

In an era where digital media is as ubiquitous as print, schools and their libraries are increasingly tasked with providing access to engaging film collections and content and navigating the complex world of streaming and copyright. This presentation is designed to equip administrators, classroom teachers and school librarians with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to build a film...
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Speakers

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District library media specialist, Canyons School District

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Science, Social Studies, Instructional Coaching, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Student and Child-Centered: Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model Lives in Rural Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #147

It is unusual to note the theory in practice as readily as it can be seen when overlaying Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological model in rural spaces. “The bioecological theory of human development, initially termed an ecological model approach, was originally proposed by Bronfenbrenner to explain how human development occurs, focusing largely on the impact of context” (Rosa & Tudge, 2013, p243). His...
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Speakers

Darren Parry

Former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, University of Utah

Darren Parry is the former Chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for Utah Humanities and PBS Utah. He attended the University of Utah and Weber State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In 2024... Read More →

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 →

Sarah Allen

Department Chair, SUU - Southern Utah University

Sarah Allen, PhD, is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Family Life and Human Development at Southern Utah University. She received her doctorate in Family Relations and Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph in Ontario Canada. Over the past... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Other
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Teaching Ethnic Studies in Utah: New Requirements, Trusted Materials

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #133

Are you wondering how to incorporate Utah’s ethnic studies requirements in your classroom? Join us for an enlightening session to explore a range of culturally appropriate resources that connect Utah’s historic and contemporary immigrant communities. Incorporating ethnic studies materials into your lessons offers valuable opportunities to share the experiences, cultures, and contributions of...
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Speakers

Wendy Rex Atzet

Manager of K-12 Initiatives, Utah Historical Society

Etiana Coley Mells

Ethnic Studies Education Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Etiana Coley Mells is a sociocultural anthropologist and an educator currently serving as the Ethnic Studies Education Specialist and a federal grant manager focused on incorporating ethnic studies into K-12 classrooms and promoting safe and healthy schools at the Utah State Board... Read More →

2025 URSA Teaching Ethnic Studies in Utah pdf

2025 URSA Teaching Ethnic Studies in Utah pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Teaching through Modeling: DigCit in Action

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #136

Ready to transform your classroom into a digital citizenship training ground? This session equips you to seamlessly integrate key skills into your daily routine. Imagine your students empowered to craft clear emails like communication pros, confidently report concerns with the SafeUT app, navigate social media with critical thinking, and unleash their creativity by responsibly producing engaging...
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Speakers

Dani Sloan

IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #136 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Writing instruction for grades K-2

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #142

Empower your young learners with strong writing foundations. This course focuses on practical, evidence-based instructional practices for teaching essential writing skills in kindergarten through second grade. Learn how to implement developmentally appropriate strategies that can be immediately applied in your classroom, regardless of your current writing program. Participants MUST HAVE one of...
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Speakers

Christine Elegante

K-3 Literacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Courtney Bills

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Courtney Bills is a seasoned literacy specialist currently serving K-3 students at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Her career demonstrates a deep commitment to improving literacy outcomes for young learners.

Prior to USBE, Courtney worked at a Dual Language Immersion... Read More →

Writing Instruction for Grades K 2 pptx

Writing Instruction Grades 3 6 pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level PK - 2

1:40pm MDT

Transform Your Canvas in 3 Minutes: Boosting Student Engagement and Reducing Failure Rates

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #238

Are your students lost in the "gray wall of text" that is Canvas? Do parents struggle to understand how their children are performing? Are teachers spending their Saturday nights sending follow-up emails?Join Dr. Jared R. Chapman for an interactive demonstration of Delphinium, a game-changing Canvas enhancement that transforms standard courses into visually engaging learning environments in just...
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Speakers

Jared Chapman

Chief Innovation Officer / Owner, Delphinium

Dr. Jared Chapman is the founder of Delphinium and a professor of Organizational Behavior at Utah Valley University. With over 25 years of experience in education and educational technology, he has dedicated his career to solving engagement challenges in online and hybrid learning... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Intermediate

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Professional Learning Communities - PLC's, PLN's, etc.
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Addressing Key Challenges in Educational Leadership: Insights from SUU’s Administrative Leadership Masters Project

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #232

This dynamic one-hour workshop explores the most pressing challenges educational leaders face today, drawing on real-world insights from Southern Utah University’s administrative team. Participants will engage in thoughtful discussions about managing organizational change, navigating resource constraints, and fostering inclusive campus communities. Through interactive case studies and...
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Speakers

Tony Pellegrini

Professor and Department Chair, Southern Utah University

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators

1:40pm MDT

Kinesthetic Astronomy

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #146

In our hands-on session, we will practice how to implement kinesthetic activities aligned with fourth-grade SEEd standards, specifically Strand 4.4. We will develop models for day/night cycles, changing constellations throughout the year, and for why our Sun is the brightest star. By using our bodies to model the Earth, participants will demonstrate how rotation and revolution cause the cycles of...
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Speakers

Thomas Quayle

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

Jason Trump

Education Programs Supervisor, Clark Planetarium

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #146 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level 45720

1:40pm MDT

Math the Matters: Reaching Every Student

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #148

Participants will engage in a math task and reflect on how the design of the task meets the needs of all students. Participants will explore USBE Mathematics Resources that support the implementation of high quality mathematics instruction. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have...
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Speakers

Molly Basham

Presenter, Utah State Board of Education

Molly Basham is the Early Learning Mathematics Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. Molly comes to this roll with a background in preschool and elementary education having taught PreK, kindergarten, second, and fourth grade during her time as a classroom teacher. Prior... Read More →

Mike Spencer

Presenter, Utah State Board of Education

Mike earned his M.Ed. with a concentration in Mathematics from Utah State University and a BS in Mathematics Education from the same institution. He spent 17 years teaching secondary mathematics and serving as an instructional coach for. In his current role as the Secondary Math Specialist... Read More →

Melissa Garber

Elementary Math Specialist, USBE

Melissa Garber is a proud University of Utah graduate and the current Elementary Mathematics Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. Melissa has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of learners, including K-6 students, pre-service teachers, and experienced educators... Read More →

Math that Matters 7.10.25.pptx pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #148 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Supporting Language Development through the Creative Process

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #243

All students need and deserve the opportunity to be creative! All students also need and deserve to develop and practice academic and social language skills. In this session, you will engage in and practice language-development strategies that are essential for all students as they learn to be creative independent artists, successful students, and engaged learners. Link to...
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Speakers

Mindy Curtis

Teacher Specialist, General

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

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 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #243 1755 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Performing Arts / Visual Arts, ESL, Language Arts
Audience Curriculum Specialists, Teachers, Instructional Coaches

1:40pm MDT

CATALYST - Coaching and Alignment Toward Adaptive Leadership Yielding Systemic Transformation

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #138

This interactive session offers a hands-on introduction to CATALYST, a statewide professional learning experience designed by the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center in partnership with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) to support leaders in building coherent, aligned systems that lead to stronger outcomes for students.In this two-hour session, participants will engage in key elements of...
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Speakers

Andrea Rorrer

Director, UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Kody Colvin

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #138 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Rock Band - The Secret to Building Meaningful Music Programs in Rural Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Gym: LUNCH Hall

Table #4: Great music changes lives, but making and playing great music in a rock band can change the world. To quote Jack Black from The School of Rock, "One Great Rock Show Can Change the World!" Are you interested in building a meaningful, life-changing and school-culture changing music program at your school, or do you already have a music program that needs a little more spice and pizzazz?...
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Speakers

Chris Woods

Music Teacher, Rich High School

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Gym: LUNCH Hall

2 hour Playground - hands-on and discussion, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Lead From the Classroom to the Community

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Black Box Theater

Table #5: Discover how early-career teachers can step into leadership as Community Outreach Leads by building strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations. This session explores how this role provides teachers with opportunities to grow professionally, strengthen relationships with students and families (especially marginalized communities) and create meaningful...
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Speakers

Fangaafa Tuifua

Teacher, Teacher Fellows

Fangaafa Fataimoemanu Tu’ifua, known to her students as Ms. Fatai, is currently a 5th grade teacher at Canyons School District and serves as a Hope Street Group Utah Teacher Fellow. She was Teacher of the Year 2023-2024 at East Midvale Elementary. Her greatest investment as a teacher-leader... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Black Box Theater 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

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

1:40pm MDT

USBE AI in Education Showcase - Teacher-Created Lesson Plans in All Grade Levels & Curriculum Areas

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT

Black Box Theater

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Black Box Theater 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Beginner

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area All
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2:00pm MDT

Early College Q&A

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:00pm - 2:17pm MDT

Room #144

Come one, come all to this question and answer session for everything Early College. * AP * CE * IB * Prime (Prime is changing to the First Credentials Program) Come with any questions that you have, we are here to answer them. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac and Windows devices will be with the presenters. Participants...
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Speakers

Christy Schreck

Early College Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

As an Educational Leader and Early College Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education, Christy has been serving for over six years. Her role involves supervising statewide early college programs, managing grants, overseeing the US Presidential Scholars Program, and leading professional... Read More →

Cathy Gray

Graduation & Concurrent Enrollment Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Cathy Gray is the Graduation and Concurrent Enrollment Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. She has supported education for over 20 years. Starting as a recess aide she has enjoyed the opportunity to support special education and Multi Language learning programs. She... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:00pm - 2:17pm MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

2:20pm MDT

Engineering Design with Sphero Blueprint

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm MDT

Room #144

Step into the world of engineering with Sphero Blueprint! This hands-on workshop utilizes Sphero Blueprint Build Kits to make engaging with mechanical and structural engineering fun and accessible to all. Blueprint serves as a classroom tool to make engineering education come to life, allowing students to quickly build, test, and learn engineering concepts Participants MUST HAVE one of the...
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Speakers

Nathan Wilson

Technology Integration Specialist, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:20pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Mathematics, Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

2:40pm MDT

Refreshment Break

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:40pm - 3:05pm MDT

Exhibitor Hall

Suss Mini Cookie 3-pack (Snickerdoodle, Chocolate Chip, Lemon)
*For those with dietary requirements, we have the Day 1 SnackPack that fits the dietary requirements for Gluten-free, Kosher, Lactose-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian, and Vegan and will be available upon request for all those requiring this accommodation.

Thursday July 10, 2025 2:40pm - 3:05pm MDT
Exhibitor Hall Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, UT, 84060

Break

Learning Strand or Track Break
Audience All of the Above

3:10pm MDT

URSA Board Meeting

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #244

URSA Board Meeting, by invitation only.

