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Wednesday, July 9
 

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 meet your professional learning goals at your own pace and in your own classroom. They are truly personalized, competency-based learning for educators.

In this session, you will not only learn how to earn a microcredential, you will begin working on earning a microcredential with expert support.

Bring your own device, and be prepared to sign in to your MIDAS account at https://usbe.midaseducation.com/microcredentials, where we will be working on microcredentials together.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Any device that can connect to the internet so they can start working on Utah Microcredentials. Even a phone will work, but a tablet or laptop is probably easier.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any device that will connect to the internet will be helpful.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Coray

Amy Coray

Instructional Coach, DAVIS DISTRICT
Amy Coray is a Digital Innovations Supervisor and Utah Microcredentials manager working in Davis School District. Before coming to her current position, she taught for five years in elementary school and then made the switch to teaching CTE, where she spent four teachers in junior... Read More →
avatar for Daron Kennett

Daron Kennett

Professional Learning Coordinator/Utah Microcredentials co-manager, Davis School District
Dr. Daron Kennett has spent the last several years pioneering educator credits and endorsements with microcredentials. He has been on the cutting edge of this personalized, competency-based learning option for educators. He is committed to making Utah Microcredentials work for Utah... Read More →
Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #147 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.

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 impact as a powerful form of expression. Using East High School’s 11th & 12th-grade ELA topics courses as a case study, we’ll examine how Hip-Hop texts align with Utah’s Common Core State Standards. Participants will step into the role of students, experiencing a sample lesson with texts and activities that illuminate Hip-Hop’s influence beyond music—revealing it as a lens for understanding identity, history, and the world. Walk away with practical strategies to bring Hip-Hop into your classroom and redefine what it means to teach literature.

Speakers
avatar for Elyse Arrington

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.

1:30pm MDT

AI for Administrators
Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Lecture Hall
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.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in Room 131.

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
avatar for David Long

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 →
CS

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 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Lecture Hall 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.

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 more effective and diverse teaching workforce.

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, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook, Any device that can access the web
Speakers
avatar for Malia Hite

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.

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

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 recognizing students' rights. By doing so, it aims to open doors of opportunity for all Utah children and promote academic and organizational excellence in Utah education.

Speakers
avatar for Holly Bell

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.

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 educational equity and explore practical strategies for implementation aligned with the NETP's recommendations.

Specifically, this presentation will:
--Analyze current Utah data to highlight areas of strength and identify opportunities for growth in technology integration across the state.
--Discuss promising practices and initiatives already underway in Utah that address the digital divides and promote effective technology use.
--Offer actionable pathways for Utah schools and districts to further bridge the digital divides, including strategies for professional development, resource allocation, and community partnerships.

This presentation will be of interest to school administrators, technology leaders, curriculum specialists, and teachers in Utah who are seeking to strengthen the use of technology within their schools and districts.

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 Amber Wright

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 →
avatar for Rick Gaisford

Rick Gaisford

Educational Technology Specialist, USBE
Rick Gaisford has 35 years in education and has been involved with educational technology for over 30 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 →
avatar for Melanie Valentine

Melanie Valentine

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, USBE
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.

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.

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 high-leverage leadership moves that shift professional learning from fragmented activities to intentional systems with lasting impact.

Participants will:
• Learn key research-based strategies to align and strengthen professional learning systems
• Explore six leadership moves—what they are, why they matter, and how they show up in practice
• Engage in interactive activities and structured tools designed to deepen understanding and immediate application
• Use a self-assessment to reflect on current systems and identify opportunities for greater alignment and coherence
• Draft a concrete action plan to bring this learning back to their schools or districts

Why This Matters:
When time and resources are limited, making every minute of professional learning count is essential. Yet too often, professional learning lacks the coherence needed to change practice and improve outcomes. This session equips leaders with practical tools and a roadmap to strengthen the systems behind the learning—so that every professional learning investment translates into better instruction, deeper teacher engagement, and stronger results for students.

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 →
avatar for Cori Groth

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... Read More →
avatar for Kody Colvin

Kody Colvin

Lead Schoool & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center
Dr. Kody Colvin is the Lead School and District improvement specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). Kody spent 11 years in the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—assistant principal and principal... 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.

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 participate in this session: Mac Laptop

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

Amie Huggins

TBRI Coach for Schools, Raise the Future
Amie is a full-time classroom teacher who was adopted from foster care. While working with her own kids, she discovered TBRI and has spent the last 5 years learning how to adapt it to her classroom. She is passionate about helping kids with very difficult behaviors. In her spare time... 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.

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 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: 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 Kenneth Applegate

Kenneth Applegate

Education Advocate, 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.

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 Utah 2025 Legislative Session.

