2024 Utah Rural Schools Conference: Full Schedule

11:00am MDT

Conference Registration and Badge Pick-Up

Monday July 15, 2024 11:00am - 4:00pm MDT
RHS Commons Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84869

Registration

Host Organization URSA
Company Registration
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

12:00pm MDT

Conference Welcome & Keynote Speaker: Tami Pyfer

Topic TBD

Speakers

Tami Pyfer

Chief of Staff and VP External, UNITE

Tami Pyfer is the Chief of Staff and VP External for UNITE - a national organization seeking to ease division across political and cultural differences. Tami is also the co-creator of the Dignity Index, an eight-point scale for measuring the dignity or contempt in the language we... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:25pm MDT
RHS Auditorium Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84867

Keynote, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Keynote
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP) General Information and Q & A

The Statewide Online Education Program enables eligible students to earn middle school and high school graduation credits through the completion of publicly funded online courses. Come learn about SOEP and ask questions about the program.

Speakers

Jill Baldwin

SOEP Education Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jill Baldwin is an Educational Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education, specifically in the Statewide Online Education Program. Jill has been in education for over 20 years and taught mathematics at public, charter, college, and online schools.

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 1:50pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Come Blast off with Mission.io (infiniD)

Turn formative assessment to a mission to the stars. Get amazing data on your students that is most valuable. This free platorm measurses your students grit, collaboration, problem solving and much much more. Come take a mission into space along with a teacher to explain the benifits of making this part of your K-8 Classroom. You will leave with the ability and desire to help your students with their journey in Science and Mathematics.

Speakers

Jason Snow

Technology Trainer, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Jason is the Regional Technology Trainer for the NUES region.

Lisa Perry

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Mac Computer Lab Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84864

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science Mathematics
Subject Teachers, Coaches
Area K-8

1:30pm MDT

Integrating Computer Science Standards in the Elementary Classroom

South Sanpete School District has created lessons plans to help elementary teachers integrate computer science standards in their classrooms. These lessons are available to all Utah teachers. Come discover how to use robotics and manipulatives to teach core subjects and computer science standards together!

Speakers

Jodi Anderson

Instructional Technology Specialist, South Sanpete School District

Jodi Anderson has been in the educational system for 36 years, teaching first grade, 4th grade, 5th grade and helping teachers with technology.

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

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.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Computer Science
Subject Teachers
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

1:30pm MDT

Mindful Teaching, Leadership, and Reflection Practices

Feeling confident and excelling personally or professionally may come off as a challenge for educators and students who do not have stress- reducing skills to fall back on. Negative academic or professional stress could then have effects on many aspects of an individual’s life, such as mental health, substance use, sleep, physical health, lackluster achievement in academics and/or personal success, and even school dropout or professional burnout (Proctor, Guttman-Lapin, & Kendrick- Dunn, 2020). How can we engage our students in pedagogical practices focused on how to support mindfulness-based learning, leadership strategies, and reflection practices within educational settings? How can educators integrate social, emotional, and academic development and learning in their teaching, leadership, and reflection practices? The primary objective of this presentation will be to empower educators and educational leaders with tools, strategies, and skills to facilitate systemic change in a positive, healthy, and sustainable way through the integration of mindfulness-based teaching, leadership, and reflection practices.
The presentation will dive into a theoretical understanding and comprehensive understanding of: (1) the science (the why) that supports the benefits and effectiveness of mindful, social, and emotional learning to support students’ growth and success within coursework; (2) practical techniques and strategies (the how) to use in educational settings to support social, emotional, and academic development cultivation and growth in education; and, (3) guidance on effective leadership strategies (the experience) to support personal and professional social, emotional, and academic development.

Speakers

Jessica Koltz

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Put Your Coding to Flight!

During this hands-on workshop participants will be introduced to CoDrone EDU drones. The CoDrone EDU is a programmable drone, meant for learning in the classroom. Code it in Python or start from the basics with block-based coding. Unique to this drone are its color sensors, a front range sensor, a bottom range sensor, among others—all usable in code.

Speakers

Nathan Wilson

Technology Integration Specialist, SESC - Southeast Education Service Center

Nathan is a Technology Integration Specialist for the Southeast Education Service Center serving Carbon, Emery, Grand, and San Juan school districts. Nathan has worked in education for over 20 years, and has been with SESC for 12 years. He is responsible for SESC’s STEM & Robotics... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Mathematics, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

RISE ELA Assessment Changes

This session will provide information around the changes to the RISE ELA assessments. These changes include new test blueprints, updates to the writing rubrics and prompts for RISE summative and benchmarks, and new item types.

Speakers

Teresa McEntire

Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Teresa McEntire is the Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. She has a master's degree in School Administration and a bachelor's in Elementary Education. She spent eleven years in the classroom in grades 3-6 and three years as an administrator... Read More →

Cydnee McCarty

Assessment Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Cydnee McCarty is the Assessment Development Coordinator for USBE.

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 118 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84786

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Assessment & Data Management
Audience Language Arts
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

1:30pm MDT

Use Your Teacher Voice! Claiming Space as Leaders & Advocates

In recent years, as attacks on teachers and public education have grown more frequent, teacher leaders have risen to advocate for our profession and positively impact education policymaking throughout the state. Join John Arthur, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, for a hands-on workshop in which you will practice using the same tools and strategies Utah’s top teacher leaders leverage every day to take the lead in education.

Speakers

John Arthur

6th Grade Teacher, 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, Co-Director of the Teacher Fellows, Director of Recruitment for the Utah National Board Coalition, Meadowlark Elementary, Salt Lake City School District

John Arthur is the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year, National Teacher of the Year Finalist, and a candidate for the Utah State Board of Education. Now in his 11th year of teaching, John is also an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Education at Westminster University, the Director... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84800

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership, Media Literacy
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Utah Microcredentials: Earning Credits and Endorsements through Self-Directed Learning

This session will explain what Utah Microcredentials are, how to earn them, and why you want them. We’ll also highlight the new AI, Ed Tech, and CTE microcredentials. At the end of the session, we’ll help you start earning your first microcredential!

Each Utah Microcredential is worth 0.5 USBE credits. Educators are self-directed learners who continually develop new skills and find innovative ways to improve their practice. The Utah Microcredentials System recognizes this and provides educators with an opportunity to earn USBE credits for this self-directed professional learning. Additionally, you can now use microcredentials to earn USBE teaching endorsements! APPEL teachers can also use microcredentials to fulfill their competencies! Utah educators can demonstrate these competencies with microcredentials as an alternative to taking courses.

A microcredential, also known as a badge, is a digital form of certification. It represents an educator’s demonstration of effective and consistent use of the target skill or concept as a part of instructional practice. Any educator in Utah’s public education system can earn Utah Microcredentials, including classroom teachers, instructional coaches, counselors, administrators, etc. Earning a microcredential provides the educator with three things: visible recognition of demonstrated competency, leadership opportunities, and USBE credit.
Learn more at https://usbe.midaseducation.com/microcredentials

Speakers

Amy Coray

Utah Microcredentials Manager, Davis School District

Amy Coray is a Professional Learning Supervisor supporting Utah Microcredentials. You can contact her with any questions about earning or developing a microcredential!

Daron Kennett

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 117 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84779

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

What is Self Care? Why is it so Important!

We will discuss what self care is and is not. We will talk about how it help to prevent burnout and how it help people interact with those around them in a positive way.

Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Sheryl Vernon is the School Psychologist at Central Utah Educational Services. She covers the assessment and intervention need for the CUES region. She loves the challenge of working with so many different students with a wide range of abilities. Sheryl loves to spend time with her... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room A 207 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84750

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

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Not Applicable
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

60 in 60: Unleashing the 4C's with Google Tools

By attending this session, participants will be able to harness Google tools and applications to better personalize student learning, increase engagement, and differentiate instruction for individual students. Attendees will understand how to utilize digital tools to differentiate learning experiences for students, based on their proficiency levels by the end of this session. Participants will also understand how to utilize digital tools for accessibility and effective communication. Attendees will leave this session equipped to address individual student intervention strategies and differentiation through their implementation of digital tools. A variety of educational technology tools and applications will be shared in this session, including, but not limited to: Jamboard, Read&Write for Chrome, Workspace, and Sites. As these tools are demonstrated, attendees will learn how to create inquiry-based projects, facilitate greater collaboration, and how to intentionally design creative student learning experiences.

Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Emma Moss is a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist in Canyons School District. She serves as her district's AI project lead and pioneered the Utah AI Collaborative. Emma has a Bachelor’s in Social Science Teaching and a Master’s of Education in Learning and Technology; with... Read More →

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Kelli Cannon has been an educator for ten years, teaching upper elementary students prior to her current role as a Digital Learning Specialist. Kelli is a Utah Teacher Fellow and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, as well as endorsements in Teaching English as a... Read More →

Julie Kaster

Empower Captain and DTL Specialist, GEGUtah

Julie Kaster grew up and currently resides in Logan, Utah. From a young age, she knew that reading and writing were a passion of hers, which helped her make her dream of teaching Language Arts a reality. Julie completed her studies at Utah State University and Southern Utah University... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room A 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84736

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

A Collaborative Discussion about Public Education, Choice, Innovation and Partnerships

In an era where public education is seeing an ongoing decline in enrollment, this time will be a vital exploration into sustaining its viability amidst rapid change. We delve into the shifting educational landscape, and what public education looks like. Together, we discuss challenges posed by competitive market-driven approaches and explore the impact on schools and districts.
Through collaborative dialogue, we will identify obstacles and hurdles unique to your context, identifying tools to navigate them effectively. Drawing from current data and best practices, we uncover underutilized assets within your reach, empowering you to optimize resources and maximize impact.
We ask what a future-ready educational system looks like. How can we ensure our institutions represent and offer the best to students amidst increasing choices?
Join this group for a dynamic conversation about innovative strategies and practical approaches to sustain and enhance public education in today's fast-paced environment. Together, let's redefine success and chart a course toward a thriving future for public education.\

Speakers

Cassie Hays

M.Ed.

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 109 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84772

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

APPEL-SpEd -Professional Licensure Path for Paraeducator

The Alternate Path to Professional Educator Licensure for Special Education (APPEL-SpEd) can help Special Education Paraeducators who already have a bachlor's degree to become licensed special educators. This session is meant for administrators who want to know more about the APPEL-SpEd pathway.

Speakers

Kathleen Webb

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room A 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84715

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Special Education
Subject District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Beaver District’s Cellular Network – Wireless Access for Students and Teachers

Beaver school district in partnership with UEN is developing a Private Cellular Network that is helping provide network access for students and educators for on-line, anywhere and at any time education. Whether it’s students learning at home or on the go, collaborating over video, or accessing cloud-hosted educational tools, education is now needed anyplace and anytime. Using Private Cellular across a district is a cost-effective and highly reliable way to connect students, teachers and administrators to each other and the school network resources. This network is helping to ensure equitable access to educational resources for all students. Come, learn about and discuss this new project/service.

Speakers

Lane Limb

Technology Specialist, Beaver County School District

Ian Spaulding

Technology Specialist, Beaver County School District

David Long

Superintendent, Beaver County School District

I've been involved in schools and technology since my first day on the job in 1993. I have lead technology initiatives in four school districts, implemented one-to-one programs, worked with premiere team members developing access through everything from hot spots to the use of CBRS... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room G 103 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84846

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Career and Technical Education, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Classroom A.I. Magic with Adobe

Adobe has fully embraced Artificial Intelligence and embedded it into many of its most popular creative tools. Come learn how the A.I. tools in Adobe Firefly, Photoshop, and Express can empower you and your students to be even more creative. Even though these A.I tools can be engaging, the benefits go way beyond entertainment. Come learn how Adobe A.I. can open up new possibilities for teachers to teach and students to learn creatively and effectively. All three of these Adobe tools have web-based versions, so they work well on Chromebooks as well as other computers. Public school teachers of grades K-12 and public school students in grades 7-12 have been provided access to each of these powerful tools.

Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Rob taught Spanish and Language Arts for 6 years. For the last 16 years, he's been teaching teachers how to integrate technology effectively into their curriculum. During his time at UEN, he's presented at URSA, UELMA, UCET, ISTE, FETC, UFLA, and the CTE conferences many times.

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room A 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84730

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Closing the Digital Divides

Closing the Digital Divides: How the NETP, Technology Inventory and AI Guidance can support teaching and learning.
Discover how the new 2024 National Educational Technology Plan, the 2023 Utah School Technology Inventory Report, and Utah’s AI Framework for P-12 Education are working together to close the digital divides. Learn how these initiatives are addressing disparities in access, use, and design of technology in education, and leave with actionable strategies for integrating technology into your classroom. Gain insights into how these efforts are driving innovation and empowering students and educators alike.

Speakers

Rick Gaisford

Educational Technology Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

With over 35 years of experience in education, Rick Gaisford has been at the forefront of the field of educational technology. He has worked to integrate technology into teaching and learning, making a significant impact at the classroom, school, district, and state levels.He has... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Audience Not Applicable
Subject District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Inquiry Strategies to Engage Localized Learning

Engage your students with Utah-centered learning beyond 4th and 7th grade. Localize student learning to connect Utah with US history, geography, E/LA and more! Free inquiry-driven resources from the Utah Historical Society can help you bring learning home for your students. You will leave this session with classroom-ready resources and hands-on activities from the I Love Utah History website, rural life in Utah, and primary source analysis tools from National History Day Utah. Use this toolkit of content, activities, and strategies to engage and empower your young detectives to find themselves in Utah’s past and present. For upper elementary through secondary.

Speakers

Wendy Rex-Atzet

Director of K-12 Initiatives, National History Day State Coordinator, Utah Historical Society

Wendy Rex Atzet, Ph.D., is a public historian at the Utah Historical Society, where she manages public history and National History Day® programs. She has almost 15 years’ experience as an NHD state coordinator in Utah and Colorado. She serves on the National History Day (NHD... Read More →

PhD

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Social Studies
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

Lessons from a Middle School Family Engagement Pilot Program

In this interactive session, participants will learn about effective strategies and key lessons learned from the Partnerships for Middle School Success (PMSS) family and community engagement pilot program. This program was funded by Senate Bill 184 in 2021 to increase student success, advance school improvement efforts, and strengthen family and community partnerships in middle and junior high schools across Utah. The project involved collaboration between WestEd, the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC), and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Using an interactive note-taking workbook, participants will learn about key findings from the two-year pilot, which included rural schools. The presentation will include strategies for engaging families at the middle school level in five areas:
• Creating a Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team, including school leaders, school staff, parents/family members, and community partners • Enhancing annual family events and planning new events to expand family attendance, involvement, and knowledge about various topics (e.g., student and family wellness, grading platforms)
• Hosting orientation events and sharing transition information/resources with students and families to specifically support transitions into and out of middle school/junior high
• Providing professional development and ongoing support for school staff to understand and implement best practices in family engagement at the middle school/junior high level
• Refining communication between schools/teachers and families to better meet the school community’s needs and preferences

Speakers

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Cori Groth, Ph.D., is the Associate Director at the Utah Educational Policy Center at the University of Utah of Utah, working with the Bridgeworks team and the Research & Evaluation Team to support educational and community-based organizations in improving programs, policies, and... Read More →

Lisa Wisham

Senior School Support and Research Associate and School and District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Lisa Wisham, M.Ed., is a Senior School Support and Research Associate and School and District Improvement Specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) at the University of Utah. Lisa believes that helping others make intentional connections to align their work around shared... Read More →

Emily McDowell

Research and Evaluation Associate, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Emily McDowell, M.S., is a Research and Evaluation Associate who works with the UEPC Research and Evaluation Team to support the ongoing development and improvement of data-driven educational policies, programs, and practices. Emily uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room A 203 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84723

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

1:30pm MDT

Let's Talk: Cultivating Classroom Culture with Purpose!