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

3:10pm MDT

Self-Determination is on the Menu!

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #144

Welcome to Determination Diner where self-determination is on the menu! Have you attempted to figure out how to embed functional skills into academic content? Have you tried to actively involve students in their IEP meetings but you're not sure how? Is self-determination on your menu of instructional choices? Self-determination/self-advocacy has been identified as a research-based predictor of...
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Speakers

Deanna Taylor

Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Julianne Hunter

Doctoral Student and Graduate Research Assistant, USU - Utah State University

Julianne Hunter, M.S.Ed. is a veteran special education teacher with 25 years of both classroom- and district-level experience in urban and rural settings across Georgia. Also, she has six years of experience as an early intervention specialist, supporting infants and toddlers with... Read More →

Stephen Kwiatek

Assistant Professor, USU - Utah State University

Stephen M. Kwiatek, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of special education at Utah State University (USU). Stephen’s research interests focus on preparing youth with disabilities for equitable postschool lives through three strands: (a) general education teacher involvement in college... Read More →

DeterminationDiner 2025URSA TaylorKwiatekHunter pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Special Education, Other
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

3:10pm MDT

Try Walking In My Shoes

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #133

This presentation will provide helpful information on strategies to assist children who have a variety of different learning abilities. Teachers will have an opportunity to see through the eyes of these differently abled students, and experience some of the different struggles these students may face in the classroom. This presentation will also provide many helpful strategies to make the...
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Speakers

BethAnne Chidester

Severe Special Ed Teacher, Manti High School

BethAnne has taught special education for 20 years. She has a deep passion for working with people with different abilities and loves to share with others what she's learned in and out of the classroom.

Hillary Palmer

Occupational Therapist, South Sanpete School District

Hillary has a Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy and is entering her 10th year of school based occupational therapy practice. She has worked with kids from the ages of 3 up until they age out of high school, and has worked with kids of all different ability levels. She offers... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Won't you be our neighbor? Free educator resources from PBS Utah

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #134

Speakers

Annie Frazier

Education Manager, PBS Utah

Melanie Pehrson

Education Coordinator, PBS Utah

PBS LearningMediaJune25 pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

AI and I: Exploring Generative AI for K-12 Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #245

Speakers

Matt Winters

AI Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #245 1765 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area All
Audience Everyone
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Beyond the Page: Elevating Students with Digital Resources

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #242

Speakers

Chris Haught

Media Specialist, SEDC - Southwest Educational Development Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #242 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Media Literacy
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Building Bridges: Practical Strategies to Empower Teachers To Help All Language Learners Succeed

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #147

Helping ESL students succeed can be challenging, especially when negative academic transitions lead to poor performance, low self-esteem or even school dropout. How can we better engage these students and motivate them to improve their English skills and communicate more effectively? In this session, you'll learn practical strategies and resources to support ESL learners in diverse classrooms....
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Speakers

Talia A. Casares

DLI Teacher, North Sanpete School District

Talia A. Casares, originally from Mexico City, moved to the U.S. to pursue a degree in Spanish teaching. She holds a Master’s in Spanish Pedagogy from Brigham Young University and has earned endorsements in Dual Language Immersion (DLI), TESOL, STEM, and Educational Technology... Read More →

Patricia Zavala

DLI Teacher, North Sanpete School District

Patricia Zavala is a 5th-grade Spanish Dual Immersion teacher at North Sanpete School District with nearly 30 years of experience teaching Spanish and English in diverse classroom settings. She has taught in language institutes, bilingual, and multilingual schools in her hometown... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area ESL, World Languages
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Enhancing Science and Engineering Practices Through Mind Mapping

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #235

We will explore the integration of SEEd standards with the Science and Engineering Practice of modeling. Utilizing mind mapping as a versatile tool to improve students’ understanding of scientific concepts across all grade levels and phenomena. This approach enhances critical thinking by allowing students to visually organize and connect complex ideas. Our session will demonstrate practical...
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Speakers

Emily Perkins

5th Grade Teacher

Emily Perkins is the 5th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah. She has been the 5th grade teacher for the last 14 years. Emily enjoys creating high-quality, engaging cross-curricular learning experiences for her students. Emily is on the district science team... Read More →

Michelle Kantaris

6th grade teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Michelle is a 6th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah. She has prior experience in grades K-8. Michelle has a passion for reaching students through engaging cross-curricular activities. Michelle is on the district science team and has been involved in co-teaching... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6

3:10pm MDT

From One Spark to a System: Scaling MTSS in Remote Schools

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #231

This session highlights how a strong MTSS framework took root in one rural elementary school and organically expanded to two others, driven by innovative leadership and a commitment to student success. Through intentional data meetings, collaborative planning, and school-specific adaptations, each site shaped the intervention system to meet its unique needs. Crucial to this process was the ongoing...
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Speakers

Jenna Olson

Principal, Monticello Elementary

Jenny Atcitty

Heather Amado

Principal, Tse' Bii 'Nidzisgaii Elementary

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators

3:10pm MDT

From Silos to Synergy: Integrating Instructional Ecosystems

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #132

Have you ever wondered about the easiest and most effective ways to accentuate the natural connections that exist across content areas? Can you imagine a resource that would point you to the authentic overlaps between the subjects present in the Utah Core Standards? Have you considered other ways to integrate beyond content overlap? Utah's Portrait of a Graduate suggests integrated systems are...
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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 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

How to Improve Fluency through Partner Reading-Paragraph Shrinking

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Lecture Hall

Melinda and her Early Learning Coach, Dina will share how they improved her students fluency and retell by using partner reading-paragraph shrinking. They will give information on how to implement this in a classroom, what they learned, and how to adjust it to meet the needs of students. This strategy is for an entire class who has a median composite score 51% or below or if you have seven...
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Speakers

Melinda Meccariello

3rd Grade Teacher, Ferron Elementary

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

Dina Wise

Early Learning Coach, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center

Dina Wise's 20+ year educational career spans roles from paraprofessional to elementary principal and instructional coach, fueled by a passion for literacy. As a certified LETRS facilitator, she empowers teachers with effective literacy strategies. Outside of education, she's a family-oriented... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6

3:10pm MDT

Movement Integration for K-6 classes

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #234

Let’s get up and move the curriculum! In this one-hour presentation, you will receive 10 NEW 10-minute movement lessons to move with students. We will explore Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. To see what this looks like with students follow this LINK: https://youtu.be/5SPi2VXYKok Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this...
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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 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

3:10pm MDT

No Cap: Finding the "Joy Snacks" in Ed Tech Integration

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #241

Yo, URSA fam! Let's be real. Teaching can be a whole mood, but what if your tech toolkit could be the ultimate "glow up" for your life? This session is all about keeping it 100 and exploring simple tech ideas that can spark those daily "joy snacks" – for you, your colleagues, and even your students! We'll dive into practical, no-cap strategies for using tech to create "no crumbs left" moments of...
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Speakers

JoLynn Torgerson

Technology Integration Specialist, Southeast Education Service Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Radical Candor for Educators

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #136

Radical Candor, a framework balancing "care personally" and "challenge directly," is vital in education. Learn to give "magical feedback" by delivering honest, constructive criticism while simultaneously expressing belief in the individual's potential and fostering a sense of belonging, creating a culture of growth and trust where educators and students thrive. This session is designed for teacher...
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Speakers

Dani Sloan

IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Katie Blunt

Product Manager/Trainer, Utah Education Network

Katie Blunt is the UEN product manager over eMedia and hosts UEN's PDTV series. Previously, Katie worked as an Educational Technology Specialist for the Canyons School District and taught sixth grade in the Jordan School District. She served as the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology... Read More →

Radical Candor for Educators (URSA 2025) pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #136 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Not Applicable

3:10pm MDT

Raising Resilient Kids In A Tech Heavy World

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #238

As a counselor, Nate has had the unique experience of hearing from kids what they are going through in this digital age. In this presentation, Nate sheds light on the digital landscape kids are navigating. He also give insights for educators and parents on how to help preserve their kids' childhood and promote resiliency in this tech heavy world. You'll learn about tech boundaries, how to approach...
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Speakers

Nate Webb

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health, Media Literacy
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Strategies to Reignite Your Joy of Teaching!

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #137

Wouldn’t it be great if you could stop spending so much time on correcting behaviors and more time doing what you love…? Teaching? In this session, you'll learn strategies that will get you excited about being back in your charter school classroom every day! If you’re going home worn out from your daily workload, if you question whether teaching is still for you, or if you just want to learn...
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Speakers

Kathy Einhorn

Teacher (retired) Administrator (retired), Park City School District (retired)

Handout for Strategies to Reignite your Joy of Teaching docx

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #137 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Strengthening Paraeducator Capacity: A Collaborative Professional Learning Model in Rural Utah

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #135

San Juan School District (SJSD) has partnered with the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) for the past four years to provide systematic, ongoing professional learning for paraeducators in its rural K-12 schools. Given the district’s vast geography, ensuring equitable access to high-quality training has been a challenge. A strategic partnership was formed to deliver in-person, synchronous...
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Speakers

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center

Kody Colvin

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators
Grade Level Not Applicable

3:10pm MDT

Taming the AI Dragon: Practical Gemini & Notebook LM for Educators

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #131

Speakers

Clint Stephens

Educational Technology Innovation Specialist & Coach, Southwest Educational Development Center

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Teaching with Heart: Fostering Compassion and Hope in Every Classroom

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #141

This session will focus on the vital role of compassion and hope in creating a positive and thriving classroom culture. Educators face challenges every day, but through fostering a compassionate and hopeful environment, staff can significantly impact student success and resilience. Participants will explore practical ways to integrate compassion and hope into their interactions with students,...
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Speakers

Holly Todd

Crisis Response, MTSS/PBIS Support, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

handout.teaching with hope pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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

3:10pm MDT

Utah Out-of-School-Time Needs Assessment--Findings and Next Steps

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #237

In partnership with the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Office of Child Care (DWS-OCC), the Utah Afterschool Network (UAN), and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center conducted a statewide needs assessment of out-of-school time programs for elementary aged students during the 2023-24 school year. The purpose of this needs assessment was to study...
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Speakers

Lisa Wisham

Senior Research & Evaluation Associate and School & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center

Lisa Wisham, M.Ed., is a Senior Research & Evaluation Associate and School & District Improvement Specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). For the past nine years, she has worked with the UEPC team to provide on-site and virtual support, data collection, leadership coaching... Read More →

URSA 2025 Presentation Utah OST Needs Assessment pdf

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Other
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