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

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

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Dr. Quinn Kellis is the Leadership Development Coordinator at USBE. He is also the lead administrator for the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP), Accreditation Liaison, Rural Schools Liaison, and chair of the Utah Coalition of Education Leaders. He is a former superintendent... 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.

2:50pm MDT

Building Your Ed Tech Roadmap: Using the National Ed Tech Plan as a Guide
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #133
We will look at the National Ed Tech Plan and provide ways it can be used to evaluate and maximize technology use in the classroom. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/19VZocGUyM64-KVvZki_6I1Q0NqIq7Dn0Si1h_gkWKsQ/edit?usp=sharing

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 Amber Wright

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 →
avatar for Rick Gaisford

Rick Gaisford

Educational Technology Specialist, USBE
Rick Gaisford has 35 years in education and has been involved with educational technology for over 30 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 →
avatar for Melanie Valentine

Melanie Valentine

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, USBE
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 2:50pm - 3:50pm 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.

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

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 digital resources. In this interactive session, we will consider how to leverage the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) to help district and school leaders focus on the high-impact 20% of efforts that drive 80% of results in technology adoption, instructional implementation, and leadership decision-making.

We will also consider Knoster's Model for Managing Complex Change as a helpful framework for identifying areas of focus that allow research-backed initiatives to take root and thrive in your school or district.

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 Marci Houseman

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 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060, USA
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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 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 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 Christine Elegante

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 →
avatar for Denice Maedgen

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 →
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.

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

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, and learning styles. Faculty and staff will be encouraged to develop a mindset of equity, fostering an environment where every learner has the opportunity to succeed. Key points will include differentiating instruction, providing accommodations and support services, promoting active engagement, and establishing clear communication between staff, students, and families. Participants will explore best practices for collaboration, such as working with special education teams, utilizing technology tools, and creating personalized learning plans. Additionally, the presentation will emphasize the significance of professional development, continuous self-reflection, and being proactive in addressing challenges in the classroom. The goal is to empower faculty and staff to take collective responsibility for all learners' success, ensuring that each student feels valued, understood, and supported in their educational journey.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Android Tablet / Smartphone

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Android Tablet / Smartphone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone
Speakers
avatar for Tony Pellegrini

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 →
JO

Jenna Olson

Principal, Monticello Elementary
Jenna Olson is a highly motivated and self-directed educator with extensive experience in both teaching and school administration. Currently serving as the principal at Monticello Elementary School, she has successfully led the school through post-COVID challenges, fostering a thriving... 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.

2:50pm MDT

Survey Says! Educator Job Satisfaction
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #144
Job satisfaction not only supports a stable and effective workforce, it also impacts mental and physical well being. Educators that are satisfied tend to stay longer and be more effective in their roles. Learn about the current state of teacher and principal job satisfaction in Utah and explore effective strategies to retain and support Utah educators.

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

Speakers
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 →
avatar for Julie Lundell

Julie Lundell

USBE Educator Retention Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Julie Lundell, serves as the Teacher Evaluation and Retention Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. With a focus on enhancing teacher retention and evaluation processes, Julie has been instrumental in various initiatives aimed at improving the educational landscape in Utah... 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.

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 their strategy along with DTL Administrator, Jared Covili.

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, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Jared Covili

Jared Covili

Administrator, DTL, Digital Teaching and Learning
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 Instructional... Read More →
Wednesday July 9, 2025 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room #231 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no 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.

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 their peers. This session will provide a brief overview of the GED® test and the FGP, including how to bring the pathway into your school or district.

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 Stephanie Patton

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 →
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.

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 create a community of motivated writers. Additionally, we will highlight the critical role that writing plays across all subjects and how incorporating writing throughout the school day can strengthen students' overall learning experience. This session is designed for educators looking to cultivate a dynamic, interactive, and purposeful writing culture in their classrooms.

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 Jenny Blauer

Jenny Blauer

Early Learning Instructional Coach, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services
Jenny Blauer is in her 30th year in the education field and has spent the last five years as an Early Learning Instructional Coach. She is also a LETRS facilitator, dedicated to helping both students and teachers develop essential skills and find purpose in their learning. Through... 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.

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 experience that blends immersive learning with real-world application. Watch as students become engaged problem-solvers, mastering concepts in a way that sticks.

Come ready to explore, set up your school’s free access, and see firsthand how Mission.io is transforming education. Your students are ready for liftoff, are you? 🚀

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, Chromebook
Speakers
BH

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... 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
 
Thursday, July 10
 

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 responsibly.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in the Lecture Hall.

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

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 →
NS

Nicole Sanchez

Student Data Privacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Nicole Sanchez brings nearly a decade of experience in Arizona and Utah schools to her role as a Student Data Privacy Specialist. With a background teaching English and ESL, and later as an instructional coach, Nicole is passionate about student literacy in the digital age. For the... Read More →
JZ

Jeremy Zabriskie

Data Privacy and Security Specialist, USBE - 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.