In this interactive experience, we'll show you practical strategies to foster meaningful student discussions while ensuring every voice is heard. Learn how to shift the responsibility from teacher to student, empowering them to take ownership of their learning. We'll explore engaging activities to promote participation, empathy, and community building, addressing the challenge of student disengagement head-on. Join us and transform your classroom into a place where students are excited to learn and participate

Speakers

Julie Lundell

Teacher Evaluation and Retention Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Julie Lundell is the USBE specialist over teacher retention and evaluations. She was hired specifically to oversee this work in 2023. Prior to her current position, she served as an elementary school principal, assistant principal, instructional coach, and teacher in the Davis School... Read More →

Melanie Durfee

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84792

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Instructional Coaching
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:30pm MDT

School Improvement & "The Secret Sauce"

Is it possible to make rapid and significant improvement in your school’s systems? The answer is yes. The challenge is where to begin and how to identify steps that lead to academic growth. This session will not only explore the steps taken by a school that led to effective school improvement, but will also leave you with the strategies required to begin making decisions toward improvement in your own school systems AND a checklist of action steps to begin your work.

Speakers

Julie Neilson

Principal, Ogden School District

Julie is a teacher at heart. She began her educational journey as an elementary classroom teacher. Her experience also includes working with multiple elementary schools as a district literacy specialist, elementary & secondary building administration, and providing leadership for... Read More →

Kaytlin McDonough

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Assessment & Data Management
Audience Language Arts, Mathematics, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

1:30pm MDT

Unlocking the Potential of Blended Learning

This session is intended to give K-12 educators an enhanced comprehension of blended learning models, with the Rotation Model being a primary example. We will go over how to maintain the positive aspects of teaching while also selecting the technology most appropriate to give students the opportunities to make choices, express themselves, and alter their path and speed. Furthermore, we will provide a simulation of a rotation model to give those participating an idea of how to use blended learning models with their students.

Speakers

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Sr. Technical Instructor, UEN - Utah Education Network

Kayla Towner is a technology specialist and product manager of Utah’s Online School Library at Utah Education Network (UEN) and a Teacher Fellow. She has a Master’s Degree in the Arts of Teaching from Westminster College. Kayla is passionate about implementing learning that focuses... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84812

2 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.

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

An Introduction to Personalized Competency Based Learning

This session is meant to serve as an introduction to teachers, administrators and District/Charter leaders to Personalized Competency Based Learning (PCBL). We'll discuss how this initiative interfaces with Utah's Portrait of a Graduate (POG) and explore how PCBL can help educators and educational systems can create cognitively rigorous learning experiences for each one of their students. We'll touch on a treasure trove of resources along the way, including Utah's POG, PCBL Framework, the PCBL Needs Assessment, Content Frameworks, and the Evidence Based Practice Implementation Guides.

Speakers

Nathan Auck

STEM Coordinator and PCBL Specialist, USBE - 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 →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 211 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84818

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Engaging Science with Art Integration

What better way to increase engagement than engaging the Arts. This workshop will give you an Science and Art integrated lesson you can use in any grade level. We will examine the art work of Sue Coccia, enhance our noticing and discussion skills, as well as create an individual piece of art. Our art work will be inspired by her style. This lesson integrates art and science and will increase your knowledge of animal habitats and predator/ prey relationships. Participants will walk away with a great lesson for 2nd grade through high school aged students, as well as a personal masterpiece/ example. There will also be a raffle for an adult coloring book of Sue Coccia's art.

Speakers

Liz Brown

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 213 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84830

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Science
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

1:30pm MDT

Using Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) in Schools

TBRI® is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to support all children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. Though originally designed to meet the needs of vulnerable children, TBRI can be used as a Tier 1, 2, and 3 model. It is an evidence-based method for classroom management, behavior correction, and relationship skill building.

Speakers

Heather Allred

Mental Health Counselor, North Sanpete School District

C. Kami Walker

School Psychologist, North Sanpete School District

School Psychologist

Cindy Lund

Social Worker, North Sanpete School District

Monday July 15, 2024 1:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room A 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84707

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

1:50pm MDT

Botany Boxes- from Sleuth to Scientist

Red Butte Garden's Botany Box program is SEEd aligned and offered at no cost to educators! The boxes of materials are mailed directly to you upon request and support K-4 SEEd standards and turn students into detectives, uncovering the mysteries hidden in tree rings and seeds. The kits include plant materials, a journal, and a magnifier for each student, all of which you get to keep. Additionally, the kits include easy-to-follow, standards-based curriculum, and optional follow-along videos for teachers.

Speakers

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden

Heather has over 20 years of experience in both formal and informal education K-12. Most of that has been spent in informal science education working with statewide programs that include outreach, teacher resources, professional development and writing curriculum to support state... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 1:50pm - 2:10pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

2:10pm MDT

Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP) Updates, Funding, Q & A

Come to this short presentation highlighting updates to the Statewide Online Education Program, including continued funding for students attending Small High Schools (less than 1,000 students). Any questions about the SOEP in general are also welcome at this Q & A.

Speakers

Jill Baldwin

SOEP Education Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Monday July 15, 2024 2:10pm - 2:30pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

2:30pm MDT

Refreshment Break

Monday July 15, 2024 2:30pm - 2:50pm MDT
RHS Commons Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84869

Break

Host Organization URSA
Company Break
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Prints Charming- Exploring 3D Printing in the Elementary Classroom

3D printing is revolutionizing the world. Come and see how you can incorporate 3D printing into elementary classroom curriculum, help facilitate problem solving skills, and increase student engagement. I want to showcase various ideas for design process thinking using a design challenge, Tinkercad, and other uses for 3D printing in the Elementary classroom.

Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:10pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience STEM / STEAM
Subject All of the above
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

2:50pm MDT

A Guide to Social Media Video in the Classroom

Forget about dusty lectures and passive learning! Discover how viral trends and social media videos can help to engage your students. This session dives into the world of YouTube, TikTok, and beyond. You will explore how students consume information today and learn how to curate and craft reel-style videos.

Speakers

Dani Sloan

Instructor/IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Dr. Dani Sloan helps educators lead, research, and teach digital citizenship. She's a UEN Product Manager, former Elementary Teacher, and current mom to a fifth grader. She's passionate about preparing students for a digital world, her dachshunds, and terrible reality TV.

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84792

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, STEM / STEAM, Media Literacy
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Book Creator

TBD

Speakers

Brandon Harrison

Innovation Trainer, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Brandon has been the Innovation Specialist and Technology Trainer for the CUES (Central Utah Educational Services) Region since 2015. Prior to CUES, he taught junior high school in the Murray City School District for a dozen years. Around the turn of the century, Brandon worked for... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Mac Computer Lab Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84864

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Other

2:50pm MDT

Math Tools

At Rich we have been working hard to build Math Fact Fluency through games. We screen students with Acadienne math. We also use a hiding assessment tool to track student mastery with basic math fact fluency and progress. I feel like this process has helped our students achieve greater math success. It has been a fun journey, and one that I would like to share with others.

Speakers

Jaci Keetch

District Coach, Rich School Distirct

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Mathematics
Subject Teachers, Instuctional Coachs
Area k-8

2:50pm MDT

Social and Emotional Wellness for Adolescents

Social and emotional well-being is an important aspect of adolescent health. Strong social and emotional skills can help adolescents persist through challenges, identify and manage emotions, and communicate effectively. Ensuring social and emotional learning content is accessible to all students, including diverse learners, promotes positive outcomes for all youth. Participants will walk away from this session with;
-A deeper understanding of social and emotional learning;
-Knowledge of why social and emotional learning is important in adolescence;
-Practice applying adaptations to social and emotional learning activities.

Speakers

Sarah Schafer

Adolescent Health Specialist, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Sarah Schafer, MPH, works for the Adolescent Health Program at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Through her work at the state, Sarah is able to promote improved adolescent health and well-being across the state. Sarah received her graduate degree in public health... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room A 207 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84750

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

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Other
Audience Mental/Behavioral Health, Other
Subject Teachers
Area 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

2:50pm MDT

Using Acadience Reading (ALO) to Drive Instruction

All Acadience Reading assessments starting in the 2024-2025 school year will use the Acadience Learning Online (ALO) platform. Familiarize yourself with this platform and reports and learn how to use the data to drive your literacy instruction.

Speakers

Teresa McEntire

Elementary ELA Assessment Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Cydnee McCarty

Assessment Development Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Cydnee McCarty is the Assessment Development Coordinator for USBE.

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 118 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84786

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Assessment & Data Management
Audience Language Arts
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

2:50pm MDT

We the Digital People: Creating Resources Together

Join us for an invigorating session where we dive into the integration of cutting-edge digital tools in your classrooms. This interactive presentation aims to empower educators with the knowledge and skills to harness technology for improved learning outcomes. Throughout the session, you'll explore a variety of digital tools designed to foster student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. Not only will you gain insights into incorporating these tools into your lesson plans, but also participate in an exciting, hands-on activity. This collaborative project involves creating a comprehensive resource using our specially designed template, providing a firsthand experience of the potential of digital tools. At the end of this session, you'll walk away with a co-created resource, a deeper understanding of digital tools, and a renewed excitement for teaching Social Studies in the digital age. Don't miss this chance to enhance your teaching strategies and bring new levels of interactivity to your classroom!

Speakers

Kasey Chambers

SchoolAI Consultant/Digital Learning Specialist, SchoolAI (Jordan SD)

Kasey Chambers is a Digital Learning Specialist and Coaching Specialist in Jordan School District. This is her 12th year in education. Kasey has been a digital coach for 10 of the last 12 years in education. She was the UCET 2023 Innovative Educator. She has presented dozens of times... Read More →

Traci Rindlisbach

Digital Learning and STEM Specialist, Jordan School District

Traci Rindlisbach has been on the Jordan School Digital Teaching and Learning team for two years and has been teaching for 16 years. She has presented elementary Computer Science content at UCET and Four Corners Convening and provides multiple elementary Computer Science PD for JSD... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 109 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84772

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Social Studies, World Languages
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Beyond the Myths: Real Privacy Solutions for Teachers

You have questions, we have answers! We'll discuss commonly asked privacy questions and debunk the myths that might be floating around. We'll talk about how to make sure you're following the law, but also ensuring that you are putting kids and their safety first, while making sure everyone can do their job.

Speakers

John Lyman

Student Data Privacy Specialist, USBE - 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 →

Nicole Sanchez

Student Data Privacy Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Nicole has nearly ten years of experience in public schools in Arizona and Utah, teaching English and English Language Development before becoming an instructional coach and ESL specialist in Granite School District. Nicole loves to learn and teach, and is excited to support LEAs... Read More →

Jeremy Zabriskie

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Leadership, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Burnout or Resilience: Personal and Organizational Strategies

Post-Covid, levels of burnout and stress for educators have continued to rise as we navigate challenging times. Including a discussion of recent research on burnout and Utah principals, this presentation and discussion will identify how to diagnose factors contributing to stress and burnout and how to mitigate them at both the school and individual level. Specific approaches and interventions will be presented.

Speakers

Meghan Everette

ULEAD Director, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Meghan Everette serves as the State Director of Utah Leading through Effective, Actionable, and Dynamic Education (ULEAD) at the Utah State Board of Education. She is a veteran educator and taught elementary school in the National Turnaround Model School, was a mathematics coach... Read More →

Jordan Green

Dale Cox

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84800

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject District / School Administrators, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Educator Licensing Q&A

Navigating the educator licensing system can be complicated! Participants will be able to ask their specific questions related to educator licensing and get the answers they need.

Speakers

Malia Hite

Executive Coordinator of Educator Licensing, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Malia Hite is the Executive Coordinator of Educator Licensing for the Utah State Board of Education leading Utah’s shift to a competency-based educator preparation and licensing structure. Thinking innovatively to reduce barriers to the profession and provide flexibility in... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Ensuring Student Success with Professional Learning for Paraeducators

Paraeducators (also referred to as paraprofessionals, instructional assistants, or aides) play critical roles in schools to support student success. Given their often broad and expansive responsibilities, it is also critical to provide paraeducators with the appropriate training and ongoing professional learning so they have the requisite skills and competencies to address the increasingly demanding efforts to meet students' needs. This interactive session focuses on findings from a three-year partnership between the San Juan School District and the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) to develop and facilitate a hybrid professional learning experience for paraeducators aligned with the Utah Standards for Instructional Paraeducators. Participants will hear about lessons learned in the design of professional learning for paraeducators, including the efforts to create coherence and alignment with the paraeducator professional learning and other school and district initiatives. The presentation will also include a discussion of the ways in which they overcame time and resources challenges and the development of a Canvas Course with modules aligned to the paraeducator standards to ensure the ongoing sustainability of professional learning efforts. Using a structured note-taking workbook, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the information shared in the presentation to identify strategies for designing paraeducator professional learning to improve instructional and student support practices and increase collaboration between paraeducators, classroom teachers, and school administrators in their own contexts that can lead to improved outcomes for students.

Speakers

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Kody Colvin

School and District Improvement Lead Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Kody Colvin, Ed.D., is the School and District Improvement Lead Specialist at the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) at the University of Utah. Prior to joining the UEPC in 2023, Kody spent 11 years in the Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) as a classroom teacher, instructional... Read More →

Andrea K. Rorrer

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room A 203 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84723

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Google Bake-Off

Join a highly engaging session where Google Certified educators share their favorite Google tools, tips, and features! As participants, you will learn about engaging and innovative tools and strategies. Finally, you will vote as educators compete for the coveted title of Google Gourmet Guru!

Speakers

Julie Kaster

Empower Captain and DTL Specialist, GEGUtah

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room A 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84736

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required., Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Science, Social Studies
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Lights! Camera! Curriculum!

Step into the spotlight with 'Lights! Camera! Curriculum!' - a dynamic session that brings the magic of filmmaking to any classroom. Explore innovative and engaging ways to incorporate film across diverse curriculum areas, featuring resources from UEN's Film Festival in a Box. Discover how to harness the power of various film formats, from captivating reels and thought-provoking documentaries to impactful PSAs. Join us for a cinematic journey that empowers educators to inspire creativity and critical thinking in students, making learning an unforgettable blockbuster experience!

Speakers

Katie Blunt

Senior Technical Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Katie Blunt is the UEN product manager over eMedia and hosts UEN's PDTV series. Previously, Katie worked as an Educational Technology Specialist for the Canyons School District and taught sixth grade in the Jordan School District. She served as the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience STEM / STEAM, Media Literacy
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Monroe Elementary's PLC Journey

This presentation will take participants through the process Monroe Elementary went through to establish PLC'c at their school

Speakers

Chett Heath

Principal, Monroe Elementary School

Chett Heath Started out as a Third grade teacher at Monroe Elementary where he worked for 16 years. He then became a Literacy Coach at Salina Elementary and finally came full circle becoming the principal of Monroe Elementary (the greatest school on earth)

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Leadership, Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

2:50pm MDT

Seamless Curriculum For All Grade Levels

This presentation will be about curriculum building . It will offer ideas on how to implement apps, gamify, and build engaging curriculum. It will offer some blended learning, guided learning, and collaboration pieces.

