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Vision

In Canyons School District, we believe that all stakeholders benefit from purposeful technology integration within the learning process, focusing on student achievement. Educational technology will be used to empower teachers, students, and other stakeholders to gain the knowledge and skills needed to adapt, create, consume, and connect responsibly and ethically with the broader world in preparation for meaningful life opportunities.

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Wednesday, June 4
 

8:30am MDT

What's New OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
Presenter
avatar for Camille Cole

Camille Cole

DTL Specialist, Canyons School District
Camille Cole attended the University of Utah where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in History, and a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Educational Technology. Camille has teaching endorsements in Educational Technology, Math and ESL... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am MDT
HHS Auditorium

9:40am MDT

adobe vendor OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A166

9:40am MDT

Advancing Your Skills with MagicSchool for Students OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
In this intermediate session focused on student tools, participants will explore customization options to optimize rooms and resources for group or individual student needs.
Presenter
AS

Allan Schagene

Trainer, Magic School AI
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
TBA

9:40am MDT

AI4K12 OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A315

9:40am MDT

Basics of Creating with Nearpod OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Customize any digital lesson to personalize the instruction for your students. Learn how to take your resources
and make them come to life with rich media and interactive activities to engage your students.
Presenter
avatar for Jess Sangiorgio

Jess Sangiorgio

District Strategy Consultant, Nearpod
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A220

9:40am MDT

Navigating Learning Adventures with Blue-Bot OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
The Blue-Bot is a programmable robot that opens up exciting opportunities for young learners. We’ll explore how this Bluetooth-enabled companion can enhance teaching and learning experiences in elementary classrooms. Whether you’re a tech-savvy educator or just dipping your toes into coding, join us as we delve into an introduction to Blue-Bot, hands-on coding opportunities, and a discussion of cross-curricular integration.
Presenter
avatar for Kayla Towner

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Senior Technical Specialist, UEN - Utah Education Network
Kayla Towner, a tech enthusiast, is the Product Manager & Technology Specialist at the Utah Education Network (UEN). She loves spending time with her family - playing soccer ⚽️, listening to audiobooks 📚, hiking 🥾, & adventuring around Utah 🏔️. She’s passionate about... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A162

9:40am MDT

QTEL: Cultivating Language and Learning Through Engaging Classrooms OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
 I am learning about QTEL so that I can get my students engaged, talking, and making connections between concepts within text.
Presenter
avatar for Penny Armour

Penny Armour

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
avatar for Cathy Bruner

Cathy Bruner

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A322

9:40am MDT

Stronger Together: Partnering for Impact — How Administrators and Instructional Coaches Can Align for School Success – The Beet Digger Approach OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Effective collaboration between administrators and instructional coaches is key to building instructional capacity and achieving school goals. This session will focus on strategies for establishing clear, productive partnerships—grounded in trust, role clarity, and shared purpose. Topics include aligning on an instructional focus, leveraging coaching to support teacher growth, and developing systems that connect coaching work to school improvement efforts. Participants will walk away with practical approaches for strengthening the admin-coach partnership in their own schools.
Presenter
avatar for Amy Guyaux

Amy Guyaux

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A234

9:40am MDT

Mastery Connect for Admin OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
How to support your teachers with Formative data from Mastery Connect
Presenter
avatar for Scott Lambert

Scott Lambert

Teacher Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A240

9:40am MDT

Recess Reinvented: Systems for Student Success & Staff Support OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
In this training, attendees will learn how recess systems can positively impact student behavior, foster engagement, and create a safer, more enjoyable play environment for all students. We’ll explore strategies for supporting recess aides through effective meetings, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Walk away with practical tools to enhance recess staff support, promote positive interactions, and ensure recess is a time for students to thrive together.
Presenter
avatar for Meredith Dolny

Meredith Dolny

Teacher
Chat with me about all things play and movement! Recess, PE, movement in your classroom--anything!
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A309

9:40am MDT

Comprehend This! OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Join us to explore how to increase motivation for students through building background knowledge, unlocking vocabulary, and creating connections between texts and personal experience. These reading comprehension strategies from LETRS allow all students access to grade level text.
Presenter
avatar for Leigh Anstadt

