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Welcome to URSA 2026 at Southern Utah University! All sessions will be in buildings on the upper campus (east end). Here’s the Campus Map (PDF) if needed. 

WiFi: eduroam or SUU-Conference, password "summertimefun" 

PLAN AHEAD - Tentative Future Conference Dates
July 7-9, 2027 - Price, UT
July 17-19, 2028 - Richfield, UT
Wednesday, July 15
 

12:10pm MDT

Beyond Self Care: Leading Systemic Approach to Well-Being for Educators
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium
TBD

Speakers
avatar for Gail Markin

Gail Markin

Author
Gail Markin is a Canadian counsellor, teacher, author, and speaker who is committed to promoting well-being in the education workplace.

Gail started her career as a social worker, a family counsellor, and a parent educator. After becoming a teacher, she worked as a school counsellor before moving to a District-level role supporting health and well-being for students and staff. Now she works as an education and workplace... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 12:10pm - 1:10pm MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Keynote, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

1:30pm MDT

Craft Your Digital Teaching Assistant: Building Custom AI Assistants with Google Gemini Gems
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202
Come discover how to move beyond basic prompting and start building your own specialized AI team. Using Google Gemini Gems, you will learn how to "program" custom AI assistants tailored to your specific classroom or administrative needs—no coding required. You'll also learn about an existing library of pre-made Gemini Gems you can easily copy and start using right away! Make sure to bring your own laptop or Chromebook to this session and leave with a personalized digital assistant ready to tackle your unique tasks.

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

Speakers
avatar for Rob Bentley

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network
Rob taught secondary Spanish and Language Arts for 6 years. For the last 19 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, SUMS, and the CTE conferences... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

1:30pm MDT

Putting Google AI to Work: A Practical Guide to Prompt Engineering and Productivity with Gemini - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list of emails, lesson plans, and administrative tasks? This hands-on workshop demonstrates how Gemini can become your productivity partner, streamlining your academic workflow. We will dive into the essential skill of prompt engineering, teaching you how to craft effective commands to get the results you need, fast. You'll learn practical strategies from drafting student communications and generating creative assignment ideas to summarizing research and managing your schedule. This session is dedicated to hands-on exploration, giving you the time and guidance to discover how AI can support you professionally and personally. You will leave with a toolkit of ready-to-use prompts and the skills to confidently use Gemini to save time, spark innovation, and reclaim valuable daily hours.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

1:30pm MDT

Gail Markin Breakout Session
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
AU - Auditorium
TBD

Speakers
avatar for Gail Markin

Gail Markin

Author
Gail Markin is a Canadian counsellor, teacher, author, and speaker who is committed to promoting well-being in the education workplace.

Gail started her career as a social worker, a family counsellor, and a parent educator. After becoming a teacher, she worked as a school counsellor before moving to a District-level role supporting health and well-being for students and staff. Now she works as an education and workplace... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Keynote Breakout Session, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

2:50pm MDT

Want to make a Canvas Quiz in three minutes? You can.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level)
Putting a few tools together, you can use AI and sites such as the New York Institute of Technology to help you create a a QTI file (which...five people have ever heard about) to drop it into Canvas and make a quiz in just a few minutes. I timed myself. Where was this when I was teaching for years?

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
Speakers
avatar for Steve Weller

Steve Weller

Technology Coach, South Sanpete School District
An English teacher for 17 years at Ephraim Middle School and now a district tech trainer, Steve has seen a few things and learned a few tips and tricks along the way.
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

2:50pm MDT

Your New AI Teacher's Aide from Google: Fast-Track Your Prep with NotebookLM - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

Stop spending your summer planning! Learn how to safely ground Google’s free AI tool in your own curriculum files to build print-ready worksheets, quick flashcards, and hands-on, low-screen activities in seconds.

Imagine having a brilliant, zero-cost teacher's aide who handles your heavy-lifting prep work while you focus on your students. Welcome to Google NotebookLM. In this relaxed, hands-on session, we’ll show you how to feed this secure AI tool your actual lesson plans, state standards, or favorite textbooks to instantly spit out high-impact classroom resources.