3:10pm MDT

Writing Instruction in Grades 3-6

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #142

This course equips educators with practical, evidence-based instructional practices to enhance student writing skills across all subject areas in grades 3-6. Participants will explore research-supported strategies for teaching writing that seamlessly integrate into existing content instruction. Learn how to foster effective writing development without replacing your current writing curriculum or...
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Speakers

Denice Maedgen

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Courtney Bills

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Writing Instruction Grades 3 6 pptx

Writing Instruction for Grades K 2 pptx

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6

3:10pm MDT

Make Your LMS a Math Powerhouse

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #233

Join Utah math teacher Craig Ogden as he shares how he transformed his LMS into a powerful platform for delivering high-quality math instruction. Moderated by Duane Call from Derivita, this session dives into the classroom challenges Craig faced, how he customized instruction to match his teaching style and student needs, and the results he’s seeing. From independent practice to whole-class...
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Speakers

Craig Ogden

Secondary, South Sanpete District

Craig Ogden teaches a range of math courses in South Sanpete School District. Based in Ephraim and teaching in Manti, he brings a unique blend of classroom expertise and real-world experience as a former Lockheed Martin software engineer—helping make math meaningful, personalized... Read More →

Duane Call

Chief Marketing Officer, Derivita

Born and raised in Utah, I’ve spent the past 20 years working in education technology, helping schools leverage innovative tools to improve learning. I’m proud to live in a state long known for its spirit of industry and progress—values that continue to shape the future of education... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1-Hour Exhibitor Session, Beginner

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Mathematics, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

4:00pm MDT

USSA Meeting

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Room #143

Speakers

Lexi Cunningham

Executive Director, USSA

Thursday July 10, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

5:30pm MDT

Evening Activities

Thursday July 10, 2025 5:30pm - 8:00pm MDT

Ecker Middle School

Ecker Hills Middle School back fields. Food trucks, live music and games! Fun for families and friends - food tickets for conference attendees, games and entertainment for all. Bring your own chairs and/or blankets.

Google Maps link for Ecker Hills Middle School

Thursday July 10, 2025 5:30pm - 8:00pm MDT
Ecker Middle School 2465 Kilby Rd, Park City, UT

Activities

Learning Strand or Track Activities
Audience All of the Above

8:00am MDT

What to do in Summit & Wasatch Counties

Friday July 11, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

a Link to Activities in the Area

Friday July 11, 2025 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
a Link to Activities in the Area

Activities

8:00am MDT

Conference Credit

Friday July 11, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm MDT

PCHS

USBE Licensure Points & SUU CreditThis formhas been created to earn USBE licensure hours OR SUU college credit for your attendance at the Utah Rural Schools Conference. Only one type of "credit" may be earned. In order to earn SUU credit, you must attend the whole conference including one presentation per time slot, and each keynote address. You must also register with SUU and...
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Speakers

Joe B. Wright

Executive Director, SEDC

Friday July 11, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm MDT
PCHS Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

8:00am MDT

Conference Feedback

Friday July 11, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm MDT

TBD

Thank you for your attendance and participation at this year's URSA Conference. We strive to provide the most meaningful and productive conference for you. To help us continually improve your conference experience, please take just a couple of minutes and complete this short feedback survey. This survey is for the conference as a whole, not for individual sessions.

Friday July 11, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm MDT
TBD 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Conference Information

8:30am MDT

CUES URSA Awards, Friend of Education Award, and Keynote Welcome

Friday July 11, 2025 8:30am - 8:40am MDT

Eccles Center Theater

Friday July 11, 2025 8:30am - 8:40am MDT
Eccles Center Theater

Conference Information

Learning Strand or Track Conference Information
Audience All of the Above

8:30am MDT

Exhibitors & Partners Hall

Friday July 11, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am MDT

Exhibitor Hall

Exhibitor Hall Map

Friday July 11, 2025 8:30am - 11:00am MDT
Exhibitor Hall Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, UT, 84060

Exhibitors & Partners Hall

Learning Strand or Track Exhibitors & Partners Hall
Audience All of the Above

8:40am MDT

Keynote: "Strong Instruction, Community, and Relationships"

Friday July 11, 2025 8:40am - 9:40am MDT

Eccles Center Theater

Drawing on her experience teaching multilingual students, Sayre explores how project-based learning, culturally responsive curriculum, and public products foster academic growth, civic engagement, and student voice. Student-centered instruction, deep community connections, and powerful relationships transform classrooms into spaces where all learners can thrive.

Speakers

Sayre Posey

2025 Utah State Teacher of the Year

Friday July 11, 2025 8:40am - 9:40am MDT
Eccles Center Theater

Keynote

Learning Strand or Track Keynote
Audience All of the Above

9:45am MDT

Bringing Stories to Life with Robotics and Balloons Over Broadway

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

Room #235

This hands-on session will explore the innovative integration of language arts and robotics through the lens of Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet, a captivating book about Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons. Participants will discover how storytelling, creativity, and STEM can merge as students design and program robotic “parade balloons”...
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Speakers

Emily Perkins

5th Grade Teacher

Michelle Kantaris

6th grade teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Computer Science
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

Building Dignity in Schools: Exploring the Dignity Index

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

Room #146

Utah schools are abuzz with the transformative potential of the Dignity Index, a tool designed to ease divisions, decrease violence, and solve problems through constructive dialogue. This session offers a comprehensive review of the Dignity Index and explores practical approaches and strategies for implementing it in school and district settings. The new Youth Versions Index (K-3 and 4-8th grades)...
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Speakers

Karren Pyfer

K-12 Coordinator, Project UNITE- Dignity Index

Karren Pyfer-Minalga brings over 23 years of classroom and administrative experience to UNITE, working on the Dignity Index K-12 team. She is deeply passionate about community building and the transformative power of education. Karren is committed to the mission of UNITE, and seeks... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #146 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Other
Subject Area Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Connecting to Best Practice: Small Moves for Big Effects

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

Room #143

Speakers

Meghan Everette

Director of Teaching and Learning, Utah State Board of Education

Small Shifts Big Effects (1) pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Navigating the Information Jungle: Strategies for Teaching Information Literacy

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

Room #142

In today’s digital landscape, the internet serves as both a treasure trove of information and a minefield of misinformation. During this session, participants will delve into essential strategies for navigating this complex terrain. Information literacy involves critically evaluating online content to discern reliable sources. Media fluency hones the ability to decode media messages, recognize...
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Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Media Literacy, Other
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Unlock Creativity in Your Classroom with Adobe Express

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

Room #234

Are you ready to bring learning to life in your upper elementary classroom? Join our engaging, hands-on presentation on Adobe Express and discover how easy it is to create stunning visuals, videos, and interactive projects—no design experience needed! What You’ll Learn: How to craft eye-catching lesson materials in minutes Fun, student-friendly projects like digital book reports & science...
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Speakers

Lisa Perry

Educator, IT Coach, IT Assistant Specialist, Educational Software Specialist, Instructional Coach, Math Specialist K-6., Terra Academy

Professional Bio
I am a dedicated 5th-grade educator with 15 years of teaching experience in rural Utah. I am passionate about fostering excellence in literacy, mathematics, and technology integration. My instructional approach emphasizes hands-on projects, Thinking Classroom strategies, and innovative... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #234 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6

9:45am MDT

AI and Privacy: What Every Teacher Needs to Know

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

Room #145

Speakers

John Lyman

Student Data Privacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Nicole Sanchez

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

Jeremy Zabriskie

Data Privacy and Security Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

9:45am MDT

AI for Administrators

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

Room #131

AI for Administrators will inform school leaders about efforts in the state and around the country to securely use AI Tools for administrative tasks and to enhance the executive functions of administrators.Session Handouts - Offline AI for Educators and AI Tools and Uses HandoutNOTE: This session repeats on Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 pm in the Lecture Hall.Participants MUST HAVE one of the...
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Speakers

David Long

Superintendent, Beaver County School District

Cody Spendlove

Retired, Retired

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

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

9:45am MDT

Antecedents in the Classroom: What's the Function?

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

Room #147

This presentation will provide educators with a background in function-based thinking and antecedent interventions in the classroom. We will review common challenging behavior seen in the classroom such as disruption and noncompliance, how to consider potential functions of those behaviors, and how to select antecedent interventions to support students and prevent challenging behavior. Antecedent...
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Speakers

Emma Preston

Doctoral Candidate, Utah State University

Emma Preston is a fourth year doctoral candidate in Utah State University's Disabilities Disciplines program specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. She has an M.S. in Special Education and is working towards her Board Certified Behavior Analyst credential. She has been working... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

9:45am MDT

Connecting with your Community

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

Room #136

Learn how to develop and enrich relationships and partnerships with your community by using specific strategies that have proven to effective within our school and community.Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not ApplicableParticipants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session:...
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Speakers

Kole Krahenbuhl

Teacher, Sevier School District

Kelly Winn

Assistant Principal, Sevier School District

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #136 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

Diffusing Defiance- Navigating Resistance Effectively

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

Lecture Hall

What to Do When All You Hear is, “No!”in this presentation, participants will discover effective behavioral strategies to navigate and transform resistance into cooperation. Attendees will learn a basic understanding in why this behavior occurs, how to reframe objections, use positive reinforcement, and build rapport to create a more collaborative environment. By the end, they will be equipped...
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Speakers

Katie Clark

BCBA, School Psychologist Intern

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

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Subject Area Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Energizing your Classroom

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

Black Box Theater

Laugh, play, and have a good time as you are introduced to some teambuilding, problem-solving, and communication activities that you can use to kick off the school year, begin a new project, or anytime you'd like. Come ready to participate!

Here's the link (or attached) to some of the activities you will be participating in.