Leigh Anstadt

Coach, Canyons School District
MA

Michelle Alejandre

1st grade teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A314

9:40am MDT

Unlocking Mathematical Curiosity: Transforming Students into Inquiry-Driven Learners! OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT

Join this session for an engaging and lively professional learning session where we’ll unlock the magic of math by putting our students in the driver's seat! This session is all about transforming our classrooms into vibrant, inquiry-driven spaces where students are not just passive learners, but curious explorers of the mathematical world. We’ll dive into the exciting world of student-centered learning and discover how to spark curiosity through inquiry-based activities that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Get ready for fun discussions, collaborative brainstorming, and hands-on planning that will leave you inspired and equipped with fresh ideas to energize your math instruction. By the end of our time together, you’ll be ready to create an engaging environment where students take charge of their own learning adventures. Let’s make math an exciting journey together!
Presenter
avatar for Cynthia Lloyd

Cynthia Lloyd

Elementary STEM/Science/Math Specialist, Canyons School District
Cynthia Lloyd has presented at UTSTA, UCET, UCTM, FETC, UVU MakerCon, and C-Forum on topics related to Science, Math, STEM, and best practices for STEM integration. She is the elementary math, science, and STEM specialist for Canyons School District and is passionate about content... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A313

9:40am MDT

Supporting Twice-Exceptional Learners in the Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Twice-exceptional (2e) students are those who are both gifted and have learning disabilities, such as ADHD or dyslexia. This session will help you understand the characteristics of 2e learners and how neurodiversity shapes their needs. You’ll gain practical strategies for designing strengths-based instruction and accommodations that support these unique students, empowering them to succeed in your classroom.
Presenter
avatar for Halley Kirk

Halley Kirk

GT Specialist, Canyons School District
Halley Kirk is the Gifted and Talented Specialist and SALTA Program Coordinator in Canyons School District and brings a unique perspective to education. Her journey began with a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Philosophy and a stint in Washington DC, laying the foundation... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A311

9:40am MDT

Finishing Strong: Making consolidation the most powerful part of your lesson OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
The last 10 minutes of a lesson are often where learning either sticks—or slips away. What if that time became your most impactful teaching move? In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen the consolidation phase using strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms and AI-powered listening tools. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to elevate student voice, connect thinking, and maximize learning—without reworking your entire lesson plan. Instead, we’ll focus on simple shifts that help you finish strong and make student thinking visible right when it matters most.
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A214

9:40am MDT

Leading the Hoards: How to Cope with a Cohort Mindset in the WL and DLI Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
As teachers, we know how to prepare lesson plans. We know how to deliver content. But what is less familiar to many is the capacity to maintain control when there is one of you and a hoard of students that know each other well enough to push buttons and to gang up on you. This presentation will explore 3 main principles that can greatly increase our efficacy and capacity to manage the cohort mindset- Expectations, Collaboration, and Connection.
Presenter
avatar for David Evans

David Evans

DLI French
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A333

9:40am MDT

Maximizing Learning with Focused Note-Taking OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
We will talk about the 5 phases of Focused Note Taking and hone in on phases 2 and 3, which are processing notes and connecting thinking. We will discuss the strategies to increase inquiry and collaboration in the classroom alongside the process of taking notes. This helps promote student engagement and increases DOK in the classroom. For example, we will discuss the Quiz the class strategy and Costa's Levels of Questioning. We will also share how these phases help with scaffolding and meeting accommodations for all learners, while also building rigor.
Presenter
avatar for Susie Baer Young

Susie Baer Young

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
JM

Jamison Morrison

Teacher, Canyons School District
KA

Kayla Alexander

ACC Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A215

9:40am MDT

Setting Professional Learning and Student Growth Goals - A Sneak Preview of the Updated CTESS Goal-Writing Framework OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Each year, Canyons educators have the opportunity to create Professional Learning and Student Growth Goals. Goal setting can be meaningful and beneficial for the teaching and learning happening in your classroom. Join us for a sneak preview of the updated CTESS goal-writing framework to better understand how goals engage you in thinking about your teaching and your students’ growth and progress in learning and get a jump start on goal planning for the coming school year.
Presenter
avatar for Lora Tuesday Heathfield