Instead of staring at a blank screen, you’ll learn how to generate paper-based reading scaffolds, localized vocabulary lists, and creative offline activities that keep you fully compliant with Utah’s new early-elementary screen time rules. Whether you need a quick 10-minute printable extension activity for 2nd grade, a Socratic discussion guide for 6th grade, or tailored support for your English Language Learners, you’ll walk away with a bank of ready-to-use shortcuts to win back your prep periods this fall.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

2:50pm MDT

From Generic to Gem: Building Your First Gemini Gems
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202
Tired of typing the same prompts over and over? It’s time to meet Gems — your customizable chatbots designed to handle whatever task for you. Whether you need a persistent lesson planner, a student feedback coach, or a schedule sorter. Gems allow you to package your best instructions into a single, reusable tool.We’ll cover the breakdown of a Gemini Gem, use cases for educators, tips and tricks and have time to live build! In this hands-on session, we will start with the basics to then begin building. By the end of the hour, you’ll have a custom AI assistant ready to go to work for you!  Note: Participants will need access to Gemini Gems through their Google account. Skills may be transferable to over AI platforms with custom chatbots (SchoolAI, MagicSchool, etc.) 

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Android Tablet / Smartphone; iPad / iPhone; Windows Tablet / Smartphone; Chromebook; Other (If not listed above, please indicate what device(s) would benefit attendees in your session description)

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
Speakers
avatar for Emma Moss

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District
Emma Moss is a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist and AI Project Co-Lead in Canyons School District, as well as the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Program Director in Utah. She founded the Utah AI Collaborative and leads monthly meet-ups on AI and innovation in education... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

2:50pm MDT

Data Privacy Basics Live!
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level)
Last year, the Student Data Privacy team at the Utah State Board of Education introduced an asynchronous Canvas course that many districts and charters have used to meet requirements for data privacy training. This session will be a special live edition of that training! We'll walk through all the most critical info you need to know about Data Privacy Basics; including Data Privacy Rights, Sharing Data, and Protecting Data. Pro-tip: Check with your district or charter ahead of time to see if this course will be a requirement of your back to school training. If so, you can leave this session with a certificate of completion so you can skip that step in the fall! If you would like to get a certificate of completion, please bring a device to participate.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
Speakers
avatar for Nicole Sanchez

Nicole Sanchez

Student Data Privacy Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Nicole Sanchez is a former junior high teacher and instructional coach, and is now a Student Data Privacy Specialist at the Utah State Board of Education. Nicole especially loves to work with districts and charter schools across the state to help them improve their privacy practices... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
CC Sage Valley - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Sage Valley Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

2:50pm MDT

Increasing Student Attendance
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203
This session will dive into attendance best practices around Utah, current school attendance legislation, attendance supports that the Utah State Board of Education offers to schools and LEAs, and will teach about the Statewide Attendance Campaign, "Every Day Counts". 

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
Speakers
avatar for Megan Menlove

Megan Menlove

Attendance Specialist, USBE - Utah State Board of Education
Megan Menlove is an attendance support specialist for the Utah State Board of Education.  She loves being an Attendance Ambassadors and promoting positive attendance throughout Utah.  Prior to coming to USBE she was an assistant principal for thirteen years in Alpine School District... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

