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 leave with a clear understanding of what has changed and practical steps for updating local policies and procedures.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
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 →
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 competency-based learning. Put your students in the driver's seat of their education and their future!
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
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 disruptive behavior and boost on-task time.You’ll see real classroom examples, watch short video clips, and have dedicated time to sketch out how these ideas could work with your own students. You’ll leave with a one-page cheat sheet on the three types of group contingencies, a planning template, printable Good Behavior Game materials, and links to free online resources. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear, ready-to-try plan you can start using as soon as the following week.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 optimal learning culture that elevates instruction and teaching in order to reach every student and fulfill every teacher.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
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 classroom. Our adventure will include a roadmap to joy with three stops; Stop 1 involves the GPS where we share common practices that lead to getting lost along the way and replacing them with practices that empower students by putting them in the driver’s seat and getting where we really want to go; Stop 2 will cover the importance of taking the scenic route! Rather than just getting to the destination, we want to relish in the beauty and get some red sand in our shoes through experiential learning and shifting the burden of learning while becoming a highly-effective resource and guide; Stop 3 brings us to the ever-important strategies to avoid over-heating (aka teacher burn-out)! The check engine light has been flashing for too long and needed routine maintenance and a check-up to replace fluids (NOT Diet Coke) will protect the spark and keep us running smoothly! Join us for a highly collaborative, fun, and practical road trip through the heart of what it means to teach on a full tank. Let’s work together to reclaim the joy of our profession!
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
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 budgeting framework designed specifically for educators who feel stuck, avoidant, or frustrated with traditional money advice. Instead of shame or restriction, this approach applies the same instructional strategies teachers use every day in the classroom.Participants will learn the ABC Budgeting System:A — Awareness: Build honest awareness around spending patterns and emotional money triggers.B — Bridge: Learn how to create structure and support that bridges the gap between limiting beliefs and new mindsets and actions, using instructional scaffolding teachers already understand.C — Commit: Identify one simple, daily budgeting habit that is easy to understand, realistic to maintain, and powerful enough to create momentum.This session blends mindset work with practical application. Mary shares how this approach helped her family get out of debt and save six months of income on a teacher’s salary — without earning more or relying on complicated systems.Educators will leave with a clear framework, an actionable first step, and renewed confidence to begin building financial stability using the same classroom management skills they already possess.
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
Move beyond static slides and embrace active learning! Join us for an immersive look into Canva’s Magic Studio. We’ll show you how to use Magic Media and Magic Design to transform K-12 lessons into personalized, interactive experiences. Plus, discover "next level" tools like Magic Activities, Canva Sheets, and Code for me—empowering students to build apps and games without writing code. Turn students into creators and unlock a world of magic that makes school future-ready.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Android Tablet / Smartphone; iPad / iPhone; Windows Tablet / Smartphone; Chromebook
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Chromebook
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 →
🖼️ Format Alert: This is a relaxed, 2-hour "drop-in" poster session where you can browse at your leisure and chat informally with presenters.
It seems that education is one of the most over-politicized fields. Each year the legislature tries to "solve" all of "problems" they see in society by pushing more policies into the schools. Administrators play a big role in implementation for many of the top-down policies that are newly signed into law each year. Sometimes the laws make a little bit of sense. Sometimes they are just a nuisance. This poster session will discuss finding from my dissertation regarding policy implementation struggles and successes for school leaders. It will also give participants an opportunity to share their biggest policy struggles with me to guide my next research project because until practitioners and legislatures see each other, not much is going to change. Let's make policy work for Utah's rural school children!
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
🖼️ Format Alert: This is a relaxed, 2-hour "drop-in" poster session where you can browse at your leisure and chat informally with presenters.
