Loading…
Only Purchase One Ticket for Each Individual Attendee
Full URSA 2025 Session Schedule will be published here NO LATER than June 1. Please check back soon!
Audience: Mental/Behavioral Health clear filter
Wednesday, July 9
 

1:30pm MDT

Burnout or Resilience Part 2: Addressing the challenges of educators in today’s schools and classrooms?
Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #143
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 school leaders, teachers, and staff can use to proactively understand and address burnout issues from both the organizational and personal perspectives, and support optimized classroom experiences for students. Discussions will identify how to diagnose factors contributing to stress and burnout. Participants will work collaboratively to identify action steps to implement effective mitigation and intervention strategies in their schools and work. `

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop, Windows Laptop, iPad / iPhone
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Dale Cox

Dr. Dale Cox

Program Director K-12 Educational Leadership, 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 →
avatar for Meghan Everette

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 →
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.

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 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
HM

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 →
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.

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 (MTSS) for student mental health.

Attendees will be taken on a journey to explore the three-tiered approach of the USMHC Model, beginning with Tier 1, which focuses on school-wide mental health promotion, faculty engagement, and the integration of prevention initiatives. The session will highlight data-driven decision-making using tools like SWTRS and SSWQ, discuss universal screening practices in alignment with Utah laws and USBE-approved screeners (e.g., PHQ, GAD), and examine sustainable funding strategies.

The discussion will then shift to Tier 2, emphasizing targeted interventions for students at increased risk, and Tier 3, which provides intensive individualized support and refined referral processes. Presenters will also address strategies to assist students whose needs extend beyond Tier 3 services.

A key feature of this session is demonstrating how districts and schools can use the SHAPE Assessment to evaluate the strengths and areas for improvement within their comprehensive school mental health system. Presenters will explore how SHAPE results can inform long-term mental health improvement efforts and strategic planning, ensuring sustainable and data-driven enhancements to school mental health infrastructure. Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies for implementing a sustainable, evidence-based school mental health system and learn how the USMHC can support their efforts in advancing student and educator well-being.


Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable
Speakers
TO

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 →
CC

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 →
MT

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.

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. In this presentation, you will learn about executive function skills, how the brain operates and manages these skills, and how to create effective interventions for students in need of extra support.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Speakers
avatar for Sheryl Vernon

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... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Ezzell

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 →
KC

Katie Clark

BCBA, School Psychologist Intern, NUES - Northern Utah Educational Services
Educational Background: EdS- School Psychology BYU (August 2025) , MA Applied Behavior Analysis – Ball State University – Muncie, IN, BA Psychology – Flagler College – St. Augustine, FL Licensed BCBA for NUES Hobbies & Interests: Soccer, Skiing, Camping, Mtn. Biking, Cooking... Read More →
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #147 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.

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 interventions.
Schools and districts across the state are using Panorama Student Success to monitor key indicators such as attendance, behavior, and coursework in one centralized platform. This system empowers educators with real-time, actionable insights to support students.
Attendees will learn how Panorama Student Success aligns with Utah’s broader vision for supporting a positive and safe school culture, and hear examples of how educators are using this tool to build intervention plans, collaborate across teams, and ensure no student falls through the cracks. We’ll also highlight the importance of cross-district collaboration and state leadership in scaling an EWS that serves student populations statewide.
Whether you’re exploring how to strengthen your own student support systems or looking to build a similar initiative, this session will offer practical takeaways, lessons learned, and inspiration from Utah’s ongoing journey to reach every student, every day.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

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

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.

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 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
TH

Travis Henderson

Assistant Principal, North Sevier High School
Travis Henderson as been in education for 11 years and 7 years in administration.
RH

Ryan Harris

Principal
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.
 
Thursday, July 10
 

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 impact planning for the transition to adulthood for students with disabilities in Utah. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical strategies to support our students' journey to a successful future.

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
avatar for Andrea Rorrer

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 →
CE

Crystal Emery

SSIP and Secondary Transition Specialist for Students with Disabilities, Utah State Board of Education
Crystal Emery, PhD is a secondary transition professional with over 25 years of experience working with young children and adolescents. She is certified as an early intervention specialist, a Coach for Early Childhood Professionals, an Employment Specialist, and a Customized Employment... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

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 these horrific events is a terrible yet necessary task. In this session, Utah's School Safety Center's Behavioral Health Specialist, Scott Eyre, will share key findings discovered within his research in an effort to empower educators with the information they need to prevent future violence.

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
avatar for Scott Eyre

Scott Eyre

School Based Mental Health Specialist to Utah's School Safety Center, Department of Health and Human Services; liaison to Utah State Board of Education
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.

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 plans, school leaders can streamline their efforts, saving valuable time while enhancing their prevention work. Attendees will learn how to create a unified approach that addresses both substance use and suicide prevention, ensuring comprehensive support for students. This session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies for developing cohesive plans that foster positive behaviors and mental health, ultimately contributing to a safer and more supportive school environment.

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

Speakers
avatar for Cathy Davis

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... Read More →
avatar for Clarissa Stebbing

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... 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.

1:40pm MDT

Lead From the Classroom to the Community
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons
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 school-community connections.