2:50pm MDT

What Worked When It Mattered? Pandemic Recovery Success in Utah
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102
When faced with new challenges and uncertainty following pandemic-related disruptions, some Utah schools beat the odds in their student academic recovery. What school-level factors made this possible? In this interactive session, the Utah Education Policy Center (UEPC) will share findings from a statewide mixed-methods study of eight schools that demonstrated strong post-pandemic recovery. Conducted in partnership with USBE and ULEAD, the study examined the school-level factors that leaders and educators identified as most important to academic recovery in their schools. The findings point to reinvesting in the fundamentals rather than adopting pandemic-specific interventions: adaptive school leadership, high-quality PLCs, data-informed instruction, and other aligned support systems coherently working together. Adaptive leadership emerged as a key driver in these contexts, as leadership promoted the central coherence needed for these schools to improve outcomes through the strategic, sustained use of the people, structures, and practices already available to them. Session OutcomesParticipants will:Learn about key findings from the UEPC Pandemic Recovery study.Explore school portraits of success that make the study’s findings more concrete within school contexts.Reflect on their own school's strengths and opportunities for growth in relation to the study's findings.Develop action plans for high-leverage next steps, key partners, and needed supports.Why This MattersThis session translates research into actionable insights for schools, offering rural educators and leaders a research-informed starting point for strengthening the systems and practices that support student outcomes. All participants will leave with printed school portraits and a conversation guide to support continued reflection.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
Speakers
avatar for Andrea Rorrer

Andrea Rorrer

Director, UEPC - Utah Education Policy Center
Dr. Andrea K. Rorrer  is the Director of the UEPC and a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. Andrea, who has 35 years of experience in education, received her master’s degree at the University of Virginia and her Ph.D. from the University of Texas... Read More →
avatar for Kody Colvin

Kody Colvin

Lead School & District Improvement Specialist, Utah Education Policy Center
Kody Colvin is a Lead School and District Improvement Specialist with the Utah Education Policy Center, where he partners with schools and systems to strengthen instructional leadership, professional learning, and continuous improvement efforts. With over 15 years of experience in... Read More →
Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:50pm - 3:50pm MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Leadership, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. |   Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.
 
Thursday, July 16
 

8:30am MDT

Becoming Better Grownups: Rediscovering What Matters and Remembering to Fly
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
AU - Auditorium
TBD
Speakers
avatar for Brad Montague

Brad Montague

Author
Brad Montague is a New York Times best-selling author/illustrator of books for kids and former kids. A highly sought-after speaker and performer whose encouragement brings hope and humanity to a wide variety of communities - Brad is the creator of the hit web series Kid President... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Keynote, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

20 in 20: Rapid-Fire Strategies for Classroom Engagement
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:03am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215
🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

Buckle up for a high-speed tour of 20 actionable strategies designed to wake up your classroom. In just 20 minutes, we’ll do a full circle tour of of purposeful movement, structured talk, and seamless tech integration. You’ll leave this session with ready-to-use tactics that turn passive listeners into active participants.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
Speakers
avatar for Emma Moss

Emma Moss

Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist, Canyons School District
Emma Moss is a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist and AI Project Co-Lead in Canyons School District, as well as the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Program Director in Utah. She founded the Utah AI Collaborative and leads monthly meet-ups on AI and innovation in education... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:03am MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

A Kickstart with Gemini: Demystifying the Tech - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

Are you curious about how AI tools like Gemini work, but are you concerned about privacy and data security? This introductory session is the perfect place to start, demystifying the technology behind the hype. We will break down, in clear and simple terms, how Google AI generates content and makes decisions. More importantly, we'll guide you through the settings to show you how to take control of your conversations by managing your privacy and understanding how your data is used. This workshop is designed for beginners, providing the essential first steps to becoming a confident and AI-literate user. You will leave with the foundational knowledge to use Gemini with assurance and make informed decisions about leveraging Google AI responsibly in your work.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

Canva Reimagined: Unlock the Magic
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102
Move beyond static slides and embrace active learning! Join us for an immersive look into Canva’s Magic Studio. We’ll show you how to use Magic Media and Magic Design to transform K-12 lessons into personalized, interactive experiences. Plus, discover "next level" tools like Magic Activities, Canva Sheets, and Code for me—empowering students to build apps and games without writing code. Turn students into creators and unlock a world of magic that makes school future-ready.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Android Tablet / Smartphone; iPad / iPhone; Windows Tablet / Smartphone; Chromebook

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

Kayla Towner

Senior Product Trainer, UEN - Utah Education Network
Kayla Towner is a Senior Product Trainer at the Utah Education Network (UEN) and, first and foremost, a passionate educator. She loves spending time with her family—playing soccer ⚽️, reading books 📚, hiking 🥾, and adventuring across Utah 🏔️. Kayla is dedicated to... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

Making Sheets Work For You
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203
Go beyond the basics and learn some ways to have Google Sheets do some of the busy work for you so that you can narrow in on the important things.  We will talk about several formulas for organizing data and even throw in some AI helps to get things just how you want them!