9:45am MDT

Elevate Your Institution's Competative 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 data-driven best practices and identify underutilized resources to elevate your institution's standing and ensure its long-term success through meaningful family involvement.

Join this dynamic conversation to learn practical approaches that will set your institution apart for the future.

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

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.

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 overall well-being.
Participants will learn about:
• The psychological and physiological benefits of spending time in nature, including reduced stress levels, improved mood, and increased creativity.
• The role of physical movement in enhancing brain function, concentration, and academic performance.
• Practical strategies for incorporating nature-based activities and movement into daily routines, both in and out of the classroom.
• Case studies and success stories from schools that have successfully implemented these practices and witnessed positive outcomes.
• Grants to support Outdoor Classrooms, Movement Opportunities for your School, Utah Children’s Outdoor Recreation and Education Grant, and Outdoor Infrastructure Grant.
Join us to discover how simple changes in the educational environment can lead to significant improvements in the health and happiness of both educators and students. This presentation is ideal for teachers, school administrators, and anyone interested in promoting a holistic approach to education and wellness.


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
SR

Sarah Roundy

Healthy Environment Active Living (HEAL), Department of Health and Human Services
Sarah Roundy has worked for the Department of Health and Human Services for 21 years focusing on School health and wellness. She has served in various leadership roles such as the President of SHAPE Utah, Utah Healthy Schools Coalition, and was the director of the Gold Medal Schools... Read More →
avatar for Teri Davis

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, Teri focuses on enhancing the quality of physical education and instructional materials across the state. She collaborates closely with various departments... Read More →
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.

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 into leadership.  
Speakers
avatar for Doug Stump

Doug Stump

Assistant Professor - Educational Leadership, 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 →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #231 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

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 everyone involved.
Attendees will discover best practices regarding adequate privacy measures—such as properly safeguarding the identity of individuals who report issues and establishing clear reporting guidelines—that can empower both staff and students to raise concerns without fear of retaliation. Presenters will also discuss lessons learned and the most common challenges arising from implementing whistleblower hotlines in organizations of varying maturity and complexity.
The session will also examine the problem of “indirect identification” and provide best practices for developing effective internal reporting systems. It will explore strategies to balance the demand for transparency with the necessity of protecting individual privacy. Examples of effective tools will be discussed and the State Privacy Auditor function and its reporting mechanisms will be introduced.

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 Nora Kurzova

Nora Kurzova

State Privacy Auditor, Office of the State Auditor
Nora Kurzova is the first State Privacy Auditor (SPA) for the State of Utah. As the SPA, Nora identifies high-risk data processing activities and is tasked with auditing more than 1,500 state agencies and local governmental entities on h personal data. Nora’s professional experience... Read More →
MM

Mark Meyers

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.

9:45am MDT

School Improvement In Successful Schools: Making Good Schools Great
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #232
Speakers
avatar for Quinn Kellis

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Dr. Quinn Kellis is the Leadership Development Coordinator at USBE. He is also the lead administrator for the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP), Accreditation Liaison, Rural Schools Liaison, and chair of the Utah Coalition of Education Leaders. He is a former superintendent... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

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 statuses such as withdrawals, loss of eligibility, and performance benchmarks. The presentation will highlight how SOEP can address challenges unique to rural districts, such as teacher shortages, budget constraints, and limited course offerings, providing students with expanded learning opportunities.
Administrators will explore practical strategies to monitor student engagement, align incentives for success, and ensure compliance with USBE Code and Rule. Real-world case studies and interactive discussions will provide insights into overcoming common challenges while maximizing SOEP's benefits. Budgetary considerations, strategic resource allocation, and collaboration opportunities with stakeholders will also be addressed. The session will conclude with a Q&A segment, offering tailored solutions to individual concerns and actionable next steps. This presentation is an essential resource for rural administrators seeking to enhance educational equity and efficiency through online learning solutions.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: any sort of smart phone

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. Cynthia White

Dr. Cynthia White

SOEP Education Consultant, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Dr. Cynthia White is a seasoned educator with multiple advanced degrees and extensive experience in both K-12 and higher education. As a passionate advocate for online learning, she is dedicated to expanding access to quality education through the Statewide Online Education Program... Read More →
avatar for Meagan Johnston

Meagan Johnston

SOEP, Program Manager, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Meagan Johnston, Program Manager for the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP), is a dedicated advocate for student choice and equitable access to education. With 17 years of experience teaching in both traditional and online settings for the public education system, and as an... 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.

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 all adopted curricula and supports Utah State ELA Standards. The research base for the UURC Tier 1 Text model is broad and includes Logan’s (1997) automaticity theory; Stahl, Kuhn, and Schwanenflugel’s (2003, 2005, 2006, 2008) empirical and applied work related to fluency oriented reading instruction; and Beck and McKeown’s (1996, 2004, 2006, 2010) questioning the author empirical and applied work. Recent research is showing significant improvements for students receiving UURC Tier 1 Text instruction (Opatz & Kocherhans, 2023).

Specific scaffolding strategies will be demonstrated and practiced. Some of these strategies include preview with graphic organizer, various comprehension supports, echo read, review, whole class choral re-read, documenting new ideas on graphic organizer.

Specific engagement strategies are built into these procedures and will be demonstrated: Echo reading, choral reading, echo spelling, scaffolded comprehension questioning, location/action prompts, roving the classroom, graphic organizer work.

The last thirty minutes of the presentation will be dedicated to Q&A related to presentation content as well as UURC services and professional development opportunities available to rural schools.

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: Some device with internet access for the end of the presentation
Speakers
avatar for Breyanna Evans

Breyanna Evans

Intervention Specialist, University of Utah Reading Clinic
Breyanna Evans received her Bachelor of Science 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... Read More →
avatar for Rachelle Packer

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 →
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.

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 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 Katie Jones

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
With a career spanning 29 years in education, Katie Jones has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of educators working together. Her experience as a classroom teacher (K-7), reading specialist, and instructional coach across all levels has solidified her belief in the potential... Read More →
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.

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 role of high-quality practices and individualized instruction in creating supportive and inclusive learning environments. It also underscores the significance of understanding cultural context, aligning curriculum with the Utah Core State Standards for Early Learning, and using data-driven instruction to personalize learning and support teacher effectiveness.

By providing educators with actionable strategies and promoting a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to opportunity gaps, this presentation equips them to create successful learning experiences for all children, ultimately closing the opportunity gap and fostering a brighter future for Utah's youngest learners.


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, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Jared Lisonbee

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 →
avatar for Cristina Barrera

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 →
avatar for Katrina Herd

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 →
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm 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., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

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 into their curriculum and school libraries to support reluctant readers, English language learners, and advanced students alike. Participants will leave with research-based insights, recommended titles, and advocacy tools to champion the value of graphic novels in their schools.

NOTE: This session repeats on Friday, July 11 at 9:45 am in Room 134.

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 Gretchen Zaitzeff

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District
Gretchen Zaitzeff is the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and the Past-President of the Utah School Library Association (USLA). She is deeply committed to professional learning, instructional leadership, and literacy, actively supporting... Read More →
avatar for Davina Sauthoff

Davina Sauthoff

K12 Library Media Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Davina Sauthoff, EdD., is the Library Media Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, where she champions the expertise of school 🏫 librarians and their vital role in enriching the learning experiences of Utah 🌄 students. A recognized leader in the field, Davina frequently... 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.

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

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 ideas, and working towards a common goal.

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 Dani Sloan

Dani Sloan

EdTech Instructor, Utah Education Network
Dr. Dani Sloan helps educators lead, research, and teach digital citizenship. She's a UEN Product Manager, U of U Instructor, former Elementary Teacher, and current mom to a sixth grader. She's passionate about preparing students for a digital world, her dachshunds, and terrible reality... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #231 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

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 (e.g., BTS schools) and provide a structured space for peer learning, problem-solving, and shared leadership development. Each PPN is led by a trained facilitator, who engages in a professional learning series to develop the skills necessary to support meaningful collaboration and instructional leadership growth.

Session Outcomes
This session will provide attendees with:
1. A deeper understanding of the PPN model, including how it fosters leadership development, strengthens professional learning communities, and enhances coherence across schools and districts.
2. Practical insights and strategies for engaging in or facilitating a PPN, including session frameworks, facilitation techniques, and resources for sustaining collaborative inquiry.

Participants will leave with actionable strategies for leveraging collaborative networks to enhance their leadership practice and drive continuous school improvement. Whether attendees are looking to join a PPN or implement similar structures in their own districts, this session will provide the knowledge and tools to support sustainable, system-wide leadership development.

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 Quinn Kellis

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Dr. Quinn Kellis is the Leadership Development Coordinator at USBE. He is also the lead administrator for the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP), Accreditation Liaison, Rural Schools Liaison, and chair of the Utah Coalition of Education Leaders. He is a former superintendent... Read More →
avatar for Kody Colvin

Kody Colvin

Lead Schoool & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center
Dr. Kody Colvin is the Lead School and District improvement specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). Kody spent 11 years in the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—assistant principal and principal... Read More →
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.

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.

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 teacher returns to their classroom, they will be able to pinpoint what intervention each student needs (through diagnosis) and then adjust its intensity. Attendees, please be prepared to share information about successes and failures with the intervention, in confidence.

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, 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 →
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.

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 can make a universe of difference. This session will offer practical solutions and proven strategies for building strong relationships, providing targeted support, and fostering long-term growth. Join us to learn how developing STAR Mentors – the best of the best, ready to guide the next generation – can help you retain your brightest new talent and build a stronger teaching force, ensuring the future of education boldly goes where it needs to go.

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 Katie Jones

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
With a career spanning 29 years in education, Katie Jones has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of educators working together. Her experience as a classroom teacher (K-7), reading specialist, and instructional coach across all levels has solidified her belief in the potential... Read More →
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.

1:40pm MDT

Unlocking Authentic Expression: How AI Empowers Writers
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Lecture Hall
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 students.


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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: any device
Speakers
avatar for Naomi Watkins

Naomi Watkins

Language Arts Secondary Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Naomi Watkins is the Secondary English Language Arts Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Previously, she was a middle school ELA teacher, instructional coach, and university professor. She earned a PhD from the University of Utah.
avatar for Davina Sauthoff

Davina Sauthoff

K12 Library Media Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Davina Sauthoff, EdD., is the Library Media Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, where she champions the expertise of school 🏫 librarians and their vital role in enriching the learning experiences of Utah 🌄 students. A recognized leader in the field, Davina frequently... Read More →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Lecture Hall 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.

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, content knowledge, and addressing a local STEM-focused problem of practice.

This interactive one-hour session will showcase the SEI learning design, which blends long-term, job-embedded professional learning with personalized support. Attendees will hear directly from current SEI teacher leaders, explore the cohort’s learning experiences, and examine the systems-level design that sustains educator growth over time.

The session will also provide a preview of the elementary SEI cohort, launching in Fall 2027, and highlight ways school and district leaders can support educators in leveraging the SEI experience to foster STEM instructional improvement, leadership development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Designed for school and district leaders, instructional coaches, and K12educators, this session offers insights into how the SEI model can support their capacity for high-impact STEM teaching and learning. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the SEI framework and how ongoing professional learning supports strengthen and build STEM knowledge and capacity among K12 teacher leaders.

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 Kellie Yates

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 →
avatar for Kody Colvin

Kody Colvin

Lead Schoool & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center
Dr. Kody Colvin is the Lead School and District improvement specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). Kody spent 11 years in the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—assistant principal and principal... Read More →
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.

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 strategies to engage and enhance learning for all of your students through meaningful, relevant learning. Bring back the joy of learning for you and your students through storytelling and engaging, relevant lessons!

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: iPad / iPhone
Speakers
KE

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 →
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.

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 systems through mentorship, district collaboration, and innovative leadership strategies. Discover how cafeterias become cultural centers, gyms serve multiple purposes, and every staff member wears multiple hats. This is real-world leadership in action—rural style—with ideas you can take home, no matter your zip code.
Speakers
JO

Jenna Olson

Principal, Monticello Elementary
Jenna Olson is a highly motivated and self-directed educator with extensive experience in both teaching and school administration. Currently serving as the principal at Monticello Elementary School, she has successfully led the school through post-COVID challenges, fostering a thriving... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Atcitty
HA

Heather Amado

Principal, Tse' Bii 'Nidzisgaii Elementary
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #231 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

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 practices, creating environments of support, empathy, and resilience.

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 Holly Todd

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 →
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.

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 collection and provide access to content that not only captivates and informs your students but also adheres to educational, legal and ethical standards.

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, Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Gretchen Zaitzeff

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District
Gretchen Zaitzeff is the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and the Past-President of the Utah School Library Association (USLA). She is deeply committed to professional learning, instructional leadership, and literacy, actively supporting... Read More →
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.

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 diverse ethnic groups in Utah. This includes Indigenous peoples, members of the LDS community, African Americans, Latinos, Pacific Islanders, and Asian Americans, both within Utah and beyond. Utilizing the Utah Historical Society’s I Love Utah History website and other educator resources, attendees will learn how to integrate trusted, curated content to explore the rich histories and contemporary communities of Utah's many cultures.

We will also delve into the UEN Ethnic Studies Resource Hubs to discover innovative ways to teach about various cultures, their history, and their contributions to building the United States of America.

This session will equip educators with the resources and background knowledge needed to create a classroom environment that connects the past with the present, honors and reflects the varied experiences of Utahns of diverse ethnicities, and celebrates Utah's vibrant cultural tapestry.

You will receive free, digital materials that will help you integrate culturally informed ethnic studies resources and inquiry-based learning strategies into your teaching practices.


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, Chromebook
Speakers
avatar for Wendy Rex-Atzet

Wendy Rex-Atzet

Director, K-12 Initiatives, Utah Historical Society
Wendy Rex Atzet, Ph.D., is a public historian at the Utah Historical Society, where she manages K-12 programs such as National History Day® and I Love Utah History. She develops teacher and classroom-oriented resources for teaching Utah history, ethnic studies, and historical thinking... Read More →
EC

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 →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm 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., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

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 three minutes. No migration, no new platforms to learn - just a simple transformation that makes Canvas work better for everyone.

In this session, you'll discover how Delphinium:

• Creates a colorful, intuitive interface that helps students instantly understand their progress
• Motivates learners through gamification elements that make online learning fun
• Provides teachers with powerful communication tools that automate parent outreach
• Identifies struggling students early with visual analytics
• Delivers measurable results, including a 31% reduction in course failure rates

You'll leave with a clear understanding of how Delphinium can save your teachers time, increase student engagement, reduce parent complaints, and improve academic outcomes across your district.

Appropriate for K-12 administrators, technology coordinators, and teachers who use Canvas LMS. No technical expertise required - if you can use Canvas, you can use Delphinium!

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: No
Speakers
avatar for Jared Chapman

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

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 collaborative activities, attendees will analyze authentic leadership dilemmas and develop practical strategies to address complex issues. The workshop also highlights proven tools and approaches used by SUU leaders to enhance communication, promote equity, and lead with resilience. Whether you are an experienced administrator or an emerging leader, this session offers valuable perspectives and actionable techniques to strengthen your leadership practice and better support your educational community.
Speakers
avatar for Tony Pellegrini

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 →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

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 one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Not Applicable
Speakers
avatar for Molly Basham

Molly Basham

Early Learning Mathematics Specialist, 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 →
avatar for Mike Spencer

Mike Spencer

Secondary Mathematics Specialist, USBE - 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 →
avatar for Melissa Garber

Melissa Garber

Elementary Mathematics Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
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 →
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.

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 the CATALYST professional learning series: exploring leadership principles that drive collective action, using tools for enhancing system alignment, and experiencing strategies to strengthen leadership coaching and mentoring—particularly the relationship between principals and their supervisors. Participants will get a taste of the CATALYST professional learning design, collaborative learning, and practical resources that make it a powerful space for transformation.

Participants will leave with:
* Practical tools and materials used in the CATALYST program
* A deeper understanding of leadership mindsets and moves that foster coherence
* Insights into how CATALYST strengthens principal–supervisor partnerships and builds trust and shared leadership
* A preview of how the statewide CATALYST cohort fosters connection, support, and momentum among school and district leaders

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 →
avatar for Cori Groth

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... Read More →
avatar for Quinn Kellis

Quinn Kellis

Leadership Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Dr. Quinn Kellis is the Leadership Development Coordinator at USBE. He is also the lead administrator for the Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP), Accreditation Liaison, Rural Schools Liaison, and chair of the Utah Coalition of Education Leaders. He is a former superintendent... Read More →
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.

1:40pm MDT

Rock Band - The Secret to Building Meaningful Music Programs in Rural Schools
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons
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? Then this is the presentation for you. Rock Band represents all genres of popular music heard on the radio - rock, country, pop, punk, hip hop, etc. Most importantly, it represents the popular music that connects our students to the world in which they live. In this presentation/workshop, I will share experiences from my own life and 20 plus years of teaching that reinforce the idea of Rock Band and popular music as essential elements of modern music programs. I will teach you how to build Rock Band programs in your school on a limited budget. Lastly, I will demonstrate with volunteers from the audience how to create a performing rock ensemble on day 1 using ukuleles. And if I am able, I will include live performances from the Rich High School Rock Band.

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
CW

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 →
Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Commons 1761 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  2 hour Playground - hands-on and discussion, Advanced - considerable experience; significant 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

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. We'll explore ways to create an inclusive environment, break down language barriers, and help students transition smoothly into their academic journey. Whether you teach in a dual-language program, world language classroom, or work with multilingual students in a regular classroom,You’ll walk away with easy-to-apply, powerful tools to help your learners thrive and reach their full potential.


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
Speakers
avatar for Talia A. Casares

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 →
PZ

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 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

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 support from district leadership and instructional coaches, who provided guidance, resources, and consistency across sites. Participants will explore how shared leadership, teacher voice, and data-driven decision-making created sustainable, flexible systems that led to measurable growth—even in the most rural settings.  
Speakers
JO

Jenna Olson

Principal, Monticello Elementary
Jenna Olson is a highly motivated and self-directed educator with extensive experience in both teaching and school administration. Currently serving as the principal at Monticello Elementary School, she has successfully led the school through post-COVID challenges, fostering a thriving... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Atcitty
HA

Heather Amado

Principal, Tse' Bii 'Nidzisgaii Elementary
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #231 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060
  1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

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? Have you ever considered how to create systemic supports that incentivize instructional collaboration between teachers of different subjects in Secondary settings? Have you ever thought about using the essential skills in your Portrait of a Graduate/Profile of a Learner as the catalyst for systems-wide integration?

