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

Empowering Student Sensemaking: A Student-Driven Approach to Learning

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT

Room #232

This presentation will explore the transformative power of student-driven learning in fostering sensemaking in the classroom. Drawing on practical examples and research-based insights, the presentation will highlight how student-centered strategies, supported by technology like Nearpod, can empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and construct meaningful understanding.

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

Lora Gibbons

Senior Technical Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Lora Gibbons is a UEN trainer dedicated to helping educators create exciting learning experiences for their students. Lora earned a master's degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology from the University of Utah and a bachelor's degree in Biology Composite Teaching... Read More →

Wednesday July 9, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room #232 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 Educational Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Science, STEM / STEAM
Audience Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Grade Level All Grade Levels

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

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.

Learning Strand or Track Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Other
Subject Area Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Adult Education, Leadership
Audience Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Grade Level High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

School Improvement In Successful Schools: Making Good Schools Great

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

Room #232

Speakers

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

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators

11:10am MDT

Leading Deeper Learning with Deeper Purpose

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

Room #232

If we want to accomplish our USBE portrait of a graduate in every school and every classroom for every student, we cannot teach and lead the way we have always taught and led. Explore some first steps to cultivating an environment conducive to deeper learning imbued with an inspiring higher purpose for both students and educators.

Speakers

David Boren

Assistant Clinical Professor, Brigham Young University

David Boren grew up on a small farm in Northern Idaho before heading to BYU to study elementary education. He loved his years in the public schools as a teacher and administrator, and during those years worked on a master’s and PhD in Educational Leadership from BYU. He is now starting... Read More →

Thursday July 10, 2025 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room #232 1750 Kearns Blvd, Park City, UT 84060

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Learning Strand or Track Leadership

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

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

Learning Strand or Track Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators

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

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.

Learning Strand or Track Leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Subject Area Career and Technical Education, Leadership
Audience District / School Administrators, All of the above
Grade Level All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

PBL Reimagined - Unleashing Student Potential through EdTech & Community Impact

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

Room #232

Engaging students through a project-based learning (PBL) approach allows them to take an active role in their education, fostering curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. In this workshop, we will explore the research behind PBL and examine its real-world applications in the classroom.

Participants will begin by reviewing key studies that highlight the benefits of PBL, including increased student engagement, deeper content retention, and improved problem-solving skills. We will also examine examples of PBL projects and implementation, analyzing what makes these projects effective and how they can be adapted for different subjects and grade levels.

This session will also provide practical strategies for incorporating PBL into daily instruction, regardless of constraints such as time, curriculum requirements, or student readiness. Educators will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities, brainstorm project ideas, and apply a framework for designing meaningful, student-driven learning experiences.

Additionally, we will discuss ways to integrate emerging technologies, including AI tools, to enhance PBL and support students in their inquiry process. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with concrete strategies and resources to create engaging, inquiry-based learning environments that empower students to take ownership of their education.

Whether you are new to PBL or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide valuable insights and tools to make project-based learning a transformative experience in your classroom.

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