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 →

Energizing your Classroom pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Black Box Theater 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Health and Physical Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

From Comics to Comprehension: Why Graphic Novels Belong in Every Classroom and School Library

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

Room #134

Speakers

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District library media specialist, Canyons School District

Davina Sauthoff

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

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Google Demo Slam: 2025

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

Room #137

This is a Demo Slam style presentation and we will host the demos in video form (This makes the presentation go very smoothly). The participants will get to see us present the videos and then vote on the video/tool that they think is the best! If you are unable to physically attend the session, that's still OK. We have had this situation in the past where one of our team members was unable to be...
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Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

2025 GEG Utah Demo Slam Presentation pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #137 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

How to Solve the AI Plagiarism Problem: Process over Product

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

Room #233

ChatGPT spawned the massive issue of "AI plagiarism." Research shows 44% of secondary students are likely to use AI to do their schoolwork instead of doing it themselves. AI detectors fail to reliably catch this problem. What to do? Assess writing as a process, not just the paper! Scrible prevents AI plagiarism by making the entire writing process visible to teachers. It does for writing what...
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Speakers

Shilpa Duvoor

Exhibitor Partner, Scrible

AI Plagiarism Process over Product (URSA) pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #233 1759 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Special Education
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Illuminate Learning with Lucid Tools for FREE

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

Room #241

Missing Jamboard? Need more collaboration and engagement? Lucid Tools has you covered!Are you ready to transform your classroom into a hub of dynamic visual collaboration, all while magically reclaiming your valuable time? This session will introduce you to the Lucid Suite for Education—your new dynamic duo of visual learning tools: Lucidspark and Lucidchart!Discover how:Lucidspark acts as your...
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Speakers

Clint Stephens

Educational Technology Innovation Specialist & Coach, Southwest Educational Development Center

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Learning to Learn: Teaching that Supports the Science of Learning

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

Room #237

While it may seem like a strange question, ask yourself, "Is our school's focus on teaching or learning?" As educators and leaders, we know learning is central to our mission, yet too often, our efforts and focus are focused on teaching. What can we do to be more intentional about how our students, and even staff, learn how to learn better? New research and insights from cognitive science and...
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Speakers

Jeremy Smith

Teacher, Lewiston Elementary

Jeremy is a teacher leader and experienced educator with a range of experience who frequently presents at state, regional, and national educational conferences on a variety of topics important to dedicated education professionals. His thoughtful solutions help educators and leaders... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership, Other
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Nearpod 2.0: Renaissance Next Connection

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

Room #244

Speakers

Faith Smith

National Academic Advisor, Renaissance

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

New Teacher Retention: Influence Your Young Teachers to Stay

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

Room #238

New Teacher Retention: Influence Your Young Teachers to Stay: After 17 years in secondary leadership roles working with new teachers, I know our new teachers need our best efforts. New teacher attrition is a concern for all school systems, especially small or rural schools. Learn current research insights regarding new teacher induction. Discuss ways to design effective mentoring and induction...
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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 →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Raising Up Readers: Scaffolding Grade Level Text for All

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

Room #231

Speakers

Dr. Jennifer Throndsen

Educational Consultant, Impactful Learning Designs

URSA 2025 Raising Up Readers pdf

25 Scaffolding Strategies List pdf

Active Reading Descriptions pdf

Active Reading Small Group Chart pdf

Building Background Template pdf

Explict Vocabulary Instructional Routine pdf

Graphic Organizer Planning Template pdf

Paragraph Shrinking Coach pdf

Paragraph Shrinking Reader pdf

Somebody Wanted But So Then pdf

WINDOW Template Beginner pdf

WINDOW Template Intermediate pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Superpower to Success: Leading People, Teams, and Yourself in Today’s Landscape

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

Room #232

Every leader aspires to reach their potential in order to be as effective as possible in the workplace; to live a happy, successful, and fulfilled life; and to make a positive impact on others. But how can you best lead and motivate others without understanding the strategies employed by the most successful leaders? After interviewing more than 500 of America’s top leaders - from Fortune 500...
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Speakers

Adam Mendler

CEO, Thirty Minute Mentors

Adam Mendler is a nationally recognized authority on leadership and is the creator and host of Thirty Minute Mentors, where he regularly elicits insights from America's top CEOs, founders, athletes, celebrities, and political and military leaders. He has interviewed more than 500... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Career and Technical Education, Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

The Power of Feedback: Using Data and Reflection to Enhance Instruction

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

Room #144

Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #144 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Updates from the School Safety Center

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

Room #135

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Utah's school safety requirements, with a focus on the latest legislation. The session will highlight the Utah School Safety Center's efforts in helping schools implement new requirements and best practices. Attendees will learn about various initiatives and resources available to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students....
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Speakers

Ashley Pistello

School Safety Center Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Ashley Pistello joined the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) as the School Safety Center Specialist in 2023. She previously collaborated with the Utah School Safety Center as a liaison from SafeUT and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). In addition to her experience as... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Other
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Customized Learning: ELA and Health Education Integration

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #148

Participants will be able to plan integrated lessons between ELA and health education allowing students to use the skills they learn focusing on learner agency, customized supports, and demonstrated competency in this hands-on learning experience. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL...
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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 →

Christine Elegante

K-3 Literacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #148 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Health and Physical Education
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

Elevate Learning and Leadership with the CLEAR Feedback Framework

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #138

Effective feedback is a critical driver of professional growth, instructional improvement, and leadership development. In this interactive two-hour session, educators and educational leaders will explore the CLEAR Feedback Framework developed by the Utah Education Policy Center. Grounded in research and real-world application, the CLEAR approach centers feedback that is Collaborative,...
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Speakers

Andrea Rorrer

Director, UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center

Kody Colvin

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

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #138 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

CYA: The Most Important Skill for Personal and Professional Fulfillment

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #141

Get your head out of the gutter! Despite what you’ve heard, CYA stands for “Center Your Attention” and is an essential skill that allows us to connect with our unique purpose, cultivate joy in everyday life, and align our mind, body, and spirit for our fulfillment. Attention is our most valuable resource, and without intentional practices of centering we won’t be able to enjoy the beauty...
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Speakers

McKinley Withers

Health and Wellness Specialist, Happy Schools Project, also an employee of Jordan School District

I was raised by educators and attended Utah public schools K-12. I earned a bachelor’s in teaching from BYU, a Master’s in Psychology from Utah State, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. I have worked as a teacher and school counselor... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #141 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Other
Subject Area Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health, Other
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Elevating Your Literacy Instruction with the Arts

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #132

How can you get more engagement in your reading lessons? Arts Integration! A visual art specialist and a music specialist will model some fun, engaging ways to enhance any literacy lessons with the arts. They will share tips, tricks, and strategies that any teacher can use to be successful in breathing more excitement into their classroom! Participants MUST HAVE one of the following...
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Speakers

Liz Brown

BTS Arts Integration Coach

Amy Hickenlooper

BTS Music Specialist, Early Light Academy

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #132 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

The Exploratorium

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #133

Welcome to the Exploratorium! Join us as we show you how to upgrade student learning stations into enriched learning experiences. The Exploratorium model invites students to dive deeper into their educational quests through the vibrant realms of artistic exploration and theatrical play. In this session we will highlight four Exploratorium stations including Creature Creation, Sound Booth, Crime...
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Speakers

Sharla Arnold

Theatre Arts Integration Specialists, Lone Peak Elementary

Sharla received her Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts from Southern Utah University in 2001. She has experience working both behind the scenes and on stage at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, where she performed in their educational tour of MacBeth. In 2020, she completed her coursework... Read More →

Cassie Walker

BTS Art Teacher, Lone Peak Elementary

Cassie Walker is an art educator with over 11 years of teaching experience. She currently works as a BTS Arts teacher in Canyons School District, where she has taught for the past nine years. Cassie has an MA in arts education and a BS in elementary education. Before her current role... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #133 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Science
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

10:45am MDT

Refreshment Break

Friday July 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am MDT

Exhibitor Hall

Cheese crackers, Salami, Havarti cheese, Smoked roasted almonds snack box
*For those with dietary requirements, we have the Day 1 SnackPack that fits the dietary requirements for Gluten-free, Kosher, Lactose-free, Nut-free, Vegetarian, and Vegan and will be available upon request for all those requiring this accommodation.

Friday July 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
Exhibitor Hall Park City High School, 1750 Kearns Boulevard, Park City, UT, 84060

Break

Learning Strand or Track Break
Audience All of the Above

11:00am MDT

Adding in AI for Accessibility with Google Tools

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

Room #131

This session explores how to leverage AI-powered features within Google tools to enhance accessibility for all students. Attendees will learn how to utilize tools MusicFX, Say What You See, Notebook LM, and Google Learn to create an inclusive classroom environment. The session will cover practical strategies such as voice typing for students with writing difficulties, AI-powered translation tools...
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Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #131 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Special Education, Media Literacy
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

ELL as a Foreign Language

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

Room #231

In many schools, the ELL class is treated as a throwaway class, with students put on a “program” and expected to learn English. Your ELL students deserve to be given a class centered on learning the English Language. Come see how a Teaching Second and Foreign Languages trained teacher arranges her classroom to put English Language Instruction front and center. All available resources will be...
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Speakers

Rachel Grindstaff

Computer and STEAM, Parkside Elementary

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #231 1763 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area ESL, Adult Education
Audience Teachers, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Integrated Singing Games for the Elementary Classroom

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

Room #147

Unlock the power of music to enhance learning across subjects with singing games that captivate, engage, and educate! In this lively, hands-on session, you'll discover how singing games can be seamlessly integrated into the elementary general education classroom to support language arts, math, social studies, and more. We’ll explore games that promote collaboration, reinforce academic concepts,...
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Speakers

Katie Hejazi-Far

Independent Contractor, Independent Contractor

Katie Ross Hejazi-Far graduated from West Virginia University’s School of Music with a Bachelor of Music Education and received her Master of Music Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Katie taught general music in Virginia before moving to Utah where she... Read More →

URSA Singing Games for the Elementary Classroom (Hejazi Far 2025) pdf

URSA Singing Games Presentation pdf

Sound Scape Lessons Resources Page pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #147 1762 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Subject Area Music, Mathematics
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6

11:00am MDT

PBL Reimagined - Unleashing Student Potential through EdTech & Community Impact

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

Room #232

Engaging students through a project-based learning (PBL) approach allows them to take an active role in their education, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. In this workshop, we will explore the research behind PBL and examine its real-world applications in the classroom. Participants will begin by reviewing key studies that highlight the benefits of PBL, including...
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Speakers

Lora Gibbons

Senior Technical Trainer

Utah Education Network

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Pedagogy First: Guiding Principles for Using AI to Empower Students

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

Room #137

Speakers

Nicole Johnson

Academic Advisor & Content Specialist, UEN - Utah Education Network

Braxton Thornley

Senior Technology Trainer, Utah Education Network

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #137 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable, Other
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

Self Care: What is it?