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop; Chromebook
Speakers
SK

Stacey King

Teacher, Utah Online School
Stacey grew up in Logan, Utah and attended Utah State University, graduating with her bachelors degree in Family & Consumer Sciences and Math Education. Nine years later, she earned her Masters of Education in Learning and Technology. She loves using technology to solve problems and... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required. |   Assessment & Data Management, Intermediate - basic core competency; some prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

Brad Montague Breakout Session
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
AU - Auditorium
TBD

Speakers
avatar for Brad Montague

Brad Montague

Author
Brad Montague is a New York Times best-selling author/illustrator of books for kids and former kids. A highly sought-after speaker and performer whose encouragement brings hope and humanity to a wide variety of communities - Brad is the creator of the hit web series Kid President... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Keynote Breakout Session, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:45am MDT

Taming the AI Dragon: Practical Gemini & Notebook LM for Educators
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202
Ready to ditch the digital drudgery and inject some AI awesomeness into your teaching toolkit? This session dives into the dazzling world of Google Gemini and Notebook LM – your FREE secret weapons for boosting productivity and student engagement! Forget endless searching; we'll explore how Gemini can brainstorm ideas faster than you can say ""artificial intelligence,"" speed up writing tasks, and even conjure up ""Goldilocks"" resources perfectly tailored to your students' needs.But wait, there's more! Discover why Gemini stands out from the AI crowd (hint: we're serious about data privacy!), and unlock the power of ""Gemini Gems"" – your reusable prompts for maximum impact. Plus, journey into the realm of Notebook LM for next-level insights and podcast summaries that will blow your mind.Whether you're an AI newbie or a tech-savvy guru, come join the fun and leave with practical strategies and a treasure trove of resources (including some amazing free courses and toolkits!) to transform your teaching practice. Let's unleash the power of AI, the Google way!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Chromebook"
Speakers
avatar for Clint Stephens

Clint Stephens

Educational Technology Innovation Specialist & Coach, Southwest Educational Development Center
During his twelve years teaching secondary Science, Regional Technology Integration Specialist Clint Stephens was awarded the Utah Middle School Science Teacher of the Year award in addition to several technology innovation grants & awards. Currently, Clint is a Level 1 & 2 Certified... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Technology & AI, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

11:10am MDT

Google AI as a Catalyst for Creative Inquiry - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

This workshop examines the role of generative AI as a collaborative partner in the creative process, offering a pedagogical framework for its integration into arts and humanities curricula. We will explore how tools like Gemini can facilitate advanced ideation, support divergent thinking, and help students overcome creative stagnation. Through hands-on application, participants will learn to design practical assignments and studio prompts for disciplines including creative writing, music composition, and the visual arts, equipping students to critically and ethically engage with Google AI as part of a contemporary creative practice.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

1:30pm MDT

Top Ten Ways to Differentiate in Canvas
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203
Unlock the full potential of the tool you’re already using.

Canvas: Top 10 Ways to Differentiate Your Planning, Instruction, and Assessment! This lively, practical session reveals easy-to-implement strategies — including new features and powerful but underused tools — that help you personalize learning for every student. From planning to instruction to assessment, you’ll walk away with ready-to-use ideas that save time and boost engagement. Even if you’re not currently using Canvas, many of these approaches adapt beautifully to other platforms. Join us for a fun, hands-on exploration packed with real classroom examples and immediate takeaways!

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

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

Jason Snow

Digital Teaching and Learning Coach, Northeastern Utah Educational Services
Jason a reformed middle school science teacher and the last 7 years spreading the good NUES to North Eastern Utah Teachers as a regional trainer. Trying to personalize the PD to only what matters in your classroom.
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm MDT
ED 203 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 203 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

1:50pm MDT

Prompting, Not Cheating: Building Authentic Literacy Skills in the AI Era - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

Whether your school allows student AI use or has it completely blocked, learn how to use Gemini on your terms to spark critical thinking, design bulletproof writing prompts, and keep academic integrity intact.