School nurses provide important training, administrative support, advocacy, and direct carein a school setting. Professional organizations and state governments create recommendations on school nurse staffing that adequately support student health, safety, and learning. During the 2022 Utah General Legislative Session, House Bill 114 was passed which encourages having 1 school nurse for every 2,000 students in Utah schools.This poster presentation provides a map overview of the school nurse to student ratio and full-time equivalent hours needed to meet the Utah legislative ration recommendation as outlined in the 2025 School Health Workload Report. In the 2024-2025 school year, fewer than 3 out of 10 schools met the state's nurse to student ratio. This includes more than 523,900 students at 772 schools with a ratio higher than the 1:2,000 recommendation and 90 charter schools and 46,712 students with no school nurse-based health care coverage. Duchesne, Emery, and Cache counties have the highest student to school nurse ratios at 2 to 3 times recommendation. Many rural counties need to add less than 1 full time equivalent school nurse to meet the ratio recommendation.A high student to school nurse ratio can have many consequences in schools, such as decreased student attendance, decreased student academic performance, and increased time spent by principals, teachers, and office staff addressing student health concerns. About 82 FTE positions are needed for schools to meet the legislative recommendation across the state, with about 24 FTE positions needed for schools with no nurse.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
As Anita Archer says, "Learning is NOT a spectator sport!" If you are new to engagement or would like a refresher, this is the session for you. We will spend the hour engaged in high-impact low prep strategies that you can use with your students starting your first week back in school. Come prepared to think, engage, and learn in a collaborative environment.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
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 →
Being a teacher "in the middle" (6-8/9 grades) is a unique place to be. During this session we will look at how we are engaging with our students at this age. What are their unique developmental needs and how do we empower their learning while keeping our sanity.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
Join us for an insightful presentation on Personalized Competency-Based Learning (PCBL) to explore effective strategies for enhancing student learning. You'll learn to set clear learning goals, establish measurable objectives, and leverage intrinsic motivators to foster a personalized learning environment. The session will also cover goal-setting, progress monitoring, and curating resources, providing practical strategies you can immediately implement in your classroom.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Android Tablet / Smartphone; iPad / iPhone; Windows Tablet / Smartphone; Chromebook
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Chromebook
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 →
From Prompt to Page: Building Better Canvas Content with AI
This 1-Hour BYOD Workshop session demonstrates how AI can be used to quickly generate well-designed Canvas pages, assignments, and instructional materials that are both aesthetically engaging and pedagogically sound through coding. Rather than spending hours formatting content, aligning elements, and troubleshooting layout issues, participants will see how simple prompts can produce clean, organized, and accessible Canvas-ready code in minutes. The focus is on practical, time-saving strategies that faculty can immediately implement in their own courses.
During the session, I will model how AI can help structure content with clear headings, visual organization, and thoughtful instructional flow that supports student learning. Examples will include building assignment pages, instructional modules, and activity directions that improve clarity, reduce cognitive load, and enhance student engagement. I will also demonstrate how AI can assist with creating ADA-conscious formatting, including readable layouts, consistent hierarchy, and accessible design choices.
In addition to saving time, this approach helps instructors focus more on pedagogy and less on technical formatting. Participants will see how AI can support alignment between objectives, instructions, and learning activities while also producing polished, professional-looking pages. The goal is to provide a realistic workflow that instructors can replicate immediately, whether they are new to Canvas design or looking to streamline existing course development.
Attendees will leave with concrete examples, prompt ideas, and a practical process for moving from concept to Canvas page quickly and effectively.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Device that can access Canvas and the Internet
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook
Today's middle school student is not the same as the middle school student of 15, 10 or even 5 years ago. The social, emotional and intellectual development of our young teens is an aspect we need to understand so that we can serve them better in our classrooms.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
In this fast-paced, practical breakout, you’ll learn 10 simple, no-extra-prep strategies that get students out of their seats, thinking, talking, and engaging — without sacrificing rigor or losing control of your class. These ideas work in secondary settings (yes, even with high schoolers), align with instructional goals, and can be implemented tomorrow.Secondary classrooms weren’t designed for stillness… but somehow we’ve all ended up there. If you’ve ever looked out at a room full of slumped shoulders, tired eyes, and students who seem physically present but mentally somewhere else — this session is for you.The good news? You don’t need elaborate stations, complicated rotations, or hours of planning to bring energy back into your classroom. You just need movement — the right kind, at the right moments.We’ll explore how purposeful movement increases attention, improves retention, and strengthens classroom culture — especially during long block periods. You’ll leave with simple movement routines you can drop into any content lesson.If you’re ready to rediscover what matters most — real engagement, real energy, and real learning — it’s time to move it. Come ready to participate. (Yes, you’ll be moving too.)