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

Room #145

We will discuss what self care is and what it is not

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

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

Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

USETS - Your toolkits of One-Pagers Elevating Science

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

Room #134

Feeling overwhelmed by the shift to phenomenon-based science? We've got you covered! Join us to explore a curated library of one-page tools developed by USBE and State Science Education Leaders, specifically designed to support Utah educators. These concise resources offer clear descriptions, practical rubrics, and valuable resources to help you implement three-dimensional science in your...
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Speakers

Milo Maughan

Secondary Science Education Specailist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Michelle Berg

Science/STEM Education Specialist

USBE

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #134 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Subject Area Science
Audience Teachers, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Adventure Awaits: Guiding Students with Disabilities to Postschool Success

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

Room #135

Join us for an exciting session packed with valuable information and resources for educators, youth with disabilities, and families preparing for the transition to adulthood. Transitioning from in-school to post school settings can be a thrilling journey for students with disabilities. We'll dive into the positive predictors of postschool success and explore how these insights can pave the way for...
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Speakers

Crystal Emery

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

Deanna Taylor

Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

2025 Rural Schools Presentation Predictors Final pdf

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #135 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Special Education, Other
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

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

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

Room #237

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

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

Speakers

Elizabeth Howcroft

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

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

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #237 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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

11:00am MDT

Engendering Hope in Teachers and Students: Using the Skills of Improv and Storytelling in Education

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

Room #146

This presentation will cover the skills of storytelling and how research has confirmed the place of narrative in improving student hope levels. The concept of improv will also be presented as a means for students in any class to create stories with expression, and how these activities can also increase teacher self efficacy and PLC collective efficacy. Experiences and research data from the...
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Speakers

Jacob Earnest

Literature and Improv Instructor at American Heritage, Doctoral Candidate in Education at USU, American Heritage School, Utah State University

Jacob Earnest is a full-time teacher of literature and improvisational theatre in American Fork. He also is finishing his doctoral work in Education from Utah State University. His research focus is on the use of oral storytelling and its relationship to student hope and narrative... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #146 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Instructional Coaching, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

HELP! My Students Can't Write...Advancing Thinking Through Writing K-5

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

Lecture Hall

Are your students struggling to write? We will look at the Science of Writing, LETRS strategies, and use a guide to advancing thinking through writing in all subjects and grades. You will leave with a pacing guide and hands on experience for explicitly teaching sentence skills and paragraph skills K-5. We will focus on carefully sequencing instruction, building from sentences to compositions....
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Speakers

Amy Mahoney

PreK-12 Instructional Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

As a NUES Region PreK-12 Instructional Coach, I am dedicated to the art of continuous learning and professional growth. I hold a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in ESL & ESOL. My professional credentials include endorsements in Reading, Instructional... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Lecture Hall 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum
Subject Area Language Arts, ESL, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Special Education
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level PK - 2, 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6

11:00am MDT

Keep It Together With Google Keep

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

Room #241

You may not have heard of Google Keep, but you NEED to know about it. Keep is an incredible and easy to use tool for organizing all of the bits of information busy educators tend to collect whenever, wherever, that always seems to get lost. Keep allows you to bring together notes, links, photos, really anything you can grab with your computer, tablet and phone! Beyond gathering and organizing your...
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Speakers

Clint Stephens

Educational Technology Innovation Specialist & Coach, Southwest Educational Development Center

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #241 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Nearpod 2.0: Renaissance Next Connection

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

Room #244

Speakers

Faith Smith

National Academic Advisor, Renaissance

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #244 1766 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Assessment & Data Management
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

School Attendance and the Effect on Risk and Protective Factors

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

Room #143

A team approach to addressing chronic absenteeism in schools, specifically in the early learning grades. Students who are chronically absent in the early learning grades of K-3, where students are learning to read, are at extreme risk of developing large gaps in their learning. These gaps manifest themselves in the later grades when students are reading to learn. Additionally, research has shown...
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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 →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Scrible: Elevate Student Research and Writing in Your K-12 Classroom

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

Room #235

In this 60-minute session, K-12 educators will discover how Scrible empowers students to conduct effective online research and streamline the writing process. Learn how to leverage Scrible's annotation, citation, and organization tools to foster critical thinking and academic integrity. We'll explore practical strategies for integrating Scrible into various subject areas and grade levels, helping...
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Speakers

Chris Haught

Media Specialist, SEDC - Southwest Educational Development Center

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #235 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Educational Technology, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Subject Area Language Arts, Social Studies
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

Singleton PLCs: We Survived, and Thrived!

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

Room #238

Monticello High School, with its "singleton" teachers, couldn't use traditional PLCs. Instead, they adopted the Critical Friends (CF) model. This allowed teachers across disciplines to collaborate, analyze student work, and share best practices. The CF model created effective PLCs, despite the school's unique structure. Monticello now shares this success, offering a solution for schools with...
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Speakers

KC Olson

Principal, Monticello High School

KC Olson, principal of Monticello High School, is dedicated to facilitating student and teacher growth and well-being. He has many years of experience in education as a teacher and administrator within the San Juan and Washington County School Districts. He earned his B.S. in physical... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #238 1758 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

The Adventure Awaits: A Teachers Guide to unlocking their Leadership Potential.

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

Room #142

A teacher's guide to unlocking their own leadership and potential. There will be handouts for educators to take home to utilize in the future. The goal of the workshop is to help teachers enhance their own leadership skills, take the innate leadership abilities they have then build off of them .

Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Courtnee Justice

Teacher/Instructional Coach, Emery High

Courtnee Justice has been teaching for 15 years. She has an MS Educational leadership and MA in language arts. Courtnee taught seven years as a 6th grade elementary teacher, then she moved to secondary language arts, she has taught all ELA grades at her high school. Courtnee spent... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #142 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Subject Area Language Arts, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Conference Credit

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

Online Form

Information will be posted before the start of the conference. SUU and USBE licenes hours will be available to conference attendees.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
Online Form 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Conference Info

Learning Strand or Track Conference Info
Audience Everyone

11:00am MDT

Conference Registration and Badge Pick-Up

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Conference Info

Learning Strand or Track Conference Info
Audience Everyone

11:00am MDT

Presenter's Lounge & Workspace

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

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

TBD

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
CC Rondthaller Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Rondthaller Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Presenter Workspace

Learning Strand or Track Presenter Workspace
Audience Conference Speakers

11:00am MDT

Conference WiFi Informatiion and Tech Support

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT

ED Level 2 Foyer, East - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Level 2 Foyer

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.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 11:00am - 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

12:10pm MDT

Beyond Self Care: Leading Systemic Approach to Well-Being for Educators

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm MDT

AU - Auditorium

TBD

Speakers

Gail Markin

Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm 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

1:30pm MDT

Are We on the Same Page? Unpacking Reading on Grade Level

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

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

In recent years, Utah educators have faced conflicting headlines regarding third-grade reading proficiency. Some reports suggest 50% of students are struggling, while others praise a 78% proficiency rate. Are we truly in a reading crisis, or are we simply misinterpreting the metrics?This session dives beneath the headlines to provide Utah educators with clarity on our state's reading data. By...
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Speakers

Brooke Anderson

Wednesday July 15, 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.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Language Arts, Media Literacy

1:30pm MDT

Craft Your Digital Teaching Assistant: Building Custom AI Assistants with Google Gemini Gems

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202

Come discover how to move beyond basic prompting and start building your own specialized AI team. Using Google Gemini Gems, you will learn how to "program" custom AI assistants tailored to your specific classroom or administrative needs—no coding required. You'll also learn about an existing library of pre-made Gemini Gems you can easily copy and start using right away! Make sure to bring your...
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Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm 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.

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

1:30pm MDT

Gail Markin Breakout Session

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

AU - Auditorium

TBD

Speakers

Gail Markin

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm 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 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience All of the above
Grade Level Not Applicable

1:30pm MDT

From Policy to Practice: Navigating Utah’s 2026 Early Literacy Changes

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

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

Utah’s 2026 legislative session introduced significant changes to early literacy instruction that will directly impact schools and districts. This session will unpack key policy shifts—including new assessment requirements, strengthened intervention expectations, third-grade retention tied to reading proficiency, and increased funding for literacy supports—and explore their implications for...
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Speakers

Piper Riddle

Executive Director, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Dedicated educator passionate about fostering curiosity and critical thinking in students and adults; committed to creating a dynamic learning environment that nurtures both academic growth and personal development. Learner, coach, admin, teacher, adjunct, facilitator, leader, mom... Read More →

Jennifer Throndsen

Wednesday July 15, 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

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

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area PK - 2
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Language Arts

1:30pm MDT

Why PD Sucks (and Why Personalization is the Cure)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

Stop me if you’ve been here: it’s 3:30 PM, the fluorescent lights are humming, and you’re fighting the urge to check your watch (or the back of your eyelids) during another one-size-fits-all staff meeting. If that sounds familiar, it’s time to flip the script on Professional Development. This session offers a fast-paced "peek" into how we can kill the "yawn factor" by moving away from...
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Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm 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.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

1:30pm MDT

From PD to Practice: A Practical System for PD That Sticks

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

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

Professional development often leaves teachers inspired but not prepared to immediately implement new practices in their classrooms. This session introduces a practical, system-level approach to bridging the gap between professional learning and classroom application. Participants will explore the High Impact Instructional Practices (HIIP) MicroPD model: a teacher-driven system designed to support...
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Speakers

Camille Johnson

SENIOR HIGH TEACHER, Davis School District

Camille Johnson is an instructional coach at Bountiful High School in Davis School District with nearly three decades of experience in education. Her work focuses on designing professional learning systems that support teachers in consistently applying high-impact instructional practices... Read More →

Wednesday July 15, 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

Leadership, 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 All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

1:30pm MDT

The Dignity Index: How to disagree without being disagreeable

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204

The Dignity Index is an eight-point scale that can be used for both students and staff to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable. Classrooms are where students discuss ideas. And the discussions of ideas can and should lead to disagreement to create new ideas. For this process to work students must learn the skills of civil discussion, especially as the ideas in social studies or English...
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Speakers

Stephan Seabury

Wednesday July 15, 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. | 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, 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
Grade Level Language Arts, Social Studies, Leadership

1:30pm MDT

Utah School Safety in 2026: Understanding the Updated Legislative Landscape

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

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

The 2026 Utah legislative session introduced major changes to school safety requirements, affecting emergency planning, threat assessment, reporting obligations, and coordination with law enforcement. This 60‑minute session distills the most important updates, clarifies new compliance expectations, and explains how these laws interact with existing state and federal guidance. Attendees will...
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Speakers

Ashley Pistello

School Safety Center Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Wednesday July 15, 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

Leadership, 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 District / School Administrators
Grade Level Other