Let’s be honest: AI has completely changed the game for student writing assignments, and every district in Utah is handling it a little differently. Whether your students have access to Gemini, use tools like SchoolAI, or are restricted to good old-fashioned paper and pencil, this session is for you. We are skipping the tech-heavy lectures and focusing on practical, "use-it-on-Monday" literacy strategies.

In this relaxed session, we will look at AI from two vital angles. First, you'll discover how to use Gemini as your backend partner to instantly generate customized reading guides, low-screen vocabulary match games, and writing prompts that are too localized for an AI to fake. Second, for districts allowing student access, we’ll explore how to teach students to use Gemini responsibly—treating it like a live brainstorming buddy for outlining and critical thinking rather than a shortcut button. You’ll walk away with flexible, cheat-resistant assignment ideas that fit your specific district’s rules perfectly.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 1:50pm - 2:50pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

2:11pm MDT

Virtual Field Trips: Instructional Resources
Thursday July 16, 2026 2:11pm - 2:29pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215
🕒 Format Alert: This is a fast-paced, 20-minute showcase that is grouped together with two other quick sessions in this time block.

In rural communities, taking a variety of field trips can be challenging. But exposing our students to different peoples and places is so important. This session will provide participants with a list of websites that host free virtual field trips, as well as instructional resources to use before, during, and after field trips to maximize their impact.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
Speakers
avatar for Heather Kennedy

Heather Kennedy

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education, SUU - Southern Utah University
Dr. Heather Kennedy is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at Southern Utah University, where she teaches classes in the areas of special education, math education, school leadership, and secondary education instructional strategies. Dr. Kennedy has almost 20 years of experience... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 2:11pm - 2:29pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

3:10pm MDT

Supporting Student Learning and Creativity with Google Vids
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215
Come explore a powerful teaching and learning tool that lives right inside your Google Workspace: Google Vids. In this session, you'll see how Google Vids can replace the work of multiple other tools, all streamlined into an AI-powered creation hub. Learn how to breathe new life into your existing slideshows, harness the power of Gemini to generate instant storyboards, and utilize "pro" features like the built-in teleprompter and AI voiceovers. Whether you want to narrate your slideshows, create how-to screen recordings or "Digital Sub Plans," or want to get your students creating videos, this session will help you learn this cinematic, collaborative learning tool—no expensive software required.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network
Rob taught secondary Spanish and Language Arts for 6 years. For the last 19 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, SUMS, and the CTE conferences... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
ED 215 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 215 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

3:10pm MDT

Your Custom AI Toolbox: Save Time by Building Reusable Gemini "Gems" - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

Tired of copying and pasting the same long, detailed prompts into Gemini every day? Learn how to build your own saved, specialized AI assistants to handle repetitive tasks like lesson hooks, exit tickets, and differentiated reading levels in one click.

As a K-12 educator, your time is your most valuable resource. If you find yourself repeatedly typing the exact same instructions into an AI—like "Rewrite this at a 3rd-grade reading level" or "Create a 5-question quiz based on this text"—it's time to meet Gemini Gems. Think of Gems as custom, saved mini-assistants that remember your specific rules, classroom standards, and favorite teaching styles so you never have to start from scratch.

In this fun, practical session, we’ll show you how to build your own personal toolkit of Gems. We'll build a "Bell-Ringer Builder," a "Rubric Maker," and a "Parent Newsletter Editor." Best of all, we’ll look at how educators around the country are sharing these teacher-to-teacher so you don't have to reinvent the wheel. Note: We will also briefly cover how districts allowing student AI access can share Gems with middle and high schoolers to safely scaffold assignments—but the main focus is winning back hours of your own prep time!