Speakers

Courtnee Justice

Language Arts teacher and Instructional Coach, Emery High School

Courtnee Justice is an educator, wife, mother, and gardener. She acts as an instructional coach at Emery High while teaching 12th grade language arts. Her teaching journey has taken her from 6th grade through 12th grade and into the instructional coaching world. She currently is a... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 117 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84779

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Music, Mathematics, Science, Instructional Coaching
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

2:50pm MDT

UPPAC and Common Ethical Pitfalls for Educators

The Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission investigates misconduct by licensed educators throughout the state. This presentation will review the educator standards and highlight the common issues that are likely to result in license discipline or other issues for educators.

Speakers

Ben Rasmussen

Director of Law and Professional Practices, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Ben Rasmussen has been with the Utah State Board of Education since 2014. He oversees the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission, works with the policy team on administrative rules, responds to GRAMA requests for the agency, and manages the State Council on Military Children... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

What’s New with the Adobe Creative Suite? Podcasting Tools, Artificial Intelligence and Animation

Utah K-12 teachers and students in grades 7-12 have free access to almost the entire Adobe Creative Suite of tools. In this session, we’ll cover some of the most recent and exciting Adobe updates and tools. You’ll learn about Adobe’s podcasting tools, how Adobe has integrated artificial intelligence into its applications, new animation tools, and more.

Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room A 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84730

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

2:50pm MDT

Why Rural Matters 2024 Report

Where does Utah rank among other states in the US? Where does Utah excel and where do we fall short? In this presentation school leaders will get an overview of the Why Rural Matters 2024 Report, hear what USBE is doing, and discuss the role of school leadership.

Speakers

Quinn Kellis

USBE School Leadership Coordinator - Rural Schools Liaison, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Quinn Kellis is a former superintendent who now serves the Utah State Board of Education in the areas of school leadership development, rural schools liaison, State Online Education Program, Accreditation, and oversees the Technology Supported Learning team. Dr. Kellis also works... Read More →

Monday July 15, 2024 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room A 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84715

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Sora, Student Reading App, beyond the library - into the classroom.

We have access to Sora, the Student Reading App, as an additional school library resource. There are also ways to utilize Sora beyond the library. Discussion will include ideas of how to use the Sora Digital Library for your students in your classrooms. K-12: Teachers, Coaches, Specialists, Counselors.

Speakers

Dawn Roberts

Media Specialist, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Dawn is the Media Specialist at NUES. She admins the NUES Sora digital library.

Monday July 15, 2024 3:10pm - 3:30pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

3:30pm MDT

Google Tips and Tricks

Everyone knows about Google Docs, Gmail, Search, and other common Google tools. But there are also lots of lesser-known tools that can be used for digital teaching and learning. In this session, learn about Google's hidden gems such as Google Arts and Culture, Google AI tools, and more. Attendees will come away with teacher time-savers and tricks to help you live your best Google life!

Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Monday July 15, 2024 3:30pm - 3:50pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Other
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

5:00pm MDT

Evening Activity: Street Festival at City Park with local high school bands

Street Festival at City Park with local high school bands

Monday July 15, 2024 5:00pm - 9:00pm MDT
Richfield City Park 400 North Main St., Richfield, UT 84870

Evening Activity

Host Organization URSA
Company Evening Activity
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

7:00pm MDT

Evening Activity: Ice Cream Social at City Park

Ice Cream Social at City Park

Monday July 15, 2024 7:00pm - 8:30pm MDT
Richfield City Park 400 North Main St., Richfield, UT 84870

Evening Activity

Host Organization URSA
Company Evening Activity
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

8:00am MDT

Keynote Speaker: Josh Shipp

Relationships Relationships Relationships - Sticking with it even when it gets difficult. Also, we'll see the URSA 2025 Video Presentation, with Conference Business and Introduction of Keynote & Keynote Sessions

Speakers

Josh Shipp

Statistically, Josh Shipp should be dead, in jail, or homeless. But his success as a preeminent author, speaker, and global youth empowerment expert is living proof of the power of one caring adult. A former at-risk foster kid turned youth advocate, Josh is renowned for the documentary... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 8:00am - 9:30am MDT
RHS Auditorium Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84867

Keynote, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Keynote
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

2024 Legislative Session and How it Impacts You

This session will highlight specific new laws or rules that are likely to impact you at the school level as a building leader. This is a great opportunity to learn about new opportunities as well as to be proactive with forthcoming changes. There were over 166 bills passed this session related to education so you can expect some changes to your work. There will also be time for you to ask questions you may have about the new laws.

Speakers

Jennifer Throndsen

Director of Teaching and Learning, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Jennifer Throndsen is an experienced educator currently serving at the Utah State Board of Education as the Director of Teaching and Learning. Driven by impacting student learning, she takes pride in developing and designing policy, resources, and supports to help other educators... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84715

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership

9:45am MDT

Building Collective Efficacy through Observable Impact

So, you've heard about the power of collective efficacy? What does it really mean and how do you build it? Join me as we delve into a greater understanding of the idea of joint work and successful implementation of collaborative groups. See how this work shapes school culture and nurtures communities that collaboratively work towards shared goals. Learn about the enabling conditions that foster collective efficacy and practical tips and strategies to collect data for observable impact to enhance collective efficacy within your school community. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/13fC7rIW6O2GIfJT2Qxwke7Q0jNHhiTiVQM8cZht9NOQ/preview?usp=sharing

Speakers

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Katie Jones has been an educator and instructional coach in Utah for 28 years in both elementary and secondary classrooms. She is currently serving as the USBE Educator Development Specialist and is passionate about mentoring and supporting educators across the state of Utah.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Leadership, Not Applicable
Subject District / School Administrators, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Creating Robust Mental Health Frameworks to Support Students’ Well-Being

In this presentation we will share best practices for educators, school mental health professionals, and administrators to establish effective mental health systems that allow them to implement school/district-wide mental health promotion, prevention, and intervention activities. While system-level work takes time to develop and implement, it has the capacity to serve all students, is sustainable, and cost-effective. We will review selected domains of a comprehensive school mental health system (CSMHS) and share examples of practice from partnerships with rural Utah schools. We will also share helpful resources that schools can access for knowledge and practice.

Speakers

Jenna McGinnis

Deputy Coordinator of Clinical Training and Supervision, University of Utah

Jenna received her Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of Minnesota after completing her doctoral internship at the Munroe Meyer Institute. Prior to that, she received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Jenna’s professional interests... Read More →

Molly Davis

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, University of Utah

Molly completed her Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Utah Honors College. She later completed her Master's of Social Work at the University of Utah and a certificate of study in Refugee and Migration Studies from Oxford University. Molly has a passion... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84707

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Difficult Conversations – Tools For Communicating When The Sakes Are High

Tony's interactive presentation on engaging appropriately in crucial conversations will focus on the critical role that effective communication plays in personal and professional success. He will explain the concept of crucial conversations and highlight their significance in various aspects of life, including relationships, education, and leadership.

Tony will lead a discussion on how training in crucial conversations can help individuals develop the skills needed to engage in difficult conversations with confidence and skill. This include techniques for managing emotions, listening actively, and communicating assertively.

The presentation will also explore the benefits of training in crucial conversations, such as improved decision-making, increased productivity, and stronger relationships. Tony will provide activities and examples of situations where training in crucial conversations would be particularly helpful, such as negotiating a raise or resolving a conflict with a coworker.

This presentation will emphasize the importance of investing in training in crucial conversations as a way to improve communication skills and achieve greater success in both personal and professional endeavors.

Speakers

Tony Pellegrini

Professor and Department Chair, Southern Utah University

Dr. 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... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 203 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84723

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject District / School Administrators

9:45am MDT

Fluent Reading Is Not Just Fast Reading

This session will help all educators understand the link between fluent reading and reading comprehension. Participants will receive hands-on practice to take back to their classroom that will significantly impact student reading comprehension and they will also see significant growth as measured in Acadience Reading.

Speakers

Teresa Pugmire

Early Learning Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Teresa is an experienced educator who has worked as a teacher in Kindergarten, 1st, 4th, & 5th grades. She has been a literacy coach for Jordan School District, and Wasatch School District and is currently an Early Learning Coach for Northeastern Utah Educational Services where she... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

9:45am MDT

How to Supercharge Learning and Engagement Through the Arts

BTS Arts and POPS Residencies in Your School
How to Supercharge Learning and Engagement Through the Arts
The Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program (BTS Arts) provides arts-integrated instruction to elementary students, effectively increasing student performance in every subject—from language arts and social studies to math and science. BTS Arts is currently in 480 Utah elementary schools in 36 districts, including over 45 charter schools, and is serving over 260,000 students. For smaller and more rural schools, funding is available for artists-in-residence programs to provide hands-on art making and creative activities for your school.
Professional Outreach Program in the Schools (POPS) brings professional arts organizations’ educational programs to schools for free or subsidized costs. POPS supports the state’s core arts standards by providing arts education opportunities to all Utah schools. Fifteen POPS organizations are available to provide lecture demonstrations or assemblies, arts instruction in the classroom, teacher professional development workshops, concerts, and performances.
In this workshop you’ll learn how to involve your school in these programs. BTS Arts and POPS includes residencies, programs and/or performances in your school in the following disciplines: Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, or Visual Arts. This workshop will also provide other resources and tips to easily bring hands-on creativity into your classrooms. These programs can aid in building a community of active and interested learners, increase students’ sense of well-being and accomplishment by succeeding in creative activities, and can increase attendance because when students are engaged and excited to learn, attendance goes up!

Speakers

Laurie Baefsky

Fine Arts Coordinator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Laurie Baefsky joined the Utah State Board of Education in September 2023 as their new fine arts and Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program coordinator. She most recently served as dean of University of Montana’s College of the Arts and Media and was previously with... Read More →

Lisa Cluff

Executive Director, Art Works for Kids & Friends of BTS

Lisa Cluff has been part of Art Works for Kids since its inception in 1995, and became executive director of the organization in 2008. In this position, Lisa works closely with educational institutions and arts organizations across the state to advance arts in Utah. Art Works for... Read More →

Liz Brown

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Audience Performing Arts / Visual Arts, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

9:45am MDT

PBS Storymaker: A Project-based Approach to Empowering Young Storytellers

Join Katie to learn about an innovative approach to student broadcast journalism, highlighting the transformative potential of project-based learning. We'll explore how to leverage the dynamic PBS Storymaker platform as a rich resource for educators and students, enabling them to create, curate, and share multimedia content. Attendees will discover how this approach to media education fosters critical thinking, digital literacy, and storytelling skills in students, enhancing their engagement and readiness for the digital age while providing teachers with a powerful toolkit for facilitating experiential learning in the field of journalism and media production.

Speakers

Katie Blunt

Senior Technical Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Language Arts, Career and Technical Education
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Physical Education Standards in Education-Based Athletics

What every administrator needs to know about Athletics and PE! Athletes are our AP (advanced placement) Physical Education students! We need to provide rigorous physical education (instruction) to advanced students along with their competitive play. Students need to learn the Physical Education core standards just like their peers. This is a collaborative presentation from USBE and UIAAA (Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association). Our presentation clarifies Physical Education graduation requirements in relation to athletic participation, Board Rule for giving graduation credits, and the need for more professional learning for Athletic Administrators and coaches. We explore how Education-based athletics impacts graduation rates, GPA, attendance, and enhancing the culture of a school.

Speakers

Everett Kelepolo

President of UIAAA, Utah Interscholastic Administrators Association

Principal at Springville High

Teri Davis

Physical Education Specialist, USBE and UIAAA

Teri has been teaching for over 20 years. She has taught at every grade level along with Adapted Physical Education. She has coached and officiated volleyball, basketball, softball, and track. She is the Physical Education Specialist and Curriculum Content Specialist for the Utah... Read More →

Jamie Sheetz

Athletic Administrator, Park City High School

Jamie Sheetz has been Athletic and Activities Director at Park City High School since 2013. He is a Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA) through the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and a Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC) through the National... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 118 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84786

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.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Other
Audience Health and Physical Education, Other
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Area High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Snow College and completing Education Degrees without leaving Rural Utah

The teacher shortage in Utah is something that all districts must deal with. Statistically, rural districts have a greater challenge recruiting and keeping their teachers. One of the reasons that it can be difficult to recruit teachers is that the great talent that we have in rural areas often have to go to the cities to complete their Bachelor’s and are recruited over there to be teachers. We believe it is important that rural regions have access to 4-year degrees that can be completed in person. This would empower rural Utah to be able to retain more of the great teaching talent that it develops. This last year, the Education program of Snow College has been busy building relationships with Universities in Utah in order to provide options for Bachelor’s programs that would allow students to remain in our region. This presentation will discuss the partnerships Snow College has established with SUU and UVU that will provide traditional students and paraprofessionals in the regions served by Snow College online and onsite options to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In addition to presenting the programs that have been established we also will seek feedback from educators to help shape how we continue to develop this going forward.

Speakers

Dr. David J. Rodríguez Sanfiorenzo

Assistant Professor of Education, Snow College

David Rodríguez Sanfiorenzo is an Assistant Professor of Education at Snow College. He has an Ed. D in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Puerto Rico. Prior to joining the team at Snow, he worked in Faculty Development at Salt Lake Community College and, before that... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject All of the above
Area Not Applicable

9:45am MDT

Social Mediocracy

Education is in competition with twenty-second snippets of information being pumped to smart devices through addictive algorithms with sound, color, graphics and an immediate social barometer for value, importance, and likeability. And, I’ve got to tell you, teachers are losing. They just aren’t as animated, unpredictable, or addictive as TikTok. Not to mention, have you noticed that all the kids seem “off” lately? Mental health problems have skyrocketed. We’ve got 60 minutes to overview the dire situation and discuss some real solutions in your classrooms, your schools, and your communities.

Speakers

Eliza LeBeau

School Counselor

Mother to NINE and a School Counselor at a middle school, Eliza LeBeau’s favorite thing to talk about lately is social media and devices. They’re EVERYWHERE and they’re here to stay. Eliza has a master’s degree in psychology, school counseling. She has worked in schools, daycares... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 103 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84846

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Teaching Elections and Civic Engagement

As we enter an election year (and doesn’t it seem like we are always in an election year?), we have an opportunity to engage in rich discussions about current events. Unfortunately, many educators are reporting a reluctance to engage students in discussions for fear they may not be productive. We can develop the discussion skills of our students. Engaging in thoughtful discourse and basing our conversations in claims supported by reliable evidence, will help make our classrooms laboratories of democracy. This session will provide a range of specific strategies and resources you can use to support discussions, with special attention to resources to help teach about the general election.

Speakers

Robert Austin

Social Studies K-12 Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Robert Austin is the Humanities Team Coordinator at the Utah State Board of Education. His educational career started as a 7th grade English and Utah Studies teacher, and he has been in education long enough to see his former 7th graders bring their own children to middle school state... Read More →

Stephan Seabury

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Social Studies

9:45am MDT

The 17 Ways to Submit Assignments into Canvas

TBD

Speakers

Jason Snow

Technology Trainer, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Jason is the Regional Technology Trainer for the NUES region.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Mac Computer Lab Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84864

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience All
Subject Teachers Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

The Utah Coaching Community of Practice - What We've Learned this Year

Are you trying to think more about how coaching can be most effective and impactful? Join us for a panel of coaches from our Utah Coaching Community of Practice (CoP) who can share ways they have grown as coaches through connecting to one another. We’ll share what we’ve learned this year - Embedding the Utah Effective Teaching Standards into our coaching work and how it’s helped support our educators in developing their instruction. The panel will answer questions about how they leverage the coaching competencies to focus their own development. We’ll also share how you can join the group and engage together for the upcoming year.