1:30pm MDT

Teacher Leaders as the Engine of School Improvement: From Strategy to Practice

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

What if teacher leadership was not an add-on, but rather the engine that drives school improvement?Too often, teacher leadership lives in isolated roles or initiatives rather than as a coherent system that drives instructional improvement. This session explores how intentionally designed, ongoing professional learning can position teacher leaders as central to improvement, not just participants in...
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Speakers

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center

Kody Colvin

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

Sarah Jarnagin

Shalon Jones-Miller

Wednesday July 15, 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. | Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), 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, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

1:30pm MDT

Carrots over Sticks: Transforming School Culture Through Positive Incentives

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

In an era where traditional disciplinary measures often lead to burnout rather than behavioral change, it’s time to "flip the script." This session moves beyond punitive "stick" approaches to explore how high-impact, positive incentives can fundamentally reshape school culture.The secret to success lies in identifying "Student Currency"—what actually motivates today’s learners? We will move...
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Speakers

Nathan Blackner

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, 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 High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience District / School Administrators, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health

1:30pm MDT

Beyond the Basics: Navigating Disciplinary Literacy in the ELA Classroom

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

For secondary English Language Arts (ELA) educators, "literacy" often becomes a catch-all term that can obscure the specialized nature of ELA. This session utilizes the official USBE guidance document, Clarifying Foundational, Content Area, and Disciplinary Literacies in ELA, to provide a clear framework for professional role clarity.We will explore how foundational skills and content-area...
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Speakers

Naomi Watkins

Secondary ELA Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 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, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level Language Arts, Instructional Coaching

1:30pm MDT

Building Science Thinkers Through Literacy and Data Analysis Strategies

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

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

This session will focus on how integrating literacy strategies into science instruction improves student understanding of data, graphs, and scientific concepts. Participants will explore practical strategies aligned to Utah SEEd standards, including Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, structured data analysis, and student discourse techniques. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices...
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Speakers

Jennifer Mackay

Wednesday July 15, 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

Rising Above Low Expectation: How to Scaffold Learning for Students

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

As educators in rural areas, we often find ourselves working with students who have significant challenges and barriers in their academic work. This can make meeting grade level expectations very difficult. Too often, out of the deep care we have for students, we end up lowering the expectations for these learners. But all students deserve to be held to high expectations. This session will...
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Speakers

Laureen Graves

Assistant Professor and Field Services Director, SUU - Southern Utah University

Heather Kennedy

Assistant Professor, SUU - Southern Utah University

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm 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. | 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 Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts, Special Education

1:30pm MDT

Learner-Centered Design: Evidence, Iteration, and Impact

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122

Learner-centered education is often discussed aspirationally, but successful implementation requires clear structures, agency for all learners, and evidence-informed decision-making. Join us in exploring how one school in Salt Lake City is pursuing these ideas. Participants will explore concrete examples, implementation protips, and indicators of impact that support personalized and...
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Speakers

Nathan Auck

STEM Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education

Keslie Green

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm 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. | 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, Other

1:30pm MDT

Build the Ramp: AI Tools for Differentiation, Engagement, and Reporting in Rural Middle Level Classrooms

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate! Rural middle level teachers are doing the impossible math every day: one classroom, five reading levels, thirty-two needs, and a planning period that disappeared somewhere around October. This session doesn't talk about AI — it puts it in your hands and lets you build...
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Speakers

Steve Capone

Jr

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

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

Learning Strand or Track 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12, 5-6
Audience Teachers, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level Instructional Coaching, Special Education

1:30pm MDT

Creating a Connected Classroom: Strategies to decrease behaviors and increase academics.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

This presentation will provide attendees with the brain science behind how brains develop and why students have specific behaviors. The brain science will then lead to practical, real life application on how to actually use the science to increase academic output and decrease negative behaviors. Attendees will leave the session with skills they can apply the next day in the classroom. ...
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Speakers

Amie Huggins

TBRI Coach for Schools, Raise the Future

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

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

1:30pm MDT

Coaching Learning Intentions and Success Criteria as Formative Assessment Opportunities

Wednesday July 15, 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. This collaborative session is targeted toward school leaders and instructional coaches who support teachers in strengthening teacher practices. The objectives of the course include: deepen our understanding of Teacher Clarity, determine how formative assessment can...
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Speakers

Stephanie Davis

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. | Assessment & Data Management, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

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

1:30pm MDT

Fractions and Art: Beyond the Pizza

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate! Move beyond traditional fraction pizzas and pies! In this hands-on workshop we will. create multiple visual art projects designed to help children develop an understanding of fractions and strengthen mathematical skills. Come prepared to think deeply, create, and have...
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Speakers

Alisa Petersen

Zoë Petersen

Wednesday July 15, 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 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Mathematics

1:30pm MDT

Sing It. Draw It. Learn It!

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic. Discover engaging, practical strategies for integrating visual art and music into the elementary classroom to deepen student learning and creativity. This interactive session will explore hands-on activities, cross-curricular connections, and standards-aligned lessons...
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Speakers

Liz Brown

BTS Arts Integration Coach

Kim Montano

Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201 351 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, 3-4, 5-6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music

2:30pm MDT

Refreshment Break

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT

TBD

Wednesday July 15, 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

Using the Early Math Assessment Data

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122

We will learn how to use the data from the early math assessment to inform our instruction. To assist our learning, we will utilize the data through available reports and other tools in the assessment system. 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...
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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.

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 →

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
SC 122 - Science Center, Room 122 351 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 3-4, PK - 2
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Mathematics

2:50pm MDT

Want to make a Canvas Quiz in three minutes? You can.

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

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

Putting a few tools together, you can use AI and sites such as the New York Institute of Technology to help you create a a QTI file (which...five people have ever heard about) to drop it into Canvas and make a quiz in just a few minutes. I timed myself. Where was this when I was teaching for years? Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this...
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Speakers

Steve Weller

Technology Coach, South Sanpete School District

An English teacher for 17 years at Ephraim Middle School and now a district tech trainer, Steve has seen a few things and learned a few tips and tricks along the way.

Wednesday July 15, 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

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, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:50pm MDT

From Generic to Gem: Building Your First Gemini Gems

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202

Tired of typing the same prompts over and over? It’s time to meet Gems — your customizable chatbots designed to handle whatever task for you. Whether you need a persistent lesson planner, a student feedback coach, or a schedule sorter. Gems allow you to package your best instructions into a single, reusable tool.We’ll cover the breakdown of a Gemini Gem, use cases for educators, tips and...
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Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 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. | Assessment & Data Management, 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 Teachers, Everyone
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:50pm MDT

Data Privacy Basics Live!

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

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

Last year, the Student Data Privacy team at the Utah State Board of Education introduced an asynchronous Canvas course that many districts and charters have used to meet requirements for data privacy training. This session will be a special live edition of that training! We'll walk through all the most critical info you need to know about Data Privacy Basics; including Data Privacy Rights, Sharing...
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Speakers

Nicole Sanchez

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

Wednesday July 15, 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

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. | 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 All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:50pm MDT

Teacher Reflection and Instruction Data Made Easy With AI

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

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

Micro teaching—where teachers reflect on recordings of their instruction to improve practice—has one of the highest effect sizes in education (0.88 per Hattie). But in reality, it’s rarely used. The traditional process is time-consuming, uncomfortable, and often impractical. What if teachers could get the benefits of micro teaching without the hassle?This session introduces an AI-powered...
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Speakers

Yaerli Anderson

Lance Hatch

Wednesday July 15, 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

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 Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Instructional Coaching

2:50pm MDT

Group Contingencies and the Good Behavior Game for Classroom Management

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

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

Teachers are juggling more behavior needs than ever while still trying to keep students engaged and learning. This session will introduce group contingencies—Independent, Dependent, and Interdependent—as simple, realistic ways to support behavior without adding a lot to your plate. We’ll also look closely at the Good Behavior Game as a classroom-tested example that has been shown to reduce...
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Speakers

Dr. Audrey N. Hoffmann

Rhea Rayomand Palkhiwala

Wednesday July 15, 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

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

2:50pm MDT

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Rural Utah Schools

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

Program Description / Abstract: The recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators in rural Utah school districts has reached a critical juncture. Local administrators face persistent systemic challenges that threaten the long-term stability of rural educational systems. This presentation examines how geographic isolation and limited community amenities frequently cause prospective...
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Speakers

Celina Poppe

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm 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 traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

2:50pm MDT

Increasing Student Attendance

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

This session will dive into attendance best practices around Utah, current school attendance legislation, attendance supports that the Utah State Board of Education offers to schools and LEAs, and will teach about the Statewide Attendance Campaign, "Every Day Counts". Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None Participants MAY...
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Speakers

Megan Menlove

Garrett Russell

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 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 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience District / School Administrators, Everyone, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:50pm MDT

What Worked When It Mattered? Pandemic Recovery Success in Utah

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

When faced with new challenges and uncertainty following pandemic-related disruptions, some Utah schools beat the odds in their student academic recovery. What school-level factors made this possible? In this interactive session, the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) will share findings from a statewide mixed-methods study of eight schools that demonstrated strong post-pandemic recovery....
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Speakers

Andrea Rorrer

Director, UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center

Kody Colvin

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

Amy Reynolds

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Not Applicable

2:50pm MDT

Rediscovering True Education: Classroom Practices That Actually Work

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

Speakers

Kenneth Applegate

Educator, Local Education Advocate

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

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

2:50pm MDT

An Educational Expedition: Rediscovering Educator Joy

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

This session will embark on a journey to rediscover the joy of teaching. Joy isn’t a by-product of teaching, it's a prerequisite. The survival guides will lead this expedition through the rugged landscape of rural education, where teachers may be the driver, the mechanic, and the GPS for every student. Has the tank run dry? Educator joy isn’t a luxury but an essential quality for a thriving...
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Speakers

Laureen Graves

Assistant Professor and Field Services Director, SUU - Southern Utah University

Heather Kennedy

Assistant Professor, SUU - Southern Utah University

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm 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 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Instructional Coaches, Everyone, Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Other

2:50pm MDT

Mobilizing Rural Partnerships: Building Coalitions for Student Success

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

How can rural communities better coordinate resources to support youth and families? Community partner coalitions offer a powerful, yet often underutilized, approach for aligning schools with healthcare providers, social services, local businesses, higher education, and community organizations. When designed intentionally, these partnerships expand access, reduce duplication, and ensure resources...
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Speakers

Lisa Wisham

Senior Research & Evaluation Associate and School & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center

James Jordan

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 351 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 District / School Administrators, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals
Grade Level Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health