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

3:10pm MDT

Demystifying Mastery: The What, the Why and the How of Proficiency Scale Construction
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level)
In a learner-centered classroom, students shouldn't have to guess what success looks like or how to get there; proficiency scales provide the essential GPS for their educational journey. This session will explore the what, why, and how of building scales that transform Utah Core standards into transparent, actionable roadmaps for every learner. We’ll define proficiency scales as a progressive continuum that breaks down complex skills into observable milestones, moving far beyond the static nature of traditional rubrics. By shifting from a "mystery grading" system that combines behaviors and understanding into one opaque measure, we can foster true learner agency, empowering students to identify exactly what they need to know and how to get there. Participants will explore a practical design process: first, exploring standards to identify essential skills; second, crafting clear descriptors for varying levels of mastery from emerging to extending; and third, integrating student voice to ensure the language is accessible and meaningful. By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the tools and concrete examples needed to replace traditional grade books with a system that turns every student into a self-directed, assessment capable learner.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
Speakers
NA

Nathan Auck

Founder and Principal Consultant, Catalyst for Coherence
Nathan Auck has over two decades of educational experience, spanning roles in alternative school teaching and leadership to STEM Coordinator and Personalized Competency Based Learning Specialist for the Utah State Board of Education. A Presidential Award winner and Albert Einstein... Read More →
Thursday July 16, 2026 3:10pm - 4:10pm MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Professional Learning Communities (PLCs & PLNs), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.
 
Friday, July 17
 

8:30am MDT

Joanna Andres, Utah’s 2025-26 Teacher of the Year
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
AU - Auditorium
TBD

Speakers
avatar for Joanna Andres

Joanna Andres

Social Studies Teacher & Utah's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, Park City High School
2026 Utah Teacher of the Year

Joanna Andres is a dedicated social studies educator at Park City High School and the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year. Currently in her seventh year with the Park City School District, she is recognized for her innovative, student-centered approach to education and her ability to foster... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Keynote, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:50am MDT

AI Tools for Digital Storytelling: Google Vids and Adobe Podcast
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202
Unlock the potential of AI to transform how your students create, narrate, and publish their ideas. This session focuses on two powerful tools: Google Vids, which streamlines video creation, and Adobe Podcast for professional-grade audio and video enhancements and editing. You'll learn how these tools can rapidly accelerate the process of turning a simple idea into a fully-produced piece of digital media.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

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

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network
Rob taught secondary Spanish and Language Arts for 6 years. For the last 19 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, SUMS, and the CTE conferences... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:50am MDT

Beyond Plagiarism: Reimagining Assessment & Assignments in the Age of AI - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

Worried that generative AI makes it too easy for students to take shortcuts on assignments? This session reframes the challenge, moving beyond detection to focus on redesigning assessments for a new era. Just as calculators changed how we teach math, AI pushes us to evaluate higher-order thinking, not just information recall. We'll explore how to develop AI-resistant assignment designs using project-based learning and other innovative approaches. Discover how to create assessments that encourage students to use Google AI as a partner in the learning process—a tool for brainstorming, research, and revision—all while upholding academic integrity. You will leave with a portfolio of new assignment ideas and a clear framework for creating assessments that prepare students to use AI ethically and effectively.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI)

9:50am MDT

NUES TAP: Building Better Questions Together with the NUES Teacher Assessment Project
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Red Hills Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Red Hills Room (200 Level)
Discover the power of NUES TAP: Building Better Questions Together!

This engaging session invites K-12 educators across all grades and subjects to share your needs and wants while learning how to create high-quality, RISE-style questions for low-stakes classroom use. Using the familiar Canvas Quizzes tool (available to all Utah educators), you’ll explore how to build, share, and contribute to a growing database of standards-aligned questions. Whether you want to become a confident user, a creative builder, or simply understand “how the sausage is made,” this fun and collaborative session welcomes everyone. The more voices, the merrier — come help create practical resources that make assessment meaningful and manageable!