Speakers

Katie Dewey Hill

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 109 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84772

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Instructional Coaching
Audience Instructional Coaching
Subject District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Waterford

TBD

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 104 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84751

Exhibitor Session, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA

9:45am MDT

Adobe Fresco: Digital Drawing for the Next Generation

Students are growing up in a digital world, and their access to digital art is different than we had growing up. Adobe Fresco is a tool that, when used with an iPad and a stylus, can revolutionize the way students create art. And there's an undo button. Learn the basics and find ways to integrate digital art into your classroom.

Speakers

Steve Weller

Teacher, Ephraim Middle School

I have been teaching English for 16 years and digital art for four years at Ephraim Middle School. I regularly publish a webcomic and have created a series of digital temple drawings, along with digital caricatures, traditional painted murals, and have self-published several books... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84812

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Laser Focus: Limitless Possibilities. Using Google Tasks To Increase Efficacy

Learn how Secondary ELA teacher Mary Saylor helped her students to increase their confidence by 46% and their positive feelings about school by almost 70%. In conducting an action research study through Southern Utah University, Saylor identified 5 strategies to increase student efficacy, particularly in at-risk students. She calls these strategies “The Skills of Confidence,” and both teachers AND students will benefit from learning these step-by-step strategies.
Participants in this session will be able to answer the following questions through an interactive discussion panel:
- How can I model efficacy by learning and practicing the skills of confidence?
- How can I teach the skills of confidence to my students?
- How can I decrease task avoidance and absenteeism in my students?
- How can I increase metacognition in my students by utilizing Google Tasks?
- How can I incorporate the “Hard/Easy, Easy/Hard” metacognitive processing approach in every unit?

Speakers

Mary Saylor

Secondary ELA Teacher, Launch High School

Mary Saylor has taught in Southern Utah for 15 years. She graduated with honors from Southern Utah University, earning a BFA of English and a Master’s of Education. She spent 8 years teaching 8th grade ELA before taking a pivotal role in the design and development of Launch High... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room A 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84736

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Instructional Coaching
Audience Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Learning How to be Diagnostic. Evidence-Based Intervention Made Easy and How to Intensify the Intervention for Each Tier.

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 (being diagnostic) and then adjust it in intensity. Attendees, please be prepared to share information about successes and failures with the intervention (in confidence)

Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 211 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84818

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Aligning Curriculum with the Utah Early Learning Standards

In this session, participants will collaborate to better facilitate effective learning in enriching classroom environments through intentionally planned curriculum and experiences grounded in knowledge of how children learn and develop. They will identify ways to align lesson plans with the Utah Early Learning Standards.

Speakers

Cristina Barrera

Preschool Education Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Cristina Barrera is a graduate of National Louis University, receiving a master’s degree in Early Childhood Administration and a bachelor’s degree with Honors in Psychology from the University of New Mexico. She is originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico. For almost 20 years, Cristina... Read More →

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Katrina Herd 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 →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 117 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84779

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Mathematics
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Area PK - 2

9:45am MDT

Crash Course AI

Join us for a 2-hour in-depth exploration workshop titled "Crash Course AI", where we'll dive into the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence and its transformative potential in education. Our journey will begin with a foundational understanding of what AI is, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of its applications within education. This workshop is designed for a diverse audience, including Library Media Specialists, Teachers, and Administrators, aiming to equip each participant with the knowledge and tools to navigate and leverage AI in their respective roles.
We will explore a range of AI tools including SchoolAI, MagicSchoolAI, Curipod, Chat For Schools, and Google’s AI Experiments. We will be discussing their purpose and how they can be integrated into educational practices to enhance learning, teaching, and administrative operations. The workshop includes interactive segments tailored to the specific interests and needs of different educational roles. In addition, we'll engage in a discussion debrief, reflecting on the insights gained and how they can be applied in real-world educational settings. The session will conclude with an overview of practical applications of AI in education, leaving participants inspired and ready to explore the possibilities.

Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District

Gretchen Zaitzeff has over 15 years of experience in school libraries across multiple states and educational levels. Currently the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, she holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Brigham Young University... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room A 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84730

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Media Literacy, Other
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Engage Learners with Stories: Role Playing Games in Your Classroom

Role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons are a wonderful way to provide opportunities for students to learn storytelling, collaboration and communication in a classroom environment. Through learning-by-doing, participants in this session will learn how to create and play a classroom role-playing game with students.

Speakers

Matthew Winters

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room A 207 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84750

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Give Yourself Permission

Education is not an easy field to work in. It doesn't matter if you are the classroom teacher, the principal, the counselor, or the volunteer, many are facing emotional and physical challenges that make it difficult to show up consistently, every day. Participants, in any role, will personally reflect on what they are doing, why they are doing it, and permit themselves to show up for themselves so they can show up for others.

Speakers

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 →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Mathing Around with Robotics

Calling all K-12 math teachers! Ready to supercharge your curriculum with a dynamic duo: math and robotics? Join us for a two-hour hands-on workshop where you will rotate through three different robotic centers. You'll be grouped with educators in your age-level (elementary, middle, or high school). It’s time to power up your math instruction and boost math engagement with robots!

Speakers

Dani Sloan

Instructor/IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Sr. Technical Instructor, UEN - Utah Education Network

Braxton Thornley

Senior Technology Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Braxton specializes in using technology to personalize learning by leveraging tools within Canvas LMS, artificial intelligence and Google Workspace suite. He enjoys working with teachers one-on-one to help them create safe, organized and engaging classrooms. Before joining UEN's professional... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84792

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Mathematics, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Polleneighbors- Pollinating Minds, Growing Scientists

Come have fun while engaging in discussions and hands-on activities that use things like 3D printed pollen, digital microscopes and preserved flowers from Red Butte Garden. Explore and illuminate structures, functions, and patterns in plants, pollinators, and their habitats. This session focuses on 2nd grade Life Science SEEd standards, and provides unique resources and curriculum that prepares you to grow the scientists in your classroom. Materials are available statewide.

Speakers

Heather Paulsen

Teacher Resource Coordinator, Red Butte Garden

Tuesday July 16, 2024 9:45am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 213 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84830

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Area PK - 2

10:45am MDT

Networking and Refreshment Break

Networking and refreshment break

Tuesday July 16, 2024 10:45am - 11:10am MDT
RHS Commons Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84869

Break

Host Organization URSA
Company Break
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Engaging Learning Adventures: Escape Rooms and Scavenger Hunts

The session would begin with a brief discussion of when and how escape rooms and scavenger hunts can be used with students: to introduce new material and/or review material previously learned.
This would be followed by having attendees participate in a scavenger hunt/escape room with several different types of clues. This allows participants to experience a variety of question types – some review and some new material. It also lets them see how the Google Form can be used to create a digital escape room.
We would then go through each of the question types together, giving participants time to brainstorm ideas of when/how they could use this in their classes as well as time to create clues using templates I would provide.
The goal is that participants leave with an outline of a scavenger hunt/escape room they can use in their classrooms when school starts. They will also leave with a variety of templates for different clue styles and the knowledge of how to set up a Google Form for a digital escape room.

Speakers

Kristin Van Brunt

Instructional Coach, Mueller Park Junior High

Kristin van Brunt began her educational journey as an English/Language Arts and Spanish teacher in the Davis School District 30 years ago. Over the years, she has discovered and developed a passion for professional learning and helping teachers continue to grow throughout their careers... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

Educator Licensing: What is your path to a Professional License?

Educator Licensing Q&A

Speakers

Malia Hite

Executive Coordinator of Educator Licensing, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Other
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Empower Yourself and Your Students with National Board Certification

Are you interested in elevating your teaching practice and becoming a teacher leader in Utah? National Board Certification is for you! There is a decade of research to support the impact that Board-certified teachers have on students. Students of Board-certified teachers learn more than their peers without Board-certified teachers. Studies have also found that the positive impact of having a Board-certified teacher is even greater for BiPOC and low-income students. Teachers who have gone through the Board certification process say that it is the most valuable and transformative professional development they have ever received. The opportunity to connect professional learning with classroom practice brings to life a teacher’s experience, helping them reflect on individual student learning needs. Come learn about the certification process and the resources available to support Utah teachers pursuing their certification. Participants will receive information about available cohorts, USBE credits, financial assistance to pay for certification, and stipends available to educators once certified. Your journey starts here!

Speakers

Tony Zani

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 118 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84786

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

I Just Have Big Emotions, Okay?!: Building Emotional Literacy Through Interactive Read-Alouds

Because rural schools often lack effective behavioral and mental health resources, the responsibility to care for struggling children often falls to classroom teachers. I will share how teachers can use Mo Willems picturebooks in interactive read-aloud sessions to help young children build emotional literacy: the ability to recognize, name, and understand emotions. My research found that this process can build important teacher-student relationships and give children a sense of happiness and hope.

Speakers

Amie Bigelow

First grade teacher, Manti Elementary School/Brigham Young University

I was born and raised in Arizona and completed a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at BYU in 1997. Ten years ago, I moved to Manti, Utah, and have loved being part of the faculty at Manti Elementary School. During my fifteen year teaching career, I have taught grades K-3 in... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room A 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84707

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

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Language Arts, Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Teachers
Area PK - 2

11:10am MDT

Shifting from “PD” to “PL” Can Make a Difference for Student Outcomes

Are you involved in designing or leading professional learning for your school or district? In this interactive session, participants will learn how a university-based partner collaborates with schools and districts in shifting from a professional development (PD) to a professional learning (PL) mindset to achieve greater effectiveness and impact. As university-based partners, we have observed the results when school and district leaders make the shift in mindset from PD to PL, including what happens when educators co-design professional learning with school leaders. Making the shift form PD to PL can result in the content becoming more relevant, job-embedded, and directly coupled with educator’ or leaders’ immediate needs. In our partnerships with schools and districts across the state, we have observed and documented how schools redesign their professional learning structures and systems to provide educators and leaders with regular opportunities to improve their practice through a combination of professional learning designs (e.g., workshops, learning walks, lab classrooms), coaching, and the alignment and coherence of professional learning structures. Participants will hear examples of how school and district leaders have shifted their approach from delivering PD to teachers to intentionally co-designing powerful learning opportunities with teachers to ensure equitable school and student outcomes. Using a structured note-taking workbook, participants will also explore several reflection tools and planning guides that can be used to design intentionally aligned and coherent professional learning systems.

Speakers

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Kody Colvin

School and District Improvement Lead Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Andrea K. Rorrer

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Students’ Behavioral, Social, and Emotional (BSE) Needs: How Leadership Teams Support & Respond

This presentation defines the systems and data required to support scaled implementation of effective classroom practices. Leadership teams will need to establish foundational support; provide explicit training and coaching; and use data to monitor systems implementation, educator implementation, and student outcomes. This presentation and resources provided will inform and support these actions.
When leadership teams establish effective and responsive foundational systems of support and provide ongoing training and coaching, educators are more likely to have the knowledge and skill needed to implement classroom practices effectively and equitably leading to improved student outcomes.

Speakers

piper riddle

Executive Director, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Executive Director, Northeastern Utah Educational Services Former Principal, Curriculum and PD Specialist, Educational Consultant, Instructional Coach Areas of Expertise: •Instructional Leadership Evaluation •Elementary/Middle School leadership •Multi-tiered Systems of Support... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room G 103 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84846

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Assessment & Data Management
Audience Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

ULEAD Promising Practices: Attendance Research & Strategies

Student attendance is well documented to impact student achievement as well as have long-term implications on graduation rates and even future earning potential. Reducing absenteeism in Utah is a critical issue as the chronic absentee rate almost doubled to 27.2% in 2022. The good news? Utah systems and schools are finding effective ways to decrease absenteeism while fostering positive relationships among students and families. Utah Leading through Effective, Actionable, and Dynamic (ULEAD) Education has worked with Utah researchers and practitioners to gather student attendance practices that work. Gain an understanding of what the data can (and can’t) tell us and take away valuable insights from field research that highlights effective practice in Utah schools. This hands-on session will introduce the ULEAD model, highlight the data, and provide actionable short and long term strategies to address student attendance.

Speakers

Meghan Everette

ULEAD Director, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Jordan Green

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room B 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84800

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Leadership, Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

Ultimate Hack on the Canvas Mobile App

Speakers

Jason Snow

Technology Trainer, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Jason is the Regional Technology Trainer for the NUES region.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience All
Subject Techers, Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

11:10am MDT

University of Utah Price College of Engineering Youth Programs

We would like to present to rural schools about the benefits of the youth programs that we have available at the college of engineering. We do a travelling exhibit called Discover Engineering which gives high school students a hands-on introduction to the field of engineering. This exhibit brings engineering tables to your school for 1-2 days. We host a research internship for rising juniors and seniors who are looking to gain some lab experience prior to college. We also host summer camps for both high school students and middle school students alike.

Speakers

Morgan Boyack

Outreach Program Manager, University of Utah

Morgan supports diversity and outreach activities in the College of Engineering by advising student clubs, including Student Leadership Council, Engineers without Borders, Tau Beta Pi, and Society for Hispanic Student Engineers, among others. Morgan helps coordinate Club Rush, Engineering... Read More →

Ian Bunker

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Mathematics, Science
Subject All of the above
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

Using 3D Science to Help Student Sense Making

To help student sense making in the science classroom lessons should be centered around a Disciplinary Core Idea, a Science and Engineering Practice, and a Cross Cutting Concept; doing so makes the lesson 3-Dimensional. Creating a 3D science lesson, aligned with the Utah Seed Standards, requires crafting questions to guide student learning and understanding. Participants in the session will engage in a 3D lesson; Keystone Species: What the Tree Doin’? Where modeling and patterns are used to identify keystone species and how they can contribute to changes in the stability of ecosystems. Then participants will have the opportunity to craft their own student questions for a lesson that has a specific Science and Engineering Practice, Cross Cutting Concept, and Disciplinary Core Idea.

Speakers

Thomas Wilder

Teacher, Richfield High School

Thomas Wilder is a teacher at Richfield High School where he has worked since 2013 teaching Biology, Genetics, Psychology, and various Social Science classes. He graduated in 2013 from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Science in History Education and a Biology minor. In 2019... Read More →

Donna Ward

Teacher, Tooele High School

Lindsey Hansen

Biology Teacher, Carbon High School

I have been teaching science for 7 years, with experience at the middle school and high school levels. I really enjoy immersing myself in different professional development opportunities to become a better educator. Those experiences have allowed me to present at the Utah Science... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:10am MDT

Working with and Evaluating Difficult School Employees

Working with Difficult School Employees can be a strain on a school's faculty, staff and leadership team, as well as jeopardize a school's best efforts to practice sound leadership and governance. This Presentation provides an overview of the root causes of difficult school employee behavior and how school leadership can best navigate through the challenges of difficult employees.

Speakers

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 →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
Room A 203 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84723

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership

12:20pm MDT

Lunch at SVC Arena

Join us at the Sevier Valley Center on the Snow College Richfield Campus adjacent to the high school for lunch and mingling.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 12:20pm - 1:30pm MDT
SVC Arena, Snow College 800 W 200 S, Richfield, UT 84701

Lunch

Host Organization URSA
Company Lunch
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Climate Change In Schools Through Connection

Have you ever felt like you, your school, or your students are in a rut? Do you feel like there is something missing? What if you felt more connected to your students and co-workers? Jody Carrington stated that, “The answer to the world’s most significant human-centered problems is simply this: We all just want to feel seen. Then, and only then, will we rise.”
In this session, we will practice quick and simple ways to connect with those around you to improve relationships, increase social emotional well-being, and help create a safe environment which has the potential to improve your school climate.