2:50pm MDT

The Teacher Brain Budget Hack

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

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

Many teachers don’t struggle with budgeting because they lack discipline; they struggle because money feels overwhelming, emotional, and exhausting. Avoidance creeps in. Guilt follows. And despite working hard, financial confidence feels out of reach.In this interactive session, Mary Saylor, a 15-year teaching veteran and instructional coach, introduces the Teacher Brain Budget Hack — a...
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Speakers

Mary Saylor

Instructional Coach, Cedar Middle School

Wednesday July 15, 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

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 Everyone, Teachers
Grade Level Other

2:50pm MDT

A Brief Introduction to Trust-Based Relational Interventions (TBRI)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT

ED 204 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 204

This session will provide a brief introduction to Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). TBRI is a trauma-informed model for caregivers to help children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges stemming from trauma. It is built on three principles—Empowering, Connecting, and Correcting—which focus on meeting a child's physical and emotional needs, building secure attachments, and...
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Speakers

Lauren Ezzell

Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Central Utah Educational Services

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm 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 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Mental/Behavioral Health

8:00am MDT

Conference Registration and Badge Pick-Up

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT

AU - Auditorium Foyer

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT
AU - Auditorium Foyer 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Conference Info

Learning Strand or Track Conference Info
Audience Everyone

8:00am MDT

Presenter's Lounge & Workspace

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT

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

TBD

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT
CC Rondthaller Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Rondthaller Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Presenter Workspace

Learning Strand or Track Presenter Workspace
Audience Conference Speakers

8:00am MDT

Conference WiFi Informatiion and Tech Support

Thursday July 16, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm MDT

ED Level 2 Foyer, East - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Level 2 Foyer

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...
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Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

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...
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Speakers

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

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;...
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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...
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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

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

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...
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Speakers

David Boren

Assistant Clinical Professor, Brigham Young University

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...
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Speakers

Ashley Boyack

Professional Development Director, University of Utah Tanner Dance

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...
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Speakers

Teresa McEntire

Presenter, Utah State Board of Education

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...
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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...
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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,...
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Speakers

Wendy Rex Atzet

Manager of K-12 Initiatives, Utah Historical Society

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...
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Speakers

Denice Maedgen

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

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...
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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...
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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

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...
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Speakers

Pamela Pedersen

Doctoral Researcher, University of Utah, Education Leadership and Policy

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...
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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...
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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...
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Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

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,...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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Speakers

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Speakers

David Long

Superintendent, Beaver County School District

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...
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Speakers

Kody Colvin

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

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....
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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...
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Speakers

Dani Sloan

IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

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...
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Speakers

Doug Stump

Director of Graduate Programs, Education, Southern Utah University

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...
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Speakers

Dale COX

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

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...
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Speakers

Melissa Metcalf

Instructional Coach, South Summit School District

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...
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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...
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Speakers

Dallas Brooks

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

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,...
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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...
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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...
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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),...
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Speakers

Phillip Bertoch

Human Resources Director, Duchesene County School District

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...
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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...
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Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Speakers

Davina Sauthoff

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

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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Speakers

Mary Saylor

Instructional Coach, Cedar Middle School

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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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Speakers

Jared Wright

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

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...
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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

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...
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Speakers

Liz Brown

BTS Arts Integration Coach

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...
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Speakers

Breyanna Evans

Reading Intervention Specialist, University of Utah Reading Clinic

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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

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...
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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...
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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...
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Speakers

Pam Powell

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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Speakers

Jodi Parker

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

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...
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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...
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Speakers

Nathan Auck

STEM Coordinator, Utah State Board of Education

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

8:00am MDT

Conference Credit

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Online Form

Information will be posted before the start of the conference. SUU and USBE licenes hours will be available to conference attendees.

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Online Form 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Conference Info

Learning Strand or Track Conference Info
Audience Everyone

8:00am MDT

Presenter's Lounge & Workspace

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

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

TBD

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT
CC Rondthaller Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Rondthaller Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Presenter Workspace

Learning Strand or Track Presenter Workspace
Audience Conference Speakers

8:00am MDT

Conference WiFi Informatiion and Tech Support

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm MDT

ED Level 2 Foyer, East - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Level 2 Foyer

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.

Friday July 17, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm 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

Joanna Andres, Utah’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT

AU - Auditorium

TBD

Speakers

Joanna Andres

Friday July 17, 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

9:50am MDT

Surviving the RISE: Lowering the Cognitive Lift

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

Let’s be honest: high-stakes testing season can make everyone involved want to hide under a desk. But what if we could make the RISE test a little less terrifying for your 4th-6th graders?In this session, we’ll pull back the curtain on those notorious RISE Cluster questions and dissect them together. We’ll cover practical, no-nonsense test-taking strategies and explore how to give your...
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Speakers

Rachael Coleman

Lynn Gutzwiller

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128 351 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 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area 5-6, 3-4, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Science

9:50am MDT

AI Tools for Digital Storytelling: Google Vids and Adobe Podcast

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202

Unlock the potential of AI to transform how your students create, narrate, and publish their ideas. This session focuses on two powerful tools: Google Vids, which streamlines video creation, and Adobe Podcast for professional-grade audio and video enhancements and editing. You'll learn how these tools can rapidly accelerate the process of turning a simple idea into a fully-produced piece of...
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Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am 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.

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

9:50am MDT

Beyond Plagiarism: Reimagining Assessment & Assignments in the Age of AI

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104

TBD

Speakers

Chris McCafferty

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Not Applicable

9:50am MDT

GEG Utah Demo Slam 2026

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

SC 016 - Science Center, Room 016

This is a Demo Slam style presentation and we will host the demos in video form (This makes the presentation go very smoothly). The participants will get to see us present the videos and then vote on the video/tool that they think is the best! The rules will be as follows: Each Google Certified Educator will submit one video Video must demonstrate use of Google tools/add-ons/extensions/etc....
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Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
SC 016 - Science Center, Room 016 351 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 Everyone
Grade Level Other

9:50am MDT

Technology: What Are We (Or Should We Be) Afraid Of?

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

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

Recently passed and proposed legislation proposes to reduce technology use in schools. Is that wise? Is it good? What is it that concerns our parents and legislators? Should it concern us as well? Do we need to rethink our use of technology in our schools? This presentation will review some of the research that either supports or raises concerns about how we use technology in our schools. It will...
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Speakers

Christijan Draper

Technology Director, Daggett School District

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter 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.

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

9:50am MDT

The People Puzzle: Solved with Business Chemistry

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

Every team has a unique blend of personalities, motivators, and working styles — but too often, those differences create friction instead of fuel. Deloitte’s Business Chemistry framework offers a practical, research‑based way to understand how people think, act, and interact at work. This session gives participants an energizing look at the four Business Chemistry types — Pioneers,...
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Speakers

Piper Riddle

Executive Director, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, 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 Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Mental/Behavioral Health

9:50am MDT

From Policy to Practice: What Utah’s HB 393 Means for Dyslexia and Daily Classroom Instruction

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

With increased attention on dyslexia through legislation such as HB 393, many schools will soon be strengthening screening and identification practices—but identification alone does not improve outcomes. This hands-on session focuses on what must come next: building a guaranteed, schoolwide literacy system that ensures every student, including those with dyslexia and other learning disabilities,...
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Speakers

Paul Black

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

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, Instructional Coaching

9:50am MDT

Joanna Andres Breakout Session

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

AU - Auditorium

TBD

Speakers

Joanna Andres

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am 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

9:50am MDT

Where have all the Teachers Gone (and can we get those left to STAY)?

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

Teachers are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Those who have been in the profession for many years are increasingly likely to retire. The teachers who replace them are more likely to leave the profession within the first five years. The effects of this are being felt by children who are increasingly likely to be taught by first or last year teachers during at least one of their years...
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Speakers

Sean Rickert

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 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 Instructional Coaches, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

9:50am MDT

Courtside Culture - Lessons in Leadership from Basketball's Greatest Minds

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

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

Think there isn't anything that translates from the hardwood to the hallways? Think again. This session breaks down the leadership strategies used by basketball's greatest minds and applies them to the educational setting. You will leave with a concrete set of principles to foster safety & purpose, and transform even the most challenging classes or faculties into a cohesive, championship-level...
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Speakers

Dani Sloan

IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level) 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 traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area Not Applicable
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitato
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

9:50am MDT

New Teacher Retention: Influence Your Young Teachers to Stay

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

New Teacher Retention: Influence Your Young Teachers to Stay After 17 years in secondary leadership roles working with new teachers, I know new teachers in Utah need our best efforts and when they leave a cascade of consequences follow. New teacher attrition is a concern for all school systems, especially small or rural schools. Learn current research insights regarding new teacher induction. We...
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Speakers

Pamela Pedersen

Doctoral Researcher, University of Utah, Education Leadership and Policy

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, 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 Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Instructional Coaches, District / School Administrators, Teachers
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

9:50am MDT

You Are Not the Test Score: Reclaiming Care and Influence in an Age of Testing

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

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

Most of us entered education to make a difference in the lives of our students. Yet over time, many of us begin carrying a quiet and exhausting burden: the sense that we are responsible for outcomes we cannot fully control. When success is reduced to numbers, it becomes easy to confuse our professional worth with performance metrics. In that environment, the result is often exhaustion rather than...
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Speakers

Joshua Hales

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level) 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 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Leadership, Instructional Coaching

9:50am MDT

Emergency Recovery Planning

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

Being prepared to manage crisis is critically important. School administrators are familiar with Emergency Prepardness and Emergency Response Plans, however updates to R277-400 now require schools to adopt Emergency Recovery Plans begining July 1st. In this 60-minute breakout session, Utah’s school safety experts will share an overview of Utah’s four core components of effective Emergency...
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Speakers

Scott Eyre

Emergency Recovery Planning in Schools, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | 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 Counselors or School-based Mental / Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Other

9:50am MDT

Strategies for Students Reading Below Grade Level in Middle School

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106

Middle school is a critical turning point for literacy. As content anguage becomes denser and subject matter more complex, the achievement gap for students reading below grade level can widen rapidly. By 6th to 8th grade, many striving readers have become experts at masking their struggles with apathy or avoidance. They don't just need more independent reading time—they need a lifeline.This...
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Speakers

Laura Mauer

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am 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

9:50am MDT

3D Science Assessments and the New HS RISE

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

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

The new RISE tests that will be coming to High School Science courses will be administered in the 2026-2027 school year. These tests utilize three-dimensional assessments to assess teachers implementation and students application of the three-dimensions of science teaching and learning. In this participants will explore the characteristics of high quality three-dimensional assessments, gain access...
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Speakers