Bonus: Math Clusters will be thrown in for no additional cost

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

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

Jason Snow

Digital Teaching and Learning Coach, Northeastern Utah Educational Services
Jason a reformed middle school science teacher and the last 7 years spreading the good NUES to North Eastern Utah Teachers as a regional trainer. Trying to personalize the PD to only what matters in your classroom.
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Red Hills Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Red Hills Room (200 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:50am MDT

Technology: What Are We (Or Should We Be) Afraid Of?
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level)
Recently passed and proposed legislation proposes to reduce technology use in schools. Is that wise? Is it good? What is it that concerns our parents and legislators? Should it concern us as well? Do we need to rethink our use of technology in our schools? This presentation will review some of the research that either supports or raises concerns about how we use technology in our schools. It will touch on how technology has impacted society, especially our students, and will attempt to tease out the first principles that can help guide our decisions around technology in our schools and our lives.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
Speakers
avatar for Christijan Draper

Christijan Draper

Technology Director, Daggett School District
Christijan Draper graduated from high school in the Alaskan Bush as a class of one—valedictorian by default. Dr. Draper has a PhD in instructional psychology and technology, a MS in youth and family recreation, and he studied communications as an undergrad. He spent five years as... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:50am MDT

Joanna Andres Breakout Session
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
AU - Auditorium
TBD

Speakers
avatar for Joanna Andres

Joanna Andres

Social Studies Teacher & Utah's 2025-26 Teacher of the Year, Park City High School
2026 Utah Teacher of the Year

Joanna Andres is a dedicated social studies educator at Park City High School and the 2026 Utah Teacher of the Year. Currently in her seventh year with the Park City School District, she is recognized for her innovative, student-centered approach to education and her ability to foster... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
AU - Auditorium 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Keynote Breakout Session, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

9:50am MDT

Advancing Opportunity: Utah Rural Education Supported By Community Partnerships
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level)
1 hour BYOD Workshop:Think about an academic outcome in your school or district that has been particularly difficult to improve (i.e. kindergarten readiness, 3rd grade reading proficiency, 8th grade math proficiency, chronic absenteeism, graduation rates, etc.) In this session, in both large and small groups, we will dig into the data and explore what might change if we bring the full power of the community together to address the sticky outcome. We will examine the strategies you could ask the community to pursue to contribute to improving the outcome. We will discuss community shared accountability for the outcome. Finally, through shared example, we will uncover the power of cross-sector partnerships to move educational outcomes forward. 

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any of these
Speakers
avatar for Amy Ahrens Terpstra

Amy Ahrens Terpstra

Chief Impact Officer, Promise Partnership of Utah
Amy Ahrens Terpstra has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector. Amy has served as the Managing Director of Promise Partnership of Utah since January 2022, where she is responsible for driving social impact. During the 2026 legislative session, Amy was instrumental in ushering... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 9:50am - 10:50am MDT
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Utah Core Curriculum, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

11:10am MDT

Bringing Characters to Life Using Adobe Character Animator
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202
Discover the magic of Adobe Character Animator as you step into the future of storytelling. Learn how to create engaging, animated characters that can lip-sync in real-time with your own voice (or your students' voices), bringing lessons to life in an interactive and fun way. You'll learn how to make characters sync to your face, shoulders, and hands so you can both speak and act in character. Adobe Character Animator is provided free of charge to Utah public school teachers in grades K-12, and to public school students in grades 7-12. Join us and transform the way you connect with your students through the power of animation!

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Mac Laptop; Windows Laptop
Speakers
avatar for Rob Bentley

Rob Bentley

Instructor and Adobe Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network
Rob taught secondary Spanish and Language Arts for 6 years. For the last 19 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, SUMS, and the CTE conferences... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 202 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 202 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

11:10am MDT

Real or Rendered? Promoting Digital Media Literacy in the Age of AI - USBE + Google Sponsored Session
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104
🎉 Get $200 for your classroom! Just attend any 3 of the 8 available USBE+Google sessions in ED 104 to qualify for a USBE-sponsored $200 DonorsChoose classroom credit! 📝🚀

In a world where AI can generate realistic but false text, images, and video, how do we equip students with the skills to be critical digital citizens? This essential workshop moves beyond content creation to focus on critical evaluation. We will provide a framework for teaching students how to identify the hallmarks of AI-generated content, verify sources with greater scrutiny, and understand the societal implications of deepfakes and misinformation. We'll explore how to design assignments that challenge students to evaluate digital content and build their discernment skills critically. You will leave with practical lesson plans and strategies for embedding the crucial 21st-century skill of combating misinformation directly into your existing curriculum.