Speakers

Paula Tippetts

Elementary School Counselor, Fairview Elementary

Paula holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from SUU, along with a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Utah State University. With a firm belief in the power of connection, she sees caring and empathy as essential elements in education... Read More →

Chelsea Bailey

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room A 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84707

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

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

1:40pm MDT

Formative and Summative Assessments with Canvas

This presentation is designed for those who are relatively unfamiliar with Canvas. We will look at how to create formative and summative assessments to support standards-based grading, particularly in language arts.

Speakers

Joseph Foster

9-10 grade ELA teacher, Richfield High School

I have been a secondary ELA teacher for the past 12 years. I first worked in Vernal at the middle school and then at the high school. Currently, I teach 9th and 10th grade at Richfield High school.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Assessment & Data Management
Audience Language Arts, Other
Subject Teachers
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Unleashing the Power of Learning Maps

As a student, did you ever want to know what the purpose of what you were learning? Or, the progression of concepts? Or, why it was important? Learning Maps and Learning Map reflections are an incredible resource to help every member of the class (students and teachers alike) to see 1) what will be learned, 2) the progression of concepts/skills, 3) why the lesson/activity is necessary, and 4) be laser-focused on the end goal.

Speakers

Dari Thacker

5th Grade Elementary Teacher, Silver Summit Elementary

I am an elementary teacher in a hybrid differentiated elementary school. I've taught all K-5 grades over the past decade. I currently teach 5th grade. I am passionate about giving students the skills they need to think for themselves, develop executive functioning skills, and learn... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Not Applicable
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Using SEEd to Design Highly Effective 3D Lessons

As rural science teachers participating in the 3-Dimensional Rural Science Teacher Grant during this last year, we have designed an intentional lesson applying the Science and Engineering Practices, Cross Cutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. Our example lesson will show students how to: Utilize knowledge of reliable and unreliable sources to obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the structures and behaviors animals and plants use to successfully survive and reproduce. Come ready to engage, have fun, and experience a 3D science lesson that is guaranteed to help you plan your 3D science lessons.

Speakers

Denver Smith

Science Teacher, Albert R Lyman Middle School

Denver has been teaching middle school science for 7 years and recently earned his Masters degree in Secondary Science Education. He loves teaching middle school and is constantly looking for ways to improve teaching. When he's not teaching or preparing to teach, he loves to play... Read More →

Brice Reeves

Educator, Canyon View Middle School

Provide later; Teaching science ...

Jan Hermansen

Educator, South Summit Middle School

I attended the 3D Rural Science Teacher conference this year. This provided me the opportunity to meet with other 7th grade rural teachers to collaborate using the SEEd and 3D to transform our lessons. I have taught science for the last 9 years.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84800

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

1:40pm MDT

Adult Education in a Rural Setting

This presentation is to inform rural schools and districts on how to support our adults seeking to earn a high school diploma or to prepare for a GED. Specialists with the State Board of Education and I will review requirements and strategies that will help support our adult population and give options on how to earn credit toward a high school diploma.

Speakers

Stephanie Patton

Administrator, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Coordinator for the Utah State Adult Education Program

Mark Stewart

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 117 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84779

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Mathematics
Subject District / School Administrators, Curriculum Specialists
Area High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Be the One Caring Adult...Don't Let the Story End

Did you know 1 in 5 teens and young adults live with a mental health condition? In 2022, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10-17 & 18-24. That same year, there were over 4,000 hospital visits for self-inflicted injuries. Utah education law requires a "licensed employee to complete professional development training on youth suicide prevention every three years"? This session will give you the necessary information to complete that requirement, and more importantly, give you the strategies to support the young people in your life. You can be the "one caring adult" who helps the youth see their story doesn't have to end.

Speakers

Holly Todd

Crisis Response, MTSS/PBIS Support, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Charting a Course to Financial Freedom: The Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge for Educators

In this presentation, we'll explore how educators can empower their students with essential financial skills through the dynamic platform of the Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge. Discover how this innovative 10-week program can transform your classroom into a hub of financial literacy, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the complexities of investing. Learn practical strategies for integrating real-world investing concepts into your curriculum and witness the profound impact it can have on student engagement and achievement. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a journey towards financial freedom for your students and yourself!"

Speakers

Ania McGrath

Communications and Outreach Programs Manager, Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition / Utah Office of State Treasurer

Passionate about financial education and building community, Ania McGrath leads the financial literacy programs from the Utah Office of State Treasurer. Originally from Washington, Ania holds a Bachelor's degree from Washington State University in Multimedia Journalism and has experience... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Career and Technical Education, Other
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

1:40pm MDT

Difficult Conversations – Tools For Communicating When The Sakes Are High

Speakers

Tony Pellegrini

Professor and Department Chair, Southern Utah University

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room A 203 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84723

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject District / School Administrators

1:40pm MDT

Early Math at Home: How to Make Math Fun for Utah Families

Kindergarten math entry scores predict future reading and math outcomes, and even career success. The language caregivers use with children is the most significant predictor of Kindergarten math entry scores. In this session we will be showcasing free resources designed to help Utah families have fun with math in their everyday activities.

Speakers

Clarence Ames

Research & Implementation Manager, Utah STEM Action Center

Clarence Ames is the Research & Implementation Manager and resident math nerd at the Utah STEM Action Center. He has an M.S. in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences from Utah State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Central Washington University... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room G 103 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84846

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Mathematics
Subject All of the above
Area PK - 2

1:40pm MDT

Empowering Educators: AI Tools That Amplify Teaching Impact

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a beacon of innovation, offering unprecedented opportunities to elevate teaching and learning experiences. "Empowering Educators: AI Tools That Amplify Teaching Impact" is a forward-thinking presentation designed to guide educators through the practical application of AI tools in the classroom. This session aims to demystify AI, showcasing how it can be harnessed to foster personalized learning paths, enhance instructional planning, and meet the diverse needs of every student.
Attendees will explore cutting-edge AI tools that support the creation of differentiated and scaffolded content, enabling educators to tailor their teaching strategies to individual learner profiles. We will delve into how AI can assist in identifying students' strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for real-time adjustments and targeted interventions.
Furthermore, this presentation will highlight the role of AI in streamlining administrative tasks, freeing educators to focus more on pedagogy and less on paperwork. By leveraging AI for planning and assessment, teachers can allocate more time to engaging students in meaningful learning experiences.
Join us to discover practical, AI-driven solutions that empower educators to amplify their teaching impact, ensuring every student receives a personalized, inclusive, and equitable education. Unleash the potential of AI in your classroom and become an architect of future-ready learning experiences.

Speakers

Kasey Chambers

SchoolAI Consultant/Digital Learning Specialist, SchoolAI (Jordan SD)

Jared Covili

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room A 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84730

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Engaging Students through Active Participation

This session will provide an overview of what Anita Archer shared at the Explicit Instruction Train the Trainer Academy. The primary focus will be on how to increase active participation in learning by eliciting frequent student responses. We will share examples and provide practice opportunities that will prepare you to strengthen your instruction and boost student engagement in learning.

Speakers

Denice Maedgen

Coach of Coaches, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Denice Maedgen is the Coach of Coaches at USBE and has been for the last 2 years. Previous to that role she was an Elementary Assistant Principal for 2 years, a Literacy Coach for 3 years and taught grades 1-3 for 9 years. She has had the wonderful opportunity to learn from Anita... Read More →

Harmony Langford

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 109 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84772

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Instructional Coaching, Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Google Sheets in Every Classroom: Data-Driven Thinking for Deeper Learning

In an increasingly data-centric world, students need experience organizing, interpreting, and leveraging data to answer questions and solve problems. Data-driven thinking is often siloed into STEM classrooms, but it can deepen students’ learning in every content area, including social studies, language arts, and the fine arts. In this session, participants will learn how to create simple Google Sheets templates for their students and will hear ideas for using data analysis projects, big and small, in their classrooms and content areas.

Speakers

Braxton Thornley

Senior Technology Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room A 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84736

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Harnessing the Power of Afterschool: Statewide Needs Assessment Findings

The Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) was contracted by the Department of Workforce Services – Office of Child Care (DWS-OCC) to conduct a comprehensive statewide needs assessment of Out-of-School (OST) programs in Utah. In collaboration and coordination with DWS-OCC, the Utah State Board of Education, and the Utah Afterschool Network, the needs assessment was designed to identify strengths and critical gaps in service by identifying what programs exist across the state (including rural school districts), what youth and families want and need from afterschool and summer programs, what assets and resources are being used to support programs, what challenges programs face in offering programs, and what barriers stand in the way of youth and family participation. The needs assessment data collection was extensive, including a review of census and school data, a statewide OST staff and family survey, and interviews and focus groups with staff and leaders from OST programs, schools, districts, city/county agencies, and community-based organizations. Focus groups and listening sessions were also held with families across the state.
In this interactive session, participants will learn about key findings with tailored results by the regional service areas, which include rural counties and school districts. Throughout the presentation, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their current OST programs and identify potential action steps to pursue in order to harness the power of afterschool and summer programs to support student success in their own settings. A participant workbook will be provided for guided reflection and planning.

Speakers

Cori Groth

Associate Director, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Lisa Wisham

Senior School Support and Research Associate and School and District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center, University of Utah

Megan Vlaming

Grants Program Manager, Department of Workforce Services, Utah Office of ChildCare

Megan Vlaming, M.A., is a Grants Program Manager for the Utah Office of Child Care. She has a Master's degree in Public Policy and a Bachelor's degree in Child and Family Development. Megan has worked in the youth industry for 20 years. She started out as Out-of-School Time program... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership, Other
Subject Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Promoting Student Success Through CTE Pathways

1. Value and need for CTE pathways within the education system and how they support students
2. How pathways support a student academic plan leading them to more information and resources to make better choices as they prepare to graduate. 3. Utilizing WestEd/Economic Data to identify career pathways within the Region and State. 4. How to create effective partnerships to strengthen Pathways between secondary and post-secondary. 5. Utilizing CTE is a protective factor for all students.

Speakers

Mark Anderson

CTE Director, Central Region

Biography will be added later for Central Region Consortium CTE Directors

Jennifer Christensen

CTE Director, Central Region

CTE Director for Seiver, Piute, and Wayne School District for 3 years. Previously a school counselor for 12 years and Central Region Pathway Coordinator for 6 years.

Brett Callister

CTE Director, Central Region

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

1:40pm MDT

Raising Readers

Scaffolding Strategies for Engaging Students in Grade Level Text

Speakers

Jenny Blauer

Instructional Coach and LETRS Facilitator, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

"Jenny Blauer is an experienced early-learning instructional coach for CUES and a LETRS facilitator, bringing 29 years of dedication to education. Her career spans various teaching roles and specialties, showcasing her commitment to nurturing young minds. Beyond the classroom, Jenny... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 211 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84818

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts
Subject Teachers
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

1:40pm MDT

Schools that Thrive! Creating the Conditions for Deeper Learning

TBD

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 →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room A 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84715

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership

1:40pm MDT

STAR TEACHERS & the Next Generation: Mentoring supports growth in ALL teachers

Mentoring provides an opportunity for teachers to build connections with other educators within their building and content areas. Both mentor and mentee grow as connections are formed and pedagogy is shared. How do you become a mentor and build your teacher leadership skills? Come learn about the Teacher Mentor Endorsement pathway and how mentoring supports educator connection and retention.

Speakers

Katie Jones

Educator Development Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Instructional Coaching
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Unleash Creativity and Innovation with the New Adobe Express

Adobe Express has recently undergone a complete redesign and now features character animation, artificial intelligence tools, collaborative editing, and even more new features. It still also features tried and true tools for creating narrated videos, beautiful web pages, and graphics. Even those classic tools have been juiced up with artificial intelligence, more animation options, and other great features. You'll come away from this session understanding how to use the new features and apply them in your classroom.

Speakers

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm MDT
Room B 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84792

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Building Number Sense & Problem Solving Skills in the Early Grades

K-3 educators will learn about numberless word problems, addition and subtraction problem types, and the components of rich mathematical tasks while having opportunities to engage in math tasks as a learner to build empathy for the challenges students face.

Speakers

Molly Basham

Early Learning Mathematics Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Hi, I’m Molly Basham, I am the Early Learning Mathematics Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. I come to this roll with a background in preschool and elementary education having taught PreK, kindergarten, second, and fourth grade during my time as a classroom teacher... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 213 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84830

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Mathematics
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area PK - 2

1:40pm MDT

When words fail, music succeeds": Creating music with learners across content/grades

Music is one of the greatest unifiers in humanity. As the quote by Hans Christian Anderson states, often words can fail us but music provides another avenue for expression of thought and emotion. Learners across grades and content areas can benefit from expressing themselves through recording spoken word, podcasting, music, and more. Participants will: - Learn a variety of tools to help them create audio recordings, digital music, and more. These tools include Adobe tools, Utah's Online School Library, Google Workspace for Education, and more. - Explore the benefits of using music to teach students including how to connect content to music
- Build their own lesson using tools that can be used on any device in Utah schools. - Learn how to be comfortable building music with students and avenues for sharing music with a larger community.

Speakers

Matthew Winters

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room A 207 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84750

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Word Study: Supporting Orthographic Knowledge Development Across the Grades

This two-hour interactive phonics presentation will consist of an overview of the University of Utah Reading Clinic’s research-based Tier 1 word study models across all developmental levels. These models are designed to help students build decoding and encoding skills to enhance automatic word recognition abilities. These instructional routines can be used with any and all adopted curricula and supports Utah CORE standards for literacy. These routines have been implemented in classrooms throughout Utah, specifically to provide support with LETRS implementation. The research base for the UURC Tier 1 Word Study models is broad and includes Tyner’s (2003) small group reading instruction studies; Marcia K. Henry’s strategies for enhancing decoding, spelling and vocabulary instruction; Canney and Schreiner’s (1976-77) word attack studies; and Diliberto et al’s (2009) studies on the effects of teaching syllable skills in middle school readers. Specific scaffolding strategies will be demonstrated and practiced. The UURC team will demonstrate routines that assist in the following skill developments: letter-sound correspondence and phonemic awareness, recognizing vowel patterns within a sort, practicing working memory and justification, applying orthographic and high frequency word knowledge to spelling and other written work, and more. The last fifteen minutes of the presentation will be dedicated to Q&A related to presentation content as well as UURC services available to rural schools.

Speakers

Breyanna Evans

Intervention Specialist, University of Utah Reading Clinic

Breyanna Evans received her B.S. 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 for Pinnacle Canyon... Read More →

Megan Bryant

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84812

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Language Arts, ESL, Special Education, Adult Education
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

1:40pm MDT

Fourth Grade Kinesthetic Astronomy

In our hands-on session, you will learn how to implement a kinesthetic astronomy activity aligned with the Utah SEEd standards for fourth grade. You will practice how to teach students the cycles of day and night, and changing constellations throughout the year, using their bodies to model the earth. You will also learn how to demonstrate why our sun is the brightest star in the sky and how stars of different distances make up a constellation. Participants will be offered a kit of take-away materials to replicate the activities in their classroom (one kit per school). More information can be found at https://slco.org/clark-planetarium/education/for-educators/.

