2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

Only Purchase One Ticket for Each Individual Attendee
Full URSA 2025 Session Schedule will be published here NO LATER than June 1. Please check back soon!

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

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 →

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.

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

2:50pm MDT

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

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

Room #143

This professional learning session is designed to empower 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

Christine Elegante

K-3 Literacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Denice Maedgen

K-3 Literacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Denice Maedgen is a K-3 Literacy Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). She previously served as the USBE Coach of Coaches. Denice has a wealth of experience in education, including 9 years teaching grades 1-3, 3 years as a literacy coach, and 2 years as an elementary... Read More →

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

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

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

9:45am MDT

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

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

Room #143

Having participated in the 3-Dimensional Rural Science Teacher Grant this past year, we have crafted an intentional lesson that effectively integrates the Science and Engineering Practices, Cross Cutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Attendees will share what they have observed using a student hat and a teacher hat to experience SEEd design to create their own highly effective 3D lesson. Our example lesson “The Pressure's On: How Air Mass Movement Shapes Our Weather” aims to help students investigate and analyze data to observe the interactions between air masses that cause changes in weather conditions (Utah 6.3.2, ESS2.C, Ess2.D, MS-ESS2-5).

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

Jan Hermansen

Science Teacher, South Summit School District

I have taught 7th grade science, chemistry, physics, 6-12 math, STEAM, and middle school computer science. I enjoy being outside, reading books, and quilting when I am not busy acquiring new skills for my career.

Kaylei Jones

Teacher, San Rafael Middle School

I have taught a variety of subjects and elementary grades. This year, I am teaching science and English.

Westen Miller

Teacher, Fairview Elementary

I have taught 6th grade science and math.

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

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

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

11:10am MDT

A Love Affair With Picture Books Across the Standards

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

Room #143

Join us for an exciting session where you will discover how picture books can support the Utah Core Standards across all subjects! You will leave with fun ideas that can be applied to any picture books you own, as well as a wealth of book titles to add to your wish list!

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

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

Speakers

Teresa Pugmire

PreK-12 Learning Coach, Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Teresa serves as a Learning Coach for rural schools in northeastern Utah. In her role, she supports teachers, coaches, and administrators in enhancing literacy and math outcomes for their schools. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University, where she teaches... Read More →

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

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

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

1:40pm MDT

Playful Pathways: Teaching Science of Reading Using Developmentally Informed Interactions

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

Room #143

During this session, we will focus our energy on beginning to address the challenges of teaching the science of reading skills in a developmentally appropriate manner. Discover how these skills connect across different age groups and engage in meaningful conversations about their development. We will define these skills in the context of child development and collaborate on strategies to seamlessly integrate Science of Reading instruction into play-based learning experiences for children from preschool through 3rd grade.

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

Jared Lisonbee

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Cristina Barrera

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

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

Thursday July 10, 2025 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, ESL, Instructional Coaching
Audience Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level PK - 2

3:10pm MDT

How to Improve Fluency through Partner Reading-Paragraph Shrinking

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT

Room #143

Melinda and her Early Learning Coach, Dina will share how they improved her students fluency and retell by using partner reading-paragraph shrinking. They will give information on how to implement this in a classroom, what they learned, and how to adjust it to meet the needs of students. This strategy is for an entire class who has a median composite score 51% or below or if you have seven students below benchmark proficiency on Acadiance Benchmark Data. This strategy is aligned with the Science of Reading and can be found in the book titled, Seven Mighty Moves by Lindsey Kemeny.

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

Melinda Meccariello

3rd Grade Teacher, Ferron Elementary

Melinda Meccariello is a dedicated third-grade teacher at Ferron Elementary, a small rural school in Emery County. Known for her warm, nurturing personality, she has spent the last 11 years shaping young minds and fostering a love of learning in her students. With a passion for reading... Read More →

Dina Wise

Early Learning Coach, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center

Dina Wise's 20+ year educational career spans roles from paraprofessional to elementary principal and instructional coach, fueled by a passion for literacy. As a certified LETRS facilitator, she empowers teachers with effective literacy strategies. Outside of education, she's a family-oriented... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

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

9:45am MDT

Connecting to Best Practice: Small Moves for Big Effects

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT

Room #143

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

Prepare for a highly dynamic learning experience! You'll dive into practitioner reports through engaging activities featuring movement, lively discussion, and collaboration. Success means clearly seeing how research validates elements of your great work. You’ll identify one small, powerful shift you can immediately apply for significant results in your own context. With choice in topics relevant to teachers, administrators, and stakeholders, this is personalized, practical professional growth. Leave inspired and equipped to make a big difference with a focused change!

NOTE: This session repeats on Thursday, July 10 at 1:40 pm in Room 242.

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, Windows Tablet / Smartphone, Chromebook, Any device for viewing pdf files (not mandatory)

Speakers

Meghan Everette

Director of Teaching and Learning, Utah State Board of Education

Friday July 11, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

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

11:00am MDT

School Attendance and the Effect on Risk and Protective Factors

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT

Room #143

A team approach to addressing chronic absenteeism in schools, specifically in the early learning grades. Students who are chronically absent in the early learning grades of K-3, where students are learning to read, are at extreme risk of developing large gaps in their learning. These gaps manifest themselves in the later grades when students are reading to learn. Additionally, research has shown that absenteeism is a learned behavior that begins in the early, learning to read, grades. Research has linked chronic absenteeism to adolescent risk taking behavior that increases the probability that a student will drop out of school and/or end up in the juvenile justice system.

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

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

Speakers

Phillip Bertoch

Human Resources Director, Duchesne County School District

Phillip is a career educator with over twenty-nine years of experience. Fourteen of those years were spent teaching high school Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics, in both Duchesne County School District and the Kingdom of Tonga. Phillip spent four years as an adjunct... Read More →

Friday July 11, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room #143 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

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

Learning Strand or Track Other
Subject Area Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health
Audience All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

From $50.00

Select ticket

2025 Utah Rural Schools Conference

1:30pm MDT

Dr. Dale Cox

Meghan Everette

2:50pm MDT

Christine Elegante

Denice Maedgen

9:45am MDT

Jan Hermansen

Kaylei Jones

Westen Miller

11:10am MDT

Teresa Pugmire

1:40pm MDT

Jared Lisonbee

Cristina Barrera

Katrina Herd

3:10pm MDT

Melinda Meccariello

Dina Wise

9:45am MDT

Meghan Everette

11:00am MDT

Phillip Bertoch

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