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
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 →
🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.
Trello uses kanban board style task management to help quickly visualize tasks and organize steps in a process. I will demonstrate the basics of the kanban approach and how I specifically use Trello to manage my technology-related tasks for our district. If time permits, I will also show some automation tools that help make the product work even better to reduce the time I spend managing my time.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
Utah Middle Level Association will be facilitating a round robin/speed dating (but no actual dates) type of brainstorming session. Some of the best ideas of how to solve a problem are being used by someone else who is working in a middle/junior high school. You have a solution to someone else's challenge. Middle School Educators let's unite!
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
This session provides a practical, strategy-based guide for educators to navigate the 2026 updates to Utah’s sensitive materials laws. We will focus on the professional standards used to develop high-quality classroom and library collections that align with both state law and Utah Core Standards.Participants will learn how to apply objective selection rubrics to ensure new materials are age-appropriate and educationally relevant. We will explore how to stay current with the USBE statewide tracking system and how to handle the local review process with transparency and professional clarity. Whether you manage a school library or a personal classroom collection, you will leave with the tools to build a compliant, high-quality environment.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
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. Demonstration portion of the video must be ≤ 2 minutes Video must include a brief introduction (may be outside of the 2 minute time limit) Video must conclude with a “SLAM”.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Android Tablet / Smartphone; iPad / iPhone; Windows Tablet / Smartphone; Chromebook; Any of these
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 →
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 touch on how technology has impacted society, especially our students, and will attempt to tease out the first principles that can help guide our decisions around technology in our schools and our lives.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
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 →
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 Recovery Planning, including Academics Recovery, Business Services Recovery, Physical and Structural Recovery, and Health, Wellbeing, and Behavioral Recovery. Recovery is rarely prioritized within emergency planning, and in the aftermath of a crisis, recovery efforts are largely met with a patchwork of disjointed actions. Participants will have a better understanding of why recovery planning improves the immediate, short-term, and long-term impacts on school communities.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
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 dynamic, highly practical session is designed specifically for middle school educators. We will bypass dense theory and dive straight into actionable tips and classroom routines that respect the maturity of young adolescents while actively repairing foundational reading gaps for any content area. What You Will Learn:The Middle School Buy-In: Proven engagement tactics to break down defensive walls, rebuild reading confidence, and motivate reluctant learners.Age-Appropriate Interventions: How to discreetly address foundational gaps in phonics and fluency using tools and texts that never feel "babyish."High-Yield Scaffolding: Equip students with strategies to tackle complex, grade-level texts across ELA, Science, and Social Studies.Quick-Win Routines: Low-prep, daily habits that rapidly build vocabulary, background knowledge, and reading stamina.Join us to build a customized toolkit of high-impact strategies you can immediately implement to empower your students and change their reading trajectory.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
🧠 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, and classroom practices directly shape the behaviors you see every day. Grounded in the science of behavior, participants will gain a clear understanding of the four functions of behavior and learn to decode why students act the way they do — not just what they're doing.Walk away with three practical, low-prep preventative strategies you can implement immediately, plus a personalized action plan to tackle your most pressing behavior challenge. Whether you're a first-year teacher or a seasoned educator, this session will leave you feeling more confident, equipped, and empowered to build a classroom where every student can thrive.
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
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 platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
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 →
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 Child (WSCC) framework, this session focuses on how to integrate wellness into what schools are already doing. Instead of one more initiative, participants will learn how wellness can support attendance, improve behavior, increase student engagement, and ultimately strengthen academic outcomes.Attendees will walk away with strategies they can realistically implement in rural settings, including:How to build staff buy-in without overwhelming teachersSimple ways to form and sustain school wellness teamsUsing tools like the School Health Index (SHI) to guide decisions without extra workloadIdentifying small, high-impact “quick wins” that improve school cultureAligning wellness efforts with administrator priorities like test scores, attendance, and classroom behaviorThis session is designed for real school settings—where time, funding, and staffing are limited. Participants will leave with practical ideas, ready-to-use tools, and a clear path to start or strengthen wellness efforts in their own schools—without it feeling like “one more thing.”
Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None
Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
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 FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