Speakers

Jason Trump

Education Program Supervisor, Clark Planetarium

Jason Trump brings substantial expertise in both formal (classroom) and informal (outside the classroom) science education. In addition to his duties as the Education Program Supervisor at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City, he manages a multi-institutional outreach effort for NASA’s... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 1:40pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 118 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84786

2 hour In-Depth exploration workshop, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Area 45355

2:40pm MDT

Refreshment Break

Tuesday July 16, 2024 2:40pm - 3:05pm MDT
RHS Commons Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84869

Break

Host Organization URSA
Company Break
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

AI: The Stress-Reliever for Teachers

Are you a teacher looking to save time and reduce stress? In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), educators have a unique opportunity to enhance their teaching strategies, automate mundane tasks, and personalize student learning. In this session, we’ll talk about using AI to automate time-consuming tasks such as grading, generating progress reports, and drafting emails to send to parents. We’ll also discuss how AI can be used to personalize learning experiences and provide targeted feedback to students. Additionally, we’ll explore the ethics of using AI in the classroom and how to balance the benefits of AI with concerns about student privacy and preventing plagiarism. Join us to learn how AI can help you save time and reduce stress while enhancing your teaching strategies!

Speakers

Dani Sloan

Instructor/IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Sr. Technical Instructor, UEN - Utah Education Network

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room A 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84730

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Other
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Empowering Young Student's Voice and Choice Through Play-Based Learning

Utah’s Portrait of a Graduate recognizes the need to prepare students for lifelong success through supporting development across 13 foundational knowledge and skill areas. In this session, we explore how these knowledge and skill areas are inter-related and identify ways educators of children in the early grades (PreK-3rd) can use play-based learning to help children achieve academic mastery, learning autonomy, and sense of purpose. Providing opportunities for children to play and explore in a learning-rich environment where they are guided by supportive teachers is a key strategy to support children’s engagement, motivation to learn, and recognition of learning as a joyful endeavor.
https://www.schools.utah.gov/portraitgraduate
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/summer2022/power-playful-learning

Speakers

Jared Lisonbee

Preschool Education Specialist, USBE - 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, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Katrina Herd

Preschool Education Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Mathematics
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area PK - 2, 3 - 4

3:10pm MDT

Igniting Post School Success through Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

You will gain knowledge, strategies and resources to support students with disabilities in every grade. You will leave this interactive and fiery session with a burning motivation to focus on • how SD/SA can be incorporated into instruction through the grade bands;
• instructional strategies in SD/SA that align with the predictors of postschool success for students with disabilities;
• resources that can be applied directly and immediately to instruction to support students with disabilities.
Self-Determination Padlet (https://padlet.com/transitionutah/selfdetermination) will house all the resources and information.

Speakers

Deanna Taylor

Postsecondary Transition Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Deanna Taylor is a Postsecondary Transition Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Her public education career has spanned 40 years as a music teacher, special education teacher, special education director and college instructor in three states. Deanna holds masters degrees... Read More →

Samantha Sego

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84800

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Special Education, Other
Subject Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Micro-Coaching Sessions Using Social Media: Maximize Impact, Minimize Time

In our fast-paced world, delivering effective professional development for educators is challenging. Traditional models of coaching often struggle to keep up with the demands of our digital times. We will discuss new and revolutionary ways to deliver PD using social media platforms in concise and impactful videos and posts.

Speakers

Kasey Chambers

SchoolAI Consultant/Digital Learning Specialist, SchoolAI (Jordan SD)

Traci Rindlisbach

Digital Learning and STEM Specialist, Jordan School District

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 109 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84772

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Instructional Coaching
Audience Instructional Coaching
Subject EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Promising practices and future possibilities for using Qualtrics to collect data

This session will begin with a brief summary of recent legislation that may impact implementation of your future Qualtrics projects. After providing a basic overview of the platform’s features, we will present considerations for starting a new project and discuss guidelines for writing good questions. This will include key elements of good questions and common question pitfalls, with a focus on collecting the most useful data for your context. We will reserve time at the end for answering questions and discussing your ideas for future projects. Please bring questions and come prepared to share your experience and ideas. Both beginners and experienced Qualtrics users should learn something they can apply.

Speakers

Wynn Shooter

Research Consultant II, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Wynn Shooter, Ph.D. is a research consultant for the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) where he works on the data and statistics team. Prior to the USBE, Wynn worked for the Utah Education Policy Center where he conducted education program evaluations, primarily for out-of-school... Read More →

Willie Chen

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 211 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84818

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Three-Dimensional Science and PCBL

Participants will gain an understanding of connections between three-dimensional science instruction and Personalized Competency Based Learning as they explore the 5 PCBL focused tools of the Utah Science Education Toolbox. Each tool describes how one of the components of PCBL is present in three-dimensional science, illustrates what teachers and students do to fulfill this component, provides a rubric for evaluation of implementation, and lists resources to help in implementation.

Speakers

Milo Maughan

Secondary Science Education Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Milo has worked for the State board of education for two years as their science education specialist. He is passionate about astronomy, hiking, outdoors, and ultimate frisbee

Melissa Mendenhall

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Unleashing the Power of "The Question"

Have you ever posed a question during your lesson and ..............nothing? Or, felt like your class discourse did not have any meat to it? Died off? Was a waste of time? Did not get your students really "thinking?" I have been exploring this concept for awhile and have made some breakthroughs. If you want to break down these walls and get your students really engaged in learning through discourse, come see how both you and your students can be empowered through "the question."

Speakers

Dari Thacker

5th Grade Elementary Teacher, Silver Summit Elementary

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

All Means All: High Engagement Strategies for Every Student

In education today, ensuring that every student is actively engaged in the learning process is a challenge, but all means all. This sessions a variety of engagement strategies that offer inclusive teaching practice designed to captivate the minds of our learners. This session will delve into high engagement strategies that center around categories including differentiated instruction, technology integration, thoughtful discussion, and movement that help make learning more personal and more powerful for all learners no matter their level. Participants will walk away with strategies that they can apply to any classroom content tomorrow to help highly engage all their learners!

Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Cruising Through History with Literacy and Robotics

Come see how 5th and 6th grade can work together to create an immersive experience while learning and showing mastery of their social studies and English language arts standards. We will take a look at where 5th and 6th grade standards align and share a lesson and activity that can be used and built upon across all grades. This is a look at how vertical collaboration and technology can work together to support and challenge our students to rise to a higher level of understanding. In this session participants will examine how to use robotics to help students create a historical road trip that will take students through actual historical events from a piece of literature. We will also discuss how vertical collaboration has helped our students master Utah standards and ways to reinforce those concepts across the curriculum. Teachers will walk away with ideas that they can use in their classrooms immediately without having to make major changes to what they are already doing.

Speakers

Emily Perkins

5th Grade Teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Emily Perkins is the 5th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah. She has been the 5th grade teacher for the last 12 years. Emily enjoys creating high-quality, engaging cross-curricular learning experiences for her students. Emily is on the district science, math... Read More →

Michelle Kantaris

6th Grade Teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Michelle Kantaris is a 6th grade teacher at Cedar Valley Elementary in Cedar Fort, Utah.. She presently teaches 6th grade with prior experience in grades K-8. Michelle has a passion for reaching students through engaging cross-curricular activities. Michelle is on the district science... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Social Studies
Subject All of the above
Area 45418

3:10pm MDT

GEG Utah Demo Slam 2024

The GEG Utah Demo Slam is an action-packed hour of pure Google Workspace excitement! The Google Certified Trainers, Coaches, and Innovators in Utah will vie to become the Demo Slam master by presenting one SLAM* each. Participants will watch, learn, discuss, and ultimately judge which Demo Slam will be deemed ultimate Google champion for 2024! *A SLAM is a two-minute demonstration of the capacities of our favorite tools. All Slams will focus on using the Google Workspace tools to positively impact productivity, instruction, and student learning.

Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room A 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84736

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Panel Discussion: Mentorship and Support for New Principals: Understanding the Needs of First Year Administrators in Rural Schools.

This panel discussion brings together voices from a variety of interests in the development of school leadership: faculty from educational leadership program, USBE representation, school and district leadership and service center leadership. This team will lead a discussion on understanding the experiences of first-year principals and how these experiences inform the greatest needs for support, induction and mentorship for future new principals in rural schools.

Speakers

Doug Stump

Assistant Professor - Educational Leadership, Southern Utah University

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room A 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84715

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject District / School Administrators

3:10pm MDT

Phoenix Rising: Incinerating Preconceptions About Reading and Learners

In a world where education is evolving at a rapid pace, it's time to challenge our assumptions about reading and learners. This session promises to ignite a transformative discussion that will burn down conventional beliefs and illuminate the true power of adolescent reading. Educators and advocates alike will embark on a journey of enlightenment offering a glimpse into revelations supported by new research.
Drawing inspiration from the mythological phoenix, symbolizing renewal and rebirth, this presentation aims to dismantle outdated notions surrounding long-held beliefs about reading and learners. From debunking myths about reading preferences to unraveling stereotypes about adolescent engagement, this presentation will set ablaze barriers to transformative literacy practices.
This session will inspire educators to cultivate a fervent passion for reading among adolescents and emerge enlightened and emboldened to embark on your own transformative journeys in literacy education. You will carry forth the flames of knowledge and renewal, igniting a brighter future for generations of readers yet to come. As the phoenix rises from the ashes, so too will our understanding of the profound impact of adolescent reading in developing their humanity.
Join me as we set our minds ablaze with the illuminating power of the latest literacy strategies where old beliefs are consumed by the strength of evidenced practices, and new possibilities soar on the wings of our enlightenment.

Speakers

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, ESL
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

3:10pm MDT

RIP Illiteracy

Reading intervention is something that is not prioritized in secondary schools, as writing instruction generally makes up the majority of explicit skill teaching, especially in high schools. The Bear River High School Language Arts Department in Box Elder School District has spent the last year developing and establishing a reading intervention program to deliver more meaningful and individualized intervention to improve literacy and literacy skills for all students. Using existing testing data, students are sorted into five reading intervention categories; each group then meets on a weekly basis to receive individualized lessons and support based on their identified needs, no matter the level of the students’ skillset. While developing a true reading intervention for students is a lot of work, the benefit and impact it has on students is extraordinary. Attendees will walk away with tools to organize and analyze student data, and curriculum for reading intervention to bring back to their own schools.

Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Kelbie Jackson taught English Language Arts for seven years where she fell in love with developing engaging curriculum and the students she taught. She is currently an Instructional Coach at Bear River High School in Box Elder School District where she drives the PLC focus in her... Read More →

Jamie Marble

Teacher, Department Head, Bear River High School

As the head of the Language Arts department at Bear River High School, Jamie Jo Marble communicated the need for more direct reading instruction to the language arts department. Jamie advocated for commonality in reading instruction amongst the teachers within the department, and... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Assessment & Data Management
Audience Language Arts, Leadership
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

3:10pm MDT

See Student Strengths: A New Vision for Education

How often have you worked with a student who can’t see their own strengths? Have you ever been so frustrated by a student's behaviors that you forgot to look for their assets? Have you ever noticed yourself immediately gravitating to a student's short comings versus their strengths? If so, come join me in unpacking these experiences and identifying actionable ways to serve each and every student that walks in your door. In this presentation, we'll make sense of asset-based thinking strategies, analyze our thinking practices and identify teaching moves that honor the assets each and every student brings to our classes.

Speakers

Nathan Auck

STEM Coordinator and PCBL Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 117 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84779

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Student Led IEP's

Six years ago, I was determined to find a way to make students a bigger part of the IEP team. I decided to try ‘Student-Led IEP meetings’. My goal was to keep it as simple as possible, and able to accommodate the wide range of my student abilities. Immediately, I saw a big difference in the level of student and parent participation in the IEP meetings. Over the years I have refined the process to meet the needs of my students. In this presentation, I will share practical ways to allow students to be part of the IEP meeting, creative ways to go over present levels of performance, and how to use Google slides and docs to make this process simple.

Speakers

Carlee Christensen

Special Education Teacher, North Sanpete Middle School

I am a special education teacher. I have a Bachelor degree in Special Education and a Masters Degree in Instructional Technology and Learning Science. I teach at North Sanpete Middle School.

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room G 103 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84846

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Other
Audience Special Education
Subject Teachers
Area All Grade Levels, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

3:10pm MDT

Supporting Neurodivergent Learners (ADHD & Autism) at School

Key topics include understanding neurodiversity such as those with ADHD & autism, recognizing common challenges faced by neurodivergent learners, and implementing evidence-based practices to address their unique needs. Practical strategies for differentiation, sensory accommodations, executive function support, and fostering social, emotional, and behavioral skills will be discussed. Additionally, the importance of collaboration among educators, parents, and support staff will be emphasized to ensure a comprehensive and supportive approach to education.

Speakers

Katie Clark

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Katie is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) licensed in Utah. She has worked in the field of Behavior Analysis for 15 years, and is currently going back to school at Brigham Young University to earn an EdS degree in school psychology. She works at Northeastern Utah Educational... Read More →

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room A 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84707

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

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

3:10pm MDT

Unwrapping UEN's eMedia Hubs: A “Candy Store” of Educational Content

Explore the sweetest digital resources on the internet! The Utah Education Nework's (UEN) Teaching & Learning eMedia hubs, crafted in close collaboration with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), offer a veritable candy store of multimedia resources that will entice educators across Utah. Join us for a tantalizing journey into the world of FREE, standards-aligned content that's as satisfying as a bag of your favorite candies but with the nutritional value of a full-course meal. Learn how these delectable hubs empower teachers to seamlessly integrate multimedia content into their curriculum, fostering more engaging and personalized learning environments for students. Be part of this scrumptious revolution in teaching and learning!

Speakers

Katie Blunt

Senior Technical Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Tuesday July 16, 2024 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
Room B 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84792

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

5:00pm MDT

Freemont State Park

Head to the Freemont State Park for some festivities and fun! Learn more at https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/fremont-indian

Tuesday July 16, 2024 5:00pm - 9:00pm MDT
Freemont State Park 3820 W. Clear Creek Canyon Road, Sevier, UT 84766

Evening Activity

Host Organization URSA
Company Evening Activity
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

8:30am MDT

Keynote Speaker: Chad Warnick, 2023 Utah Teacher of the Year

TBD

Speakers

Chad Warnick

Agriculture Education, Delta Technical Center, Millard School District

Chad Warnick is 2023 Utah Teacher of the Year. He is the Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Advisor at Delta Technical Center. He teaches 9th-12th grade agriculture science and leadership courses. He received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture education and his Masters of Science... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
RHS Auditorium Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84867

Keynote, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Keynote
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Teacher retention and job satisfaction

Recent doctoral research focused on the qualitative professional experiences of teachers in Utah and the factors of job satisfaction that motivate them to continue teaching. Research provides specific factors of job satisfaction based on the individual and professional experience of current classroom teachers. These factors include proactive and present administration, positive relationships with colleagues and students, and a desire to impact the lives of students.

Speakers

JR Brandon

Assistant Principal, Nebo School District

Dr. JR Brandon has worked in education in various roles including special education teacher, school counselor, and assistant principal. He recently completed a doctoral study focused on the qualitative experience of current classroom teachers regarding factors of job satisfaction... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:05am MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Other
Audience Leadership, Other
Subject District / School Administrators, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Getting the Most Out of Your PLC Team

Do you ever feel like you attend your PLC meeting and it turns into a gripe session or a planning meeting? In this hands-on presentation, you will learn how to use a tool called the Strategy Implementation Guide (SIG) to guide your PLC discussions. Through the use of the SIG, teams will be able to have more meaningful conversations about their students and the individual needs of their students. As you work through your own SIG, you will be able to take the materials home to your schools and teams and implement the SIG into your PLC team to help create a team focus and goal for the school year. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TiQpHi3e_nxDAODJW1HR2tZducFNn9Jp?usp=sharing

Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 207 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84750

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Igniting Post School Success through Self-Determination and Self-Advocacy

Speakers

Deanna Taylor

Postsecondary Transition Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Samantha Sego

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84800

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Special Education, Other
Subject Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Learning Any Subject through Student-Created Media Projects

Get your students excited about learning through designing their own digital media! At Clark Planetarium we are helping to enhance student content mastery, engagement, and creativity through a Science Communication competition. Students create their own digital media projects such as graphic novels, games, videos, infographics, stop motion animations, and podcasts using free online media design software. They are given three dimensions of choice: choice of topic, choice of medium, and choice of approach. Our pilot program showed improved test scores, deeper learning, and high levels of student creativity. This session will walk you through how three-dimensional choice puts students in control of their own learning. We will practice designing sample projects, learn about available browser-based design software, and demonstrate how to integrate student-created media projects into your instruction.
Note: Although I am signing up for a one-hour BYOD session, this workshop can also be two hours if necessary.