Milo Maughan

Secondary Science Education Specailist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am 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. | Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area 3-4, 5-6, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Science

9:50am MDT

Advancing Opportunity: Utah Rural Education Supported By Community Partnerships

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT

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

1 hour BYOD Workshop:Think about an academic outcome in your school or district that has been particularly difficult to improve (i.e. kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, 8th grade math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, etc.) In this session, in both large and small groups, we will dig into the data and explore what might change if we bring the full power of the...
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Speakers

Amy Ahrens Terpstra

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows 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. | 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 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone, District / School Administrators
Grade Level Not Applicable

9:50am MDT

Understanding & Supporting Student Behavior: A Teacher-Centered Approach

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic. Understanding & Supporting Student Behavior: A Teacher-Centered ApproachBehavior challenges are one of the most exhausting parts of teaching — but what if the key to change started with you? In this interactive session, we'll explore how your perspective, mindset,...
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Speakers

Amanda Powell

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 201 - General Classroom Building, Room 201 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required. | Other, Advanced - considerable experience; significant 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 Mental/Behavioral Health, Other

9:50am MDT

Grow Lab

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 12:10pm MDT

BC 208 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 208

🧠 Format Alert: This is an immersive, 2-hour deep-dive workshop designed for intensive, uninterrupted coverage of this topic. With lessons that support SEEd standard 3.2.1, Grow Lab evolved from an award-winning classroom program Red Butte offered for over two decades. In addition to engaging with the curriculum, this workshop provides you with your own grow frame and supplies to grow plants...
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Speakers

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 12:10pm MDT
BC 208 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 208 351 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 3-4, Elementary - grades K - 6
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists, Library Media Specialists
Grade Level Science

9:50am MDT

Thinking on our Feet: A Building Thinking Classrooms Experience

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 306 - General Classroom Building, Room 306

💻 Format Alert: This is an extended, 2-hour hands-on session—please bring your own laptop or tablet to fully participate! This session will be a Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) lesson (related to the book by Dr. Peter Liljedahl). Participants will participate in a BTC lesson start to finish, including launch, a thin sliced task, all the different types of consolidation (Gallery walk,...
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Speakers

Wendy Moss-Doong

Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 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. | Other, 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
Grade Level Mathematics, STEM / STEAM

10:50am MDT

Refreshment Break

Friday July 17, 2026 10:50am - 11:10am MDT

TBD

Friday July 17, 2026 10:50am - 11:10am MDT
TBD 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Break

Learning Strand or Track Break
Audience Everyone

11:10am MDT

Navigating the Noise: Empowering News-Literate Students with Checkology

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

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

In a digital landscape filled with "fake news," deepfakes, and algorithmic bias, how do we teach students to verify instead of just vilify? Enter Checkology, a powerful, browser-based platform that brings real-world journalists into the classroom to teach the core skills of news literacy.This session will guide educators through the platform’s interactive modules, which challenge students to...
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Speakers

Chris Haught

Media Specialist, SEDC - Southwest Educational Development Center

Friday July 17, 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

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 Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Grade Level Media Literacy

11:10am MDT

Bringing Characters to Life Using Adobe Character Animator

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202

Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Friday July 17, 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.

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

11:10am MDT

In Our Google Era: 50 Tools Shaping the Future of Learning

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

SC 016 - Science Center, Room 016

This session explores 50 powerful Google features and integrated tools categorized by six essential future-ready teaching needs: AI, Creation, Collaboration, Creativity, Accessibility, and Personalization. Our focus is on utilizing Google tools to build skills for tomorrow's world. Leave with a ready-to-use plan for instructional change. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following...
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Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 016 - Science Center, Room 016 351 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 BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Everyone
Grade Level Other

11:10am MDT

Real or Rendered? Promoting Digital Media Literacy in the Age of AI

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104

TBD

Speakers

Chris McCafferty

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Not Applicable

11:10am MDT

Mammoth Plans and Jazz Hands: Building an Innovation Lab for Students

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

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

This session details the launch and operation of the Jordan Innovation Lab, a 4−6 grade district Makerspace. We will share specifics on working with community partners, acquiring high-end equipment and integration of classroom content. We will also share hosting district-wide field trips and "Teacher Tinker Time". Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to...
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Speakers

Jared Covili

Administrator, Digital Teaching and Learning, Jordan School District

Friday July 17, 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

Learning Strand or Track 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Everyone
Grade Level Computer Science, STEM / STEAM

11:10am MDT

4-Part Model to School Culture

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203

At South Sevier High School, we began the 2025/26 school year with a brand new principal, assistant principal, and school guidance counselor. As a new administrative team, we began the year pursuing the ideal of creating the perfect high school. This presentation will focus on our vision as a new team, the 4-part model of what can help create that perfect or ideal school, and the efforts we have...
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Speakers

Stuart Hepworth

Principal, South Sevier High School

Amy Robinson

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 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 High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Leadership

11:10am MDT

What does a balanced approach to instructional technology use look like in reality?

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127

With so many varying opinions and thoughts around what is and isn't good/healthy surrounding the use of technology in the classroom, what can be done to find a realistic and viable balanced approach to classroom instruction? What are the pillars of a balanced instructional technology approach, and how can we involve our stakeholders to build common understanding and vision? Participants MUST HAVE...
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Speakers

Tony Campbell

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Instructional Coaching, 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 Everyone
Grade Level Not Applicable

11:10am MDT

Norms of Collaboration: Fostering Belonging On and Offline

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

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

In this presentation, we’ll explore the Seven Norms of Collaboration through the lens of digital collaboration and digital citizenship, empowering educators to foster respectful, inclusive, and effective communication—both in person and online. Participants will engage in thoughtful discussions and practical activities that highlight how these norms can strengthen relationships and build a...
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Speakers

Dani Sloan

IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Friday July 17, 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

Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | 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 EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Grade Level Not Applicable

11:10am MDT

Building Sustainable School Wellness Systems In Rural Communities

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128

Rural educators and administrators are often asked to do more with less—balancing academic priorities, student behavior, mental health needs, and limited staffing. This session shares how Duchesne County School District built a practical, sustainable wellness system that supports both students and staff—without adding more to already full plates.Using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole...
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Speakers

Halee Ficklin

Mary Kathryn Curcio Stoddard

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

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

11:10am MDT

Partnership Power: Expanding Classroom Horizons with Division of Arts & Museums

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109

The Utah Division of Arts & Museums is your state agency dedicated to advancing Utahns’ quality of life through arts and museum experiences and cultural opportunities. We offer a wide array of programs and resources to support schools and educators across the state. We can help provide arts learning opportunities that align with learning objectives and standards, support multilingual learners,...
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Speakers

Justin Ivie

Reilly Jensen

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 109 - General Classroom Building, Room 109 351 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 All of the above
Grade Level Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music, ESL, Social Studies, World Languages, STEM / STEAM, Special Education, Career and Technical Education, Adult Education, Health and Physical Education

11:10am MDT

The Future Ready Student: Resources for Early Postsecondary Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215

Equip yourself with a transition planning toolkit for middle school students with disabilities! This session offers practical strategies and resources for post school success. We'll provide a direct look at tools specifically designed for middle school postsecondary transition. Participants will leave with concrete strategies and resources ready for immediate use! Participants MUST HAVE one of...
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Speakers

Deanna Taylor

Secondary Transition for Students with Disabilities Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm 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 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
Subject Area All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Special Education

11:10am MDT

Unplug and Play: Teaching Computational Thinking Skills Through Game Play

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

SC 129 - Science Center, Room 129

Learn how to use board games, card games, and pony beads to teach Computational Thinking skills and add some (more) fun back into your classroom. During this session, you will learn how to use games to teach and reinforce Computational Thinking skills. Worried you don't teach Computational Thinking? You do! Computational Thinking (CT) is taught and used in almost every subject. By the end of this...
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Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Traci Rindlisbach

Elementary Computer Science Specialist, Jordan School District-Digital Teaching and Learning

Traci Rindlisbach is the Elementary Computer Science and Digital Specialist in Jordan School District. She has been an educator for 17 years. She has helped create and implement Computer Science rotations into Jordan District elementary schools: K-6. Traci loves talking about and... Read More →

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 129 - Science Center, Room 129 351 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 All Grade Levels
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, EdTech Coach / Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Computer Science

11:10am MDT

Beyond the B.E.A.C.O.N.: Lighting the Way for AI in Education

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106

B.E.A.C.O.N. is a group of educators who host monthly discussions centered on emerging best practices, and timely, relevant uses of AI in education. Join our panel discussion where we will explore current questions from Utah educators about AI topics in their classrooms. Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None Participants MAY...
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Speakers

Becca Esplin

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
GC 106 - General Classroom Building, Room 106 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720

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

11:10am MDT

Mixing through Meiosis - Variation in Gametes (3 lesson unit)

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102

Participants will discover how events during meiosis lead to unique gamete formation. Specifically, the events of independent assortment and crossover are demonstrated through engaging hands-on activities that allow participants to visualize how unique gametes are formed. This 3 lesson units helps students make sense of meiosis and the mechanisms leading to unique gametes. Participants MUST...
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Speakers

Valorie Draper

Science Educator

Julie Castellon

Jami Slack

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 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 High School - grades 9 - 12
Audience Teachers
Grade Level Science, STEM / STEAM

11:10am MDT

Bridging the Gap to Grade-Level Text in the secondary classroom marks a critical shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" through evidence-based, equitable instruction.

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

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

Bridging the Gap to Grade-Level Text in the secondary classroom marks a critical shift from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" through evidence-based, equitable instruction. In a secondary setting, the Science of Reading transcends basic phonics to focus on disciplinary literacy, ensuring every student—regardless of their current reading level—has access to the complex, grade-level text...
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Speakers

Amy Mahoney

PreK-12 Instructional Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Friday July 17, 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

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, 5-6
Audience Teachers, Curriculum Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Grade Level Language Arts, Social Science, Science, ESL, Special Education, Mathematics

11:10am MDT

Beyond the Read Aloud: Bringing Stories to Life

Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT

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

What if stories did more than get read aloud? What if they moved, sang, and invited every learner into the experience? In this hands-on session led by an elementary school librarian, participants will experience how picture books, music, movement, puppetry, and visual storytelling can be used to help K-5 students explore big ideas such as identity, diversity, courage, and belonging. Educators will...
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Speakers

Sally Baird

Friday July 17, 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

Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. | School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, 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 Library Media Specialists, Teachers
Grade Level Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts