2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

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

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

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

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: Any of the above

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

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

PBS content packaged in free, easy accessible resources, media galleries, interactive lessons and full lesson plans? Yes, please! This web based resource centered on PBS content from Daniel Tiger, to Nova, to Nature, to Frontline is for all teachers Prek-12 in any subject all aligned with statewide and nationwide curriculum standards. It is easy to filter for subject and grade, easy to use in the classroom, and utilizes content from the most trusted public media brand in the country. Did I mention that it's free?

NOTE: This session repeats on Wednesday, July 9 at 2:50 pm in Room 241.

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

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

Feeling overwhelmed by the shift to phenomenon-based science? We've got you covered! Join us to explore a curated library of one-page tools developed by USBE and State Science Education Leaders, specifically designed to support Utah educators. These concise resources offer clear descriptions, practical rubrics, and valuable resources to help you implement three-dimensional science in your classroom. Discover how to reach and teach every student with these powerful, easy-to-use tools.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Device to access internet and google docs

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

Slides Presentation 
Utah Science Education Tools