Speakers

David Black

Education Program Specialist, Clark Planetarium

David Black taught science and technology in 6-12 grade classrooms in Utah and California for 33 years before joining Clark Planetarium. As an Education Program Specialist, he travels throughout the state to present lessons on the Utah SEEd standards for space science to 4th and 6th... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Audience STEM / STEAM, Media Literacy
Subject Teachers, EdTech Coach/Digital Teaching & Learning Specialists
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Unleashing the Power of Rough Draft Thinking

Rough Draft Thinking is a critical thinking strategy that serves three purposes: 1) Engages students in expressing how/what they are thinking in order to guide them to new learning, 2) Allows the teacher to see inside their heads, and 3) empowers students to feel safe in whatever state of learning they are at while simultaneously inciting curiosity to discover more.

Speakers

Dari Thacker

5th Grade Elementary Teacher, Silver Summit Elementary

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching, Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Unlocking Student Success: Navigating Utah's Data Gateway for Enhanced Data Literacy

This presentation is about unlocking student success by enhancing data literacy and using Utah's Data Gateway platform. Data literacy is the ability to use data to make informed decisions for student success, and it is an essential skill for educators in the 21st century. Utah's Data Gateway is a centralized platform that provides access to student performance data from the state RISE tests, which are aligned with state standards and measure student achievement and growth. The presentation will guide participants through understanding the state assessments, navigating the Data Gateway features, and using assessment data to inform instructional improvement. The presentation will also include a hands-on exercise where participants will use the Data Gateway to analyze class level and individual student performance data from the RISE tests and discuss how to use data to tailor instruction and provide interventions. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on best practices for data-driven instruction, such as integrating data analysis into instructional planning and delivery, differentiating instruction based on student needs, and establishing a continuous cycle of assessment and feedback.
https://datagateway.schools.utah.gov/

Speakers

Aaron Brough

Director of Data and Statistics, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Aaron Brough is the Director of Data and Statistics at USBE, where he has worked for 18 years. Prior to his current role, he spent 6 years in Assessment. Before joining USBE, Aaron taught computer science for 3 years at a high school and spent 3 years in junior high schools in Japan... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 109 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84772

1 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Instructional Coaching, Assessment & Data Management
Audience Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Special Education, Instructional Coaching
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

9:45am MDT

A New Approach to Standards-Based Grading

This presentation will focus on how to make SBG equitable, consistent, and easy to report. If you love the idea of SBG, but have not quite figured out how to make it work in your classroom, this session will be greatly beneficial. You will walk away with the know-how and the confidence to implement this strategy right away! Q&A and discussion will guide the learning as well!

Speakers

Denver Smith

Science Teacher, Albert R Lyman Middle School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 117 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84779

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Instructional Coaching, Assessment & Data Management
Audience Instructional Coaching, Other
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

A Pedagogy of Possibilities: Fire Up Your Staff and Students

There are plenty of challenges in education and educators are giving their best to overcome them everyday. Yet, somehow it doesn't feel like enough. What if you focused on approaches that helped all educators and students see beyond the challenges and shifted focus onto the possibilities that lie ahead? Join us in this session to explore how you can integrate the approaches effective learning organizations are embracing to keep hope alive and encourage a focus on possibilities, rather than potential pitfalls in your classroom or school.

Speakers

Jeremy Smith

Teacher, Lewiston Elementary

Jeremy Smith is an lifelong learner and experienced educator. He has a passion for education and helping other educators find satisfaction in the challenges of this important profession. He enjoys presenting at state, regional, and national conferences and has presented at ASCD, NCTM... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 203 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84723

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Engage and Empower with what's new with Google Workspace for Edu

Explore the possibilities for your classrooms with Google Workspaces for Edu. In this rapid-fire session, learn tips and tricks within Google that you can employ quickly and easily within your classroom. We will cover Google Docs, Slides, Forms, and Sheets, with some glances at Google Arts and Culture, Experiments, and Artificial Intelligence.

Speakers

Matthew Winters

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84736

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Other
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Four Domain CALL Institutes

Four Domain CALL Institutes
Whether your new to the Four Domains Comprehensive Assessment of Leadership for Learning (CALL) or have used the CALL in the past, learn how the Four Domains CALL institutes will benefit your school and LEA. The “Institutes” as is the CALL are free to all Utah schools and LEAs.
Participants will learn how participating in a CALL Institute will enhance, empower, and extend the use of CALL in their school and LEA improvement efforts. This interactive and engaging session will provide an overview of the CALL and the “Quick CALL”. Participants will discover how CALL practices support leadership, instructional coaching, principal supervision, instructional and assessment practices in SPED and ELL to name two student groups, PLC practices, and more. Lastly, participants will learn how they can receive ongoing support and assistance with the CALL that is customized and personalized to their school and/or LEA.
This session will set the stage for attending a CALL Institute next year in a location near you as well as how to sign up and use the CALL for their school and/or LEA.
Lastly, participants in this session will learn about timely, available, and accessible resources available through the USBE’s Center for Continuous School Improvement (CCSI) to support LEA and school improvement efforts.

Speakers

Greg Firn

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 211 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84818

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs)
Audience Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject District / School Administrators, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Good, Awesome, Mindblowing a look into Teacher Ai

TBD

Speakers

Jason Snow

Technology Trainer, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Jason is the Regional Technology Trainer for the NUES region.

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84730

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience All
Subject Teacher, Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Growth-Oriented Evaluations

Participants will explore growth-oriented teacher evaluation tools, aligned with the new Utah Effective Teaching Standards, and discuss recent updates to the teacher evaluation code.

Speakers

Julie Lundell

Teacher Evaluation and Retention Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84715

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject District / School Administrators
Area Not Applicable

9:45am MDT

Human Connection: The greatest predictor of math achievement

One on one and one to small group work can impact student achievement more than any other type of intervention. If you can find individuals willing to come help students with math, the STEM Action Center will hire, train, and pay them to serve in your classroom.

Speakers

Clarence Ames

Research & Implementation Manager, Utah STEM Action Center

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 103 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84846

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Mathematics
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

9:45am MDT

Implementing PBIS in a Small Rural District

Presentation on research outlining components needed to sustainably implement PBIS in a small rural school district. Review challenges to implementation of systemic change (PBIS) such as inadequate capacity, inexperienced leadership, insufficient systems for student academic and social outcomes, inadequate resources, lack of motivation, and insufficient professional learning (Harmon et al., 2007). The descriptive survey study conducted in south central Utah was to describe the current status of the components for sustainable implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) is small rural school districts. Survey examples, data collection and tables, results indicating school administrators responses to the most used components in sustainable implementation of PBIS in small rural school districts.

Speakers

Jamie Webb

Director Special Education, Wayne County School District

Jamie worked as a para-educator for a couple of years. She went on to get her M.Ed. in Leadership and Administration at Weber State University as well as her licenses as a Social Service Worker and Special Education teacher. Jamie has over 25 years of experience working in the fields... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Other
Audience Special Education, Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Nearpod Unboxed: Building Collaborative and Creative Classrooms

Level up your Nearpod game by embracing the unconventional. Join us for a participant-centered session examining the genius of Nearpod features employed in uncommon ways. We’ll talk about using collaborate boards to facilitate feedback loops, positioning draw-it activities as design thinking brainstorming sessions, building role-specific resources and "training" lessons for group projects, and a variety of other out-of-the-box Nearpod applications. The strategies you hear will empower you to enliven your classroom’s creativity and collaborative practices, and we’ll wrap things up by workshopping ideas for dismantling the barriers to better ideas, teamwork, and passion in your classroom.

Speakers

Braxton Thornley

Senior Technology Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Technology Coordinators / Facilitators
Area 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

School LAND Trust Program, Crash Course

Learn about the history of the School LAND Trust, the different agencies within the trust system, and the School Children's Trust Section. Review the requirements to receive funding, with a timeline as your guide to meet the requirements.

Speakers

Kira Bennett

USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Kira Bennett, a master's in teaching graduate, and former educator and banking lender, now serves as a compliance specialist for School LAND Trust (SLT) program at the Utah State Board of Education. Passionate about the intersection of education and technology, she is also pursuing... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 118 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84786

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area Elementary - grades K - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

9:45am MDT

Supporting Pre-Service and APPEL Learners in Performance Assessment Success

Our presentation, "Supporting Pre-Service and APPEL Learners in Performance Assessment Success," is designed to equip educators with practical strategies and resources to effectively support pre-service teachers and candidates in the Utah “Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator Licensure (APPEL) program in achieving success in performance assessments. Throughout the session, participants will explore the unique challenges faced by pre-service teachers and APPEL candidates when completing performance assessments and obtaining licensure. We will delve into the specific requirements and expectations of performance assessments, offering insights into how educators can guide learners through each step of the process. Drawing upon research-based best practices and real-life examples, our presentation will provide attendees with a comprehensive toolkit of strategies for scaffolding instruction, providing targeted feedback, and promoting reflection to enhance learner performance. We will emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment that empowers learners to take ownership of their assessment tasks and develop the necessary skills for success. Additionally, our session will highlight the role of mentorship and professional development in nurturing the growth and development of pre-service teachers and APPEL candidates. Participants will gain practical tips for mentoring and coaching learners through performance assessments, as well as strategies for fostering resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. By the end of our presentation, attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to effectively support pre-service teachers and APPEL candidates in navigating the complexities of performance assessments, ultimately empowering them to succeed as confident and competent educators.

Speakers

Tony Pellegrini

Professor and Department Chair, Southern Utah University

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Work Smarter Not Harder: Tips and Tricks for Effective Classroom Management

Classroom management tips and tricks

Speakers

Lauren Ezzell

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Lauren is the BCBA at CUES

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room A 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84707

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health
Audience Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

The Power of Goals

The power of goal setting at the school level, teacher and staff level, and student level.

Speakers

Brandi Webster

Principal, Mona Elementary

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Instructional Coaching, Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Other
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Discovering the Hidden Gems: Navigating Utah’s Online School Library

Unlock the treasure trove of Utah’s Online School Library and discover the hidden gems that will take your students’ research to the next level! In this presentation, you’ll learn how to navigate the library’s vast resources and uncover the best-kept secrets that will help your students excel. From the Gale Reference Collection that provides access to academic and vetted information on various topics, including biographical data, global issues, science, and more, to Culture Grams which offers reliable information on cultures around the world, and Digital Science Online which allows students to see science in action through videos, animations, and clips, to World Book Online which provides easy-to-read short articles, videos, interactive maps, and engaging activities and games, you’ll discover the hidden gems that will make your students’ research shine!

Speakers

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Sr. Technical Instructor, UEN - Utah Education Network

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84792

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Other
Audience Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Music, Computer Science, ESL, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, World Languages, Media Literacy, Other
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

Motivating, Engaging and Taking Ownership of Learning

In this session, participants will experience a learning experience that is motivating, engaging, and allows them to take ownership of the learning with strategies for learner agency they can replicate with students in their own classrooms. The session will be filled with quick and easy ways to design meaningful, engaging learning experiences.

Speakers

Jennifer Throndsen

Director of Teaching and Learning, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 213 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84830

2 hour BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): Hands-On-Activities, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

9:45am MDT

SEEd Boot Camp: Fundamentals of Effective and Rigorous Science Teaching

This class is a look at all things science teaching where we talk about the basics of inquiry and student discourse, core ideas and student proficiency, and the integration of subject areas. We will engage with scientific phenomena that bring science concepts to life. Participants will go through a blend of inquiry-based activities that will help them and their students not only understand scientific principals but also develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We will look at how vertical collaboration, has helped our students master and reinforce Science and Engineering concepts. Participants will engage in a vertically aligned fifth and sixth grade lesson that covers 5.3 and 6.4. They will walk away with a model of a food chain/web that helps explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystem. Bring your own device and examine how robotics can then be integrated into a science lesson and can help increase overall student engagement. Teachers will walk away with a lesson plan and ideas that can be utilized immediately. While we are looking at where 5th and 6th grade overlap this deep dive into the Science and Engineering Practices, and Cross Cutting Concepts can be used K-12.

Speakers

Emily Perkins

5th Grade Teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Michelle Kantaris

6th Grade Teacher, Cedar Valley Elementary

Wednesday July 17, 2024 9:45am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 205 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84812

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Science
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels, 5 - 6

10:05am MDT

Let's Go Lateral: For When Things Seem Upside Down

In an information-rich world filled with shifting narratives, the skills of lateral reading and information literacy are vital for distinguishing truth from misinformation. So, let’s go lateral! Join us in this session designed to equip you with the tools needed to traverse the complexities of our digital information age. This interactive workshop delves into lateral reading, a technique that helps individuals evaluate the reliability of sources by investigating beyond the surface. As you are guided through practical strategies for improving your information literacy, honing your lateral reading skills, and building a strong knowledge foundation. Whatever your role you will be given skills to thrive when faced with an overwhelming sea of information. Discover the power of lateral reading and become a more discerning, well-informed individual.

Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:05am - 10:25am MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Audience Media Literacy
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

10:25am MDT

Teacher Leadership - Finding the “Right Fit”

In today's dynamic educational landscape, teachers are more than just instructors—they're leaders. Teacher leadership is vital in addressing current learning challenges. By wearing different leadership hats, teachers can leverage their unique insights toward innovative educational practices. Teacher leadership is not just a solution—it's a catalyst for positive change.

Speakers

Kelli Cannon

Digital Learning Specialist, Jordan School District

Kiera Beddes

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:25am - 10:45am MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

20 minute focus on specific solutions or tools (Over The Shoulder), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

10:45am MDT

Refreshment Break

Wednesday July 17, 2024 10:45am - 11:00am MDT
RHS Commons Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84869

Break

Host Organization URSA
Company Break
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Integrated Movement and Curriculum k-6

This presentation is for k-6th grade classroom teachers and principals who would like to have ideas for how to get students moving and learning at the same time. Our bodies are great tools for learning. Using our kinesthetic awareness we will explore movement ideas for math, science, and language arts. We will also share resources for how to get a dance specialist to come to your school to do movement experiences with your students and or faculty. Here is a sample lesson of one idea we will explore in this workshop: https://www.canva.com/design/DAF1e9KuUvc/0PuyIHGK-qURxbNpwidFcQ/edit?utm_content=DAF1e9KuUvc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Speakers

Ashley Boyack

Director of Professional Development, University of Utah Tanner Dance

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 →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room G 102 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84838

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Mathematics, Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area PK - 2, Elementary - grades K - 6

11:00am MDT

The Art in Utah’s Core Standards – Tools from the UMFA

Arts integration provides another access point for learning! Students engage critical thinking skills needed for creative 21st Century learners. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is very passionate about these possibilities from STEAM to ELA and Social Studies. Experience a handful of activities and methods for various core standards and learn about UMFA resources for your own classroom.