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

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: Any web-enabled device is recommended.
Speakers
avatar for Chris McCaffrey

Chris McCaffrey

Google Certified Trainer & Coach, Google ~ Kiker Learning
Chris McCaffrey is a Google for Education Certified Trainer & Coach as well as the Coordinator of Innovation, while managing the virtual academy at Wilson School District in PA. Drawing from over 25 years in education—including experience as a school board director, adjunct professor... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
ED 104 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 104 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI)

11:10am MDT

What does a balanced approach to instructional technology use look like in reality?
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127
With so many varying opinions and thoughts around what is and isn't good/healthy surrounding the use of technology in the classroom, what can be done to find a realistic and viable balanced approach to classroom instruction? What are the pillars of a balanced instructional technology approach, and how can we involve our stakeholders to build common understanding and vision?

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
Speakers
avatar for Tony Campbell

Tony Campbell

Director of Learning & Innovation, Washington County School District
I am the Director of the Learning & Innovation Technologies Division for the Washington County School District. I serve on the National Future Ready Schools Advisory Committee, the Utah Digital Learning Advisory Committee, & the National McGraw-Hill Literacy Advisory Committee. I... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
SC 127 - Science Center, Room 127 370 West 200 South, Cedar City, UT 84720
  Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Assessment & Data Management, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Instructional Coaching, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Other, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.

11:10am MDT

Norms of Collaboration: Fostering Belonging On and Offline
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level)
In this presentation, we’ll explore the Seven Norms of Collaboration through the lens of digital collaboration and digital citizenship, empowering educators to foster respectful, inclusive, and effective communication—both in person and online. Participants will engage in thoughtful discussions and practical activities that highlight how these norms can strengthen relationships and build a sense of belonging within digital learning communities. Learn to create meaningful connections and foster collaborative cultures that thrive in both physical and virtual learning environments.

Participants MUST HAVE one of the following platforms/devices in order to participate in this session: None

Participants MAY FIND IT USEFUL to have one or more of the following platforms/devices during this session: None
Speakers
avatar for Dani Sloan

Dani Sloan

IT Product Manager, UEN - Utah Education Network
Dr. Dani Sloan helps educators lead, research, and teach digital citizenship. She's a UEN Product Manager and Instructor at the University of Utah. She is a former Elementary Teacher and current mom to a seventh grader. Dani is passionate about preparing students for a digital world... Read More →
Friday July 17, 2026 11:10am - 12:10pm MDT
CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level) 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, UT 84720
  Leadership, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Digital Citizenship & Media Literacy, Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required. |   Educational Technology - including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Beginner - limited to no experience; no prerequisite skills required.
 
From $50.00
2026 Utah Rural Schools Conference
From $50.00

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Wednesday, July 15
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AU - Auditorium
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BC 103 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 103
BC 208 - Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center, Room 208
CC Charles Hunter - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Charles Hunter Room (100 Level
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CC Red Hills Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Red Hills Room (200 Level)
CC Rondthaller Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Rondthaller Room (200 Level
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CC Shooting Star - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Shooting Star Room (100 Level)
CC Vermillion Cliffs - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Vermillion Cliffs Room (100
CC Whiting Room - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Whiting Room Room (200 Level)
CC Yankee Meadows - R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, Yankee Meadows Room (100 Level
Cedar City, Utah
ED 102 - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Room 102
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ED Level 2 Foyer, East - Emma Eccles Jones Education Building, Level 2 Foyer
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SC 016 - Science Center, Room 016
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SC 128 - Science Center, Room 128
SC 129 - Science Center, Room 129
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