Utah community members expressed that in order to empower our students to develop the essential skills and dispositions present in our Portrait of a Graduate, integrated systems are crucial, because life isn't siloed EXCEPT during traditional schooling. Our community believes that integration provides opportunities for authentic learning and it empowers learners of every background, historic achievement level and socioeconomic status to build the knowledge, skills and dispositions that will set them up for a life well-lived.

The session will begin by inviting participants to explore some of the resources our community has created around integrated subjects and classrooms. Then, using participants' observations and wonders as fuel, we'll share the story of Utah's movement towards integration, asking participants to put themselves in the decision makers seat during some of the challenging inflection points we have faced. Participants will finish the session by reflecting on how the insights they gained can help their communities move towards integrated experiences as the educational normal. We can't wait to learn with and from you in this highly interactive session!


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 Nathan Auck

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.

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 session: Not Applicable
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Boyack

Ashley Boyack

Director of Professional Development, University of Utah Tanner Dance Program
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.

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.

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 some practical teacher and student-friendly procedures, then come to this session!

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: iPad / iPhone
Speakers
KE

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 →
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.

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
For the past four years, San Juan School District (SJSD) has partnered with the UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center 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. To address this, a strategic partnership was formed to deliver in-person, synchronous online, and now asynchronous learning opportunities.
This session will highlight how this multi-year collaboration has supported paraeducators since 2021 and how we are developing a comprehensive asynchronous professional learning course aligned with Utah Paraeducator Standards and national best practices (e.g., Learning Forward, 2022; , Rorrer, Groth, & Colvin, 2024; Timperley, 2011).

By the end of this session, participants will:
 Understand how strategic partnerships enhance paraeducator professional learning in the San Juan School District and explore ways to leverage partnerships to build paraeducator capacity in their own contexts.
 Examine a blended learning model that integrates in-person, synchronous, and asynchronous supports to meet the diverse learning needs of paraeducators.
 Identify and apply actionable strategies to strengthen paraeducator support structures within their local education agency (LEA).

Why This Matters:
Paraeducators play a critical role in student success, yet they often lack structured professional learning. This session will provide research-informed strategies to help schools and districts build sustainable, high-impact professional learning models, ensuring ongoing support for both current and future paraeducators.

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 Kody Colvin

Kody Colvin

Lead Schoool & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center
Dr. Kody Colvin is the Lead School and District improvement specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). Kody spent 11 years in the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—assistant principal and principal... Read More →
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.

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 existing out-of-school time (OST) program opportunities intentionally designed to meet the needs of students and families throughout the state, identify any current gaps in services for youth and families, and explore the availability of resources to support OST program teams in meeting these needs.

The planning, data collection, data analysis and reporting of the findings and considerations for this needs assessment were organized according to six OST topic areas: (1) Access and Availability, (2) Programming Capacity, (3) Program Quality and Continuous Improvement, (4) Partnerships, (5) Alignment with the School Day, and (6) Availability of Resources and Funding.This conference session will explore the central themes that emerged in these six areas, highlighting the important role that OST programs play in providing critical services (e.g., safe environment, homework help, nutritious snacks) for many Utah students and their families in rural communities. Participants in this session will also explore considerations for future OST programs, including accessing and utilizing additional OST program resources, considering partnerships within and beyond their local communities to provide additional resources and program support, and intentionally aligning OST programs with the school 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: Not Applicable
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Wisham

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 eight years, she has worked with the UEPC team to provide on-site and virtual support, data collection, leadership... Read More →
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.

3:10pm MDT

Supporting Your Students With Derivita
Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #233
In this presentation, discover how the Derivita 6-12 Math Support, Assessment, and Analytics Platform supports both teachers and students by simplifying the instructional experience and improving student outcomes. Get a sneak peek of our new PLC and Reporting Features and be prepared to participate with fun engagement tools like SpotCheck!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Tablet or smart phone from any provider.

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Android Tablet / Smartphone, iPad / iPhone, Windows Tablet / Smartphone
Speakers
DC

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
 
Friday, July 11
 

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 posters
Time-saving templates that make teaching easier & more exciting
Best practices for seamless classroom integration
Why Attend?
Boost student engagement & creativity
Gain practical, ready-to-use classroom tools
Walk away with your own Adobe Express masterpiece!
Don’t miss out! Join us and turn your classroom into a hub of creativity & innovation!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Must have Laptop, Mac or Tablet

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

Lisa Perry

Educator/Tech Coach, Terra Academy
I am a passionate 5th-grade educator with 13 years of teaching experience, All of those in rural Utah. I strongly advocate for literacy, math, and technology, using hands-on projects, Thinking Classroom strategies, and digital tools like Adobe Express to engage my students and build... Read More →
Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

AI and Privacy: What Every Teacher Needs to Know
Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Lecture Hall
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 responsibly.

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 9:45 am in Room 241.