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: No
Speakers
avatar for Fangaafa Tuifua

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
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

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 classroom a more welcoming and safe place for students of all abilities.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Not Applicable

Speakers
avatar for BethAnne Chidester

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.
HP

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.

3:10pm MDT

Practical Classroom Management: Addressing the Current Behavioral Changes
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #145
This presentation aims to equip educators with practical, research-based strategies to manage elevated student behavior while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. As behavioral challenges in classrooms continue to rise, teachers are often left balancing academic expectations with the need to support students exhibiting disruptive, defiant, or emotionally intense behaviors. This session is ideal for general and special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and school leaders seeking practical tools for immediate application.

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

Speakers
avatar for Lauren Ezzell

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 →
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #145 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.

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 sensitive topics with kids, and more.

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
NW
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.
 
Friday, July 11
 

9:45am MDT

Diffusing Defiance- Navigating Resistance Effectively
Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #145
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 with practical tools to foster understanding and encourage positive outcomes in challenging interactions.

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
KC

Katie Clark

BCBA, School Psychologist Intern, NUES - Northern Utah Educational Services
Educational Background: EdS- School Psychology BYU (August 2025) , MA Applied Behavior Analysis – Ball State University – Muncie, IN, BA Psychology – Flagler College – St. Augustine, FL Licensed BCBA for NUES Hobbies & Interests: Soccer, Skiing, Camping, Mtn. Biking, Cooking... Read More →
Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #145 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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 of all that is: Here, now, the life in front of us and the people around us. In an era of constant distractions personally and professionally (like the other “CYA”…) this skill is the path to falling in love with the life we already have. There’s no need to quit the caring, essential work in education to enjoy our life! Each of us can, with practice, reframe our everyday experience. This session will offer practical advice, questions to consider, and experiential learning to truly “CYA:” Center Your Attention.


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
MW

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.

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
avatar for Sheryl Vernon

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... Read More →
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.

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
avatar for Elizabeth Howcroft

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 has... 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.

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 presenters doctoral work will also be included.

It is anticipated that the presentation will be displayed through PowerPoint, lecture, and voluntary audience participation.

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
JE

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.

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 that absenteeism is a learned behavior that begins in the early, learning to read, grades. Research has linked chronic absenteeism to adolescent risk taking behavior that increases the probability that a student will drop out of school and/or end up in the juvenile justice system.

Duchesne County School District has teamed up with North Eastern Counceling, Uintah School District, V6 Media and our local Prevention Advisory Coalition to bring awareness to all stakeholders of the need to address chronic absenteeism at all levels of schooling, but especially in the early grades of K-3. Come learn with us how we can better address the problem of chronic absenteeism.

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

Speakers
PB

Phillip Bertoch

Human Resources Director, Duchesne County School District
Phillip is a career educator with over twenty-nine years of experience. Fourteen of those years were spent teaching high school Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics, in both Duchesne County School District and the Kingdom of Tonga. Phillip spent four years as an adjunct... 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.
 
From $50.00
2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference
From $50.00
Need help? View Support Guides
Event questions? Contact Event Planner
©2025 Sched • About • Privacy • Terms
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Wednesday, July 9
Thursday, July 10
Friday, July 11
Auditorium
Commons
Exhibitor Hall
Lecture Hall
PCHS
Room #131
Room #132
Room #133
Room #134
Room #135
Room #136
Room #137
Room #138
Room #141
Room #142
Room #143
Room #144
Room #145
Room #146
Room #147
Room #148
Room #231
Room #232
Room #233
Room #234
Room #235
Room #237
Room #238
Room #241
Room #242
Room #243
Room #244
TBD
  • 1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
  • 1-Hour Exhibitor Session
  • 1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation
  • 2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities
  • 2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop
  • 2 hour Playground - hands-on and discussion
  • 2 Hour Poster Session - informal discussions
  • 20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder)
  • Activities
  • Break
  • Conference Information
  • Exhibitors & Partners Hall
  • Keynote
  • Lunch
  • Presenter's Lounge
  • Registration
  • Learning Strand or Track
  • Activities
  • Assessment & Data Management
  • Break
  • Conference Information
  • Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
  • Educational Technology
  • etc.
  • Exhibitors & Partners Hall
  • Instructional Coaching
  • Keynote
  • Leadership
  • Lunch
  • Other
  • PLN's
  • Presenter's Lounge
  • Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
  • Professional Learning Communities - PLC's
  • Registration
  • School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
  • Utah Core Curriculum
  • Subject Area
  • Adult Education
  • All
  • Career and Technical Education
  • Computer Science
  • ESL
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Instructional Coaching
  • Language Arts
  • Leadership
  • Mathematics
  • Media Literacy
  • Mental/Behavioral Health
  • Music
  • Not Applicable
  • Other
  • Performing Arts / Visual Arts
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Special Education
  • STEM / STEAM
  • World Languages
  • Audience
  • All of the Above
  • Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
  • Curriculum Specialists
  • District / School Administrators
  • EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
  • Everyone
  • Instructional Coaches
  • Library Media Specialists
  • Teachers
  • Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
  • Grade Level
  • 3 - 4
  • 45720
  • 5 - 6
  • All Grade Levels
  • Elementary - grades K - 6
  • High School - grades 9 - 12
  • Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8
  • Not Applicable
  • PK - 2
  • Popular