Speakers

Katie Seastrand

Manager of School and Teacher Programs, Utah Museum of Fine Arts

Katie Seastrand-Hunt has loved the arts her whole life! After studying Art History at Brigham Young University and getting a Master’s Degree from George Washington University in Museum Education, she was excited to return to her home state and work with Utah students. She feels... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room A 206 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84744

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Language Arts, Performing Arts / Visual Arts, Social Studies, STEM / STEAM
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches, Curriculum Specialists
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

11:00am MDT

Critical Lessons From a First Year Principal

My second year as a school administrator trust amongst stakeholders in my school was completely shattered. When I suddenly became the unofficial interim director less than halfway through the 23-24 school year, I had to find a way to start building back trust in my team and school community. In this presentation I will share some lessons learned through personal experience and observation along with my administrative baptism by fire. I will share and discuss major challenges to building trust in schools and invite participants to share their own thoughts, experience, and insight. Through collaborative sharing each participant will walk away with ideas and strategies to help improve the culture of their school and build trust among their team members. I will also share the strategies we are utilizing at Soldier Hollow Charter School to maintain high levels of communication and trust.
"The 5 Dysfunctions of Team" by Patrick Lencioni will be used to emphasize and highlight core principles to building effective teams.

Speakers

David Phillips

Director, Soldier Hollow Charter School

I have been in education for 11 years. 8 as a middle school social studies and french teacher and 3 in school administration. I have taught in large school districts and charter schools. I also spent a year teaching at an international school in Thailand. I was motivated to become... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room A 203 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84723

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Culturally Honoring Pedagogy Across Rural Spaces

Determining culturally responsive and respectful practices and interlacing them across rural P-20 classrooms are not new concepts. They are central to the aim of honoring and elevating language and culture across schools on Tribal Nations, but can also be implemented in schools which serve Indigenous students. These are undergirding convictions, which continue to be pursued and operationalized. Why is culturally responsive practice/teaching important in schooling? Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) encompasses criteria defined by Ladson-Billings’ seminal work (1995) and recognize that “students must experience academic success” and “students must develop and/or maintain cultural competence (p. 160)”. Gay (2010) describes Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) as validating, comprehensive, multidimensional, empowering, transformative, and emancipatory. It teaches “to and through the strengths of the students” (pp. 31-38). Culturally responsive practices honor all cultures and involve communities and families. They recognize the diverse “funds of knowledge” (Gonzalez, Moll, and Amanti, 2005, p. 91-92) that children and families bring with them across their multiple and varied contexts, which distinguish, honor, and cultivate potential.
This session explores the following questions and discusses ways to implement culturally honoring practices in P-20 venues across rural spaces:
- Why is culturally responsive practice important in schooling?
- How can all families be incorporated into culturally responsive practices in educational settings away from the home?
- How can culturally responsive practices empower families, children, and educators?
- How can children demonstrate their knowledge and respect of culture and language?
- How do culturally responsive practices strengthen the identities of children, family, communities, and educators?

Speakers

Pam Powell

Dean of College of Education and Human Development, Southern Utah University

Pam Powell, EdD, spent over two decades as an elementary teacher prior to coming to Northern Arizona University (NAU) where she spent twenty years. While at NAU, she was dedicated to helping preservice teachers learn to utilize current, inclusionary, and developmentally appropriate... Read More →

Dr. Henry Fowler

Associate Professor of Mathematics; Dean of Graduate Studies, Navajo Technical University

Dr. Fowler came to Navajo Technical University in the fall semester of 2018 as a faculty member teaching mathematics and Diné studies. In June 2019, he was delegated as the Dean of Graduate studies at NTU after the retirement of then Dean Dr. Wesley Thomas. Each year, Dr. Fowler... Read More →

Rose Graham

Director, Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship & Financial Assistance (ONNSFA)

Rose Graham is the director of the Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance in Window Rock, Arizona, which serves more than 10,000 Navajo students pursuing post-secondary education. Prior to this, Graham worked with the Navajo Nation Council for nine years as Legislative... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 118 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84786

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Empowering Collaboration and Transparency: A Continuous Improvement Journey with Shared Leadership

Join us for an insightful session delving into how Monticello High School leveraged shared leadership to cultivate collaboration and transparency within its community. Discover how the school strategically utilized accreditation processes to leverage shared leadership practices and guide the school's data analysis endeavors, enabling the identification and validation of program initiatives and key priorities in academics, school culture, and student well-being.

Speakers

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 13 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 →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 109 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84772

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Advanced - considerable experience; significant prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership, Other
Audience Leadership
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

Engaging the Disengaged

As teachers, we often struggle with ensuring that all students are learning the material we are presenting them, especially our students who are disengaged in the lesson, sleeping a lot, or chronically absent. In this presentation, we will explore different teaching techniques that will engage even the most disengaged students through project based learning. Attendees will leave the session with an idea of ways they can engage the majority of their students through the use of hands-on projects that meet the Utah Core Curriculum.
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Speakers

Kelbie Jackson

Instructional Coach, Bear River High School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room A 207 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84750

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Curriculum Specialists
Area Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8, High School - grades 9 - 12

11:00am MDT

Essay Writing Made Easy

Teaching writing can be daunting. However, I have learned from many great ELA teachers a few strategies that can help make that process easier to teach and for students to learn. We will go through a specific checklist and formula that students can follow to create a successful, cohesive essay. Highlighting essential components has been a game changer for my students and I will go through the process we use to analyze our rough drafts.

Speakers

Ashlie Robins

5th Grade Teacher, Gunnison Valley Elementary

I have taught 5th grade for the past six years at Sevier and South Sanpete school districts. During that time I have been the team lead for four of those years with a focus of implementing the MTSS system. Learning from as many master teachers as I can has helped shape my teacher... Read More →

Kiersten Smith

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room G 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84861

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Instructional Coaching
Audience Language Arts, Instructional Coaching
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6, Middle School / Jr. High - grades 6 - 8

11:00am MDT

Functional Behavior Assessment: Conducting a Sound Assessment and Addressing the requirements for an EBD classification

Learn how to conduct a sound Functional Behavior Assessment that meets the requirements for an EBD classification.

Speakers

Sheryl Vernon

School Psychologist, CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Lauren Ezzell

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), CUES - Central Utah Educational Services

Lauren is the BCBA at CUES

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room A 201 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84707

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company School-based Mental & Behavioral Health, Assessment & Data Management
Audience Special Education, Mental/Behavioral Health
Subject Teachers, Counselors or School-based Mental/Behavioral Health Professionals
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Library Lockers

Getting students to connect with literature or history can be challenging, but if you have immersive hands-on activities designed to content standards, students will beg to dig deeper. This session will offer participants the ability to see how librarians and/or teachers can create library lockers that will foster deep critical thinking while offering fun standards based learning opportunity designed with unit outcomes in mind. Participants will leave with a plan for implementation, examples of Library Lockers, ideas for funding and the literature and artifacts resources to get you started. Students love these and teachers do too, the ability to make learning with artifacts, literature, collaboration and writing all happen at once gives teachers a way to leverage this type of learning to its fullest extent.

Speakers

Chris Haught

Media Mentor, Southwest Educational Development Center

Chris Haught is the Technology/Media Mentor at Southwest Educational Service Center (SEDC), a regional Service Center that serves six district and seven charter ELA’s.Chris works closely with the region’s librarians providing support and training on Utah’s Online Library, the... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 212 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84826

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Audience Language Arts
Subject Teachers, Library Media Specialists
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Oral Language Needs Explicit and Systematic Instruction Too!

Oral Language is the forgotten standard that can make or break a child's ability to read and comprehend. Development of a strong oral language foundation through explicit and systematic instruction and intervention is crucial. Instruction promotes other aspects of academic language that are essential for school success through information retelling, vocabulary learning, and writing.

Speakers

Amy Mahoney

Early Learning Coach, NUES - Northeastern Utah Educational Services

Amy is an Early Learning Coach at Northeastern Utah Educational Services that supports PreK-3 grade foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. Amy provides on-going professional learning for teachers, paraprofessionals, building coaches, administrators and district directors. Amy... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 211 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84818

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required., Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Language Arts, ESL, Special Education
Subject Teachers
Area PK - 2

11:00am MDT

Self-Paced Learning: A Model for Student Accountability

In this presentation, you will learn how to create a self-paced model for learning that can be applied to any and all subjects. Students progress through mini lessons and check for understanding along the way. There are many ways to apply this model and if you implement even one aspect, your students' learning will be greatly enhanced!

Speakers

Denver Smith

Science Teacher, Albert R Lyman Middle School

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 117 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84779

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Instructional Coaching, Assessment & Data Management
Audience Not Applicable
Subject Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Teaching Our Youngest Citizens: Civics in the Third and Fifth Grade Classroom

With the new social studies standards to be taught this fall, elementary teachers will be teaching new content they may not be totally familiar with. Giving students a strong foundation in and knowledge of the Constitution and good citizenship, puts them on the path to becoming engaged citizens. The skills and dispositions involved in being a good citizen support good classroom management and learning. This course will give teachers the background knowledge and pedagogy that will help them teach the 3rd grade strand 1 and 5th grade strand 3 covering the Constitution. After this course, teachers will walk into classrooms in the fall eager to share with students the importance of learning and understanding the importance of engaged citizenship.

Speakers

Pam Su'a

Civic Program Development Specialist, UVU - Utah Valley University

Pam Su’a is a National Board Certified social studies/history teacher of 38 years. She was the administrator for social studies and world languages in Jordan School District. She is currently a Civics Education Fellow at Utah Valley University, in the Civic Thought and Leadership... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room G 107 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84854

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum
Audience Social Studies
Area 3 - 4, 5 - 6

11:00am MDT

Technology Tools for Diverse Learners

Investigate technology tools that address the diverse academic needs of each student, including those with disabilities. Discover how assistive technologies, differentiation strategies, and AI insights can support all students' learning, assess their progress, and provide supplemental support where needed.

Speakers

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 108 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84764

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology
Audience Media Literacy
Subject Teachers, All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

The AI Trail: Exploring AI with Future Learners in Mind

AI is a large part of the educational landscape in 2024, but many educators are at a loss on where and how to start using AI tools. AI Literacy, like digital literacy, needs to start in early grades and be leveled up throughout learners' lives. We will explore a 'trail' through a student's learning life K-Gray and explore at different age levels how an educator could explore AI to promote AI literacy in the learning environment. Learners in this session will explore multiple tools, concepts, and paths for exploring AI at different learning bands.

Speakers

Matthew Winters

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room A 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84730

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Technology, Leadership, Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy
Audience Other
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Time in Text...What, Why, and How

Only 48% of third graders are reading on grade level in Utah. As we have improved instruction in early reading skills, our students need opportunities to practice and apply these skills in text. During this presentation, participants will be able to see the progression of the use of decodable texts to grade level texts in instruction and ways to improve comprehension.

Speakers

Krista Hotelling

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

Krista Hotelling is a K-3 Literacy Specialist with USBE. She has been in education for 24 years. Her experiences include classroom teacher in grades PreK, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th grades, Special Educator for grades K-9, IEP Coordinator, and K-6 Administrator. Teaching... Read More →

Denice Maedgen

Coach of Coaches, USBE - Utah State Board of Education

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84800

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Other
Audience Language Arts
Subject Teachers
Area Elementary - grades K - 6

11:00am MDT

Translate the WIDA Test for Your Students

The WIDA test can seem intimidating to students and teachers alike. Come to this session for some tips from a teacher that has figured out how to “translate” the test for her students. We will discuss how to transform student mindsets, encourage improvement of their reading skills, and give them practice within all academic areas. In addition, we will explore strategies to practice the four domains tested: listening, reading, writing, and particularly speaking. Finally, we will talk about test taking tips and ways to elevate student confidence.

Speakers

Kimberly Hawks

Teacher, Vernal Middle School

Kimberly Hawks is an eleven year veteran in teaching EL students as they take their WIDA test. With a total of fourteen years of teaching expertise, she loves helping students to perform at the best of their abilities. Kimberly currently teaches at Vernal Middle School as the 6th-8th... Read More →

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room G 103 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84846

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Utah Core Curriculum, Assessment & Data Management, Other
Audience ESL
Subject Teachers
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Utah State Board of Education's General Teacher Preparation Competencies: Why they will impact student learning in Utah

Join us at the Tony Pellegrini Festival of Excellence 2024 to explore the critical role of the Utah State Board of Education's General Teacher Preparation Competencies in enhancing student learning outcomes. In this presentation, we delve into five key competency categories/themes: Learners & Learning, Instructional Clarity, Instructional Practice, Classroom Climate, and Professional Responsibility.
Through real-life examples and practical insights, we will discuss how effective teachers demonstrate competency in each category, driving high-quality instruction and promoting student success. From meeting the diverse needs of all students to fostering a positive classroom climate, educators will gain valuable strategies for promoting equity, inclusion, and student well-being.
Furthermore, we will explore the implications of these competencies for educators in Utah and beyond, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional accountability, building positive relationships, and preserving the integrity of the teaching profession.
This presentation is essential for educators, school leaders, and policymakers seeking to understand how adherence to the Utah State Board of Education's competencies can positively impact student learning and contribute to a culture of excellence in education.
For inquiries, please contact Tony Pellegrini at 435-559-1054 or email pellegrini@suu.edu

Speakers

Tony Pellegrini

Professor and Department Chair, Southern Utah University

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room B 204 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84808

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

Host Organization URSA
Company Other
Audience Other
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

11:00am MDT

Wait! What? Accountability Redefined.

Permission and Practices that Drive Improvement - Continuously We know the work necessary for each and every student to be successful is daunting but not insurmountable. Educators need a different permission and supportive practices to meet or exceed local, state, and national expectations and requirements for the outcomes or benefits of an education.
In this session, participants will learn how “accountability redefined”, not “replaced”, can and will drive new opportunities for teaching, leadership, and learning. Underpinned by a renewed sense of personal, productive, and proactive permissions and practices, this interactive session will move beyond theory to application. Participants will explore how tools, time, technology, training, and teams within the framework of “accountability redefined” are driving improvement in schools across Utah. Participants will learn how the USBE theory of action integrates into accountability redefined to create a “prevention to intervention” practices as well as to support schools designated for targeted as well as comprehensive support.
Lastly, participants in this session will learn about timely, available, and accessible resources available through the USBE’s Center for Continuous School Improvement (CCSI) to support LEA and school improvement efforts.

Speakers

Greg Firn

Wednesday July 17, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Room A 202 Richfield High School, 495 W Center St, Richfield, UT 84715

1 hour traditional lecture/audience participation, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

Host Organization URSA
Company Leadership
Audience Leadership, Instructional Coaching
Subject Teachers, District / School Administrators
Area All Grade Levels

12:00pm MDT

Big Rock Adventures

Find your next adventure at Big Rock Adventures! Learn more at https://www.bigrockadventure.com

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Big Rock Adventures 4565 S US HWY 89, Sevier, UT. 84766

Afternoon Activity

Host Organization URSA
Company Afternoon Activity
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels

12:00pm MDT

Freemont State Park

Head to the Freemont State Park for some festivities and fun! Learn more at https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/fremont-indian

Wednesday July 17, 2024 12:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Freemont State Park 3820 W. Clear Creek Canyon Road, Sevier, UT 84766

Afternoon Activity

Host Organization URSA
Company Afternoon Activity
Audience All
Subject All of the above
Area All Grade Levels