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

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 →
NS

Nicole Sanchez

Student Data Privacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Nicole Sanchez brings nearly a decade of experience in Arizona and Utah schools to her role as a Student Data Privacy Specialist. With a background teaching English and ESL, and later as an instructional coach, Nicole is passionate about student literacy in the digital age. For the... Read More →
JZ

Jeremy Zabriskie

Data Privacy and Security Specialist, USBE - 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 →
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., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

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.

NOTE: This session repeats on Wednesday, July 9 at 1:30 pm in the Lecture Hall.

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
avatar for David Long

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 →
CS

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 →
Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am 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.

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
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 into their curriculum and school libraries to support reluctant readers, English language learners, and advanced students alike. Participants will leave with research-based insights, recommended titles, and advocacy tools to champion the value of graphic novels in their schools.

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 11:10 am in Room 241.

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 Gretchen Zaitzeff

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District
Gretchen Zaitzeff is the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and the Past-President of the Utah School Library Association (USLA). She is deeply committed to professional learning, instructional leadership, and literacy, actively supporting... Read More →
avatar for Davina Sauthoff

Davina Sauthoff

K12 Library Media Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Davina Sauthoff, EdD., is the Library Media Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, where she champions the expertise of school 🏫 librarians and their vital role in enriching the learning experiences of Utah 🌄 students. A recognized leader in the field, Davina frequently... Read More →
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.

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 experts in education can help us to see the power and potential in shifting our focus to more fully utilize the science of learning in our school's teaching approaches so that we can help all learners better learn to learn.

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 Jeremy Smith

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.

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 activities based on research. Brainstorm with the group about what works in various Utah settings and how we can do better. Participation, interaction, sharing of best practices, and learning ways to impact new teacher retention in your setting will be a key part of this presentation. Finally, I will ask for interview volunteers to help in my research. Together we can work to keep our new teachers in our schools.

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: iPad / iPhone
Speakers
PP

Pamela Pedersen

Pamela Pedersen, Doctoral Student, University of Utah, Education Leadership Policy
I have been in education for 27 years, first as a special education teacher, grant writer for the SLCSD, and an administrator at the secondary level for 17 years. I served as a principal in a small, district charter setting and a small alternative high school. I have experience recruiting... 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.

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 CEOs to founders of household name companies to four-star generals and admirals - what was once only understood by a few has now been codified. The solution lies not in focusing on your skills, but in harnessing your superpower. But what is a leadership superpower? And how do you discover and activate it?

In this perspective-shifting presentation, attendees will learn:
• A three-step process to understand and unlock their leadership superpower
• The most misunderstood but integral principles essential to leading in today’s landscape
• The secret to recruiting, managing, motivating, and keeping the people you need in historically challenging and uncertain market conditions

After this presentation, attendees will be better equipped to lead others - and themselves - to new levels of greatness.

Speakers
avatar for Adam Mendler

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.

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. This informative session will provide valuable insights into the current state of school safety and offer practical guidance and support to Local Education Agencies across the state.

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 Ashley Pistello

Ashley Pistello

School Safety Center Specialist, Utah State Board of Education
Ashley joined the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) as the School Safety Center Specialist. She previously collaborated with the School Safety Center as a liaison from SafeUT and the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI). In addition to her experience as a Project Administrator... 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.

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, Learning-Oriented, Embedded, Actionable, and Reflective.

Participants will analyze feedback scenarios, reflect on past feedback experiences, and practice applying the CLEAR framework to strengthen their ability to give and receive feedback that builds trust, supports instructional shifts, and promotes continuous learning.

By the end of this session, participants will:
• Identify the essential elements of effective feedback using the CLEAR framework
• Differentiate between productive and unproductive feedback practices
• Apply the CLEAR protocol to realistic leadership and instructional scenarios
• Develop actionable steps to integrate CLEAR feedback into their everyday roles as educators and leaders

All participants will leave with a copy of the CLEAR Feedback Protocol, sample sentence starters, and personalized action steps to support ongoing improvement in their coaching, mentoring, and instructional practice.

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 →
avatar for Cori Groth

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... Read More →
avatar for Kody Colvin

Kody Colvin

Lead Schoool & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center
Dr. Kody Colvin is the Lead School and District improvement specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC). Kody spent 11 years in the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—assistant principal and principal... Read More →
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.

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, and build classroom community—all while nurturing students' musical growth. Be ready to move, sing, and play as you leave with practical ideas to energize your lessons and inspire your students!

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

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

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 →
Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #147 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

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

Utah Science Assessment Updates
Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #234
Change happens, and there have been some changes in science assessment in Utah. Come hear about the updates and have all of your questions answered.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Various ways to access the internet

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any way to access the internet
Speakers
ST

Samantha Tinkey

Secondary Science Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm 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.

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

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 similar singleton challenges.

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 KC Olson

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.

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
avatar for Kelbie Jackson

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 →
avatar for Courtnee Justice

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.
 
From $50.00
2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference
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