Lora Tuesday Heathfield

Program Evaluation Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A329

9:40am MDT

The Motivation Barrier OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
In the past, extrinsic motivators helped students succeed in school. The challenge today is developing strong intrinsic motivation in students. By focusing on Challenge, Autonomy, and Relationships, teachers may be able to start to tear down motivation barriers.
Presenter
avatar for Bradley Moss

Bradley Moss

Arts Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A209

9:40am MDT

Using MagicschoolAI to Make Teaching Magic OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Showing teachers how to use Magicschool.AI seemlessly in their classrooms on the student side for supports and on the teacher side to make their lives easier.
Presenter
avatar for KT Buffington

KT Buffington

7th Grade ELA Teacher, Canyons School District
I have been an ELA educator for the past 13 years. My favorite thing to teach kids is how the ELA language is a bully and knocks over other languages and steals their pocket grammar. If you're kids are not having fun while learning, you probably aren't either. 
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A318

9:40am MDT

Movement in the Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Presenter
avatar for Sally Williams

Sally Williams

PE & Health Specialist, Canyons School District
Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A176

9:40am MDT

Understanding Business Chemistry to Build Better Relationships & Communication OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Unlock the power of Business Chemistry to improve your communication, collaboration, and overall success with those around you—whether it's teammates, administrators, parents, or PLCs. In this interactive session, we’ll dive into the four distinct Business Chemistry types, explore what each type needs to feel supported, and discuss how to flex your approach for more effective relationships. You’ll leave with practical strategies to better navigate team dynamics, engage with parents, and foster stronger partnerships with school leadership. Get ready to learn, reflect, and connect in a way that brings out the best in everyone.
Presenter
MR

Mindy Robison

Director of Middle Schools
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A320

9:40am MDT

"Take this Job and LOVE it!" Collective Efficacy for School Climate (work in progress) OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Building Collective Efficacy for a Positive Schoolwide Culture
Presenter
avatar for Angi Holden

Angi Holden

Principal, Canyons School District
Angi is passionate about coaching and supporting educators and students. She has been in education for 20 years working in Special Education, Student Services, Coaching, Instructional Support Specialist. She has been an administrator at Glacier Hills & Bella Vista. She is currently... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A336

9:40am MDT

Behavior Tracking and Documentation OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Presenting ways in which you can collect data for SST and EBR for Tier 2 and 3 behavior students
Presenter
avatar for Noelle Jones

Noelle Jones

Instrucrtional Coach, Canyons School District
Laugh often!
PM

Paige Martinez

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A236

9:40am MDT

Elevate Your Prompts: A Practical Introduction to AI Conversations OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
(Part 1 of 3 in a Series): Curious about how AI tools like MagicSchool AI can support your teaching, but not sure where to start? In this beginner-friendly session, you’ll learn how to elevate your teaching by mastering the basics of prompting by writing clear, intentional instructions that guide AI to generate meaningful and useful responses. We’ll explore the structure of an effective prompt, walk through real classroom examples, and give you time to practice crafting your own. Whether you're hoping to save time, spark creativity, or enhance student learning, this session will give you the skills to grow your confidence using AI.
Presenter
avatar for Emma Moss

Emma Moss

DTL Specialist + AI Co-Leaad, Canyons School District
Emma's main role is as a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist and AI Project Co-Lead in Canyons School District. Emma also currently serves as the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Education Program Director. In addition to her current roles, Emma Moss founded the Utah AI Collaborative... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A211

9:40am MDT

Free yourself! Using an iPad and Canva whiteboard to become more mobile in your classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
We will demonstrate how to use Canva whiteboard on your iPad. It can be used to replace a document camera, whiteboard, and Explain Basics/Explain Edu which then allows for better active supervision and student engagement during class.
Presenter
avatar for Rachel Ostvig

Rachel Ostvig

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A331

9:40am MDT

No Wrong Answers: Creating a Safe and Supportive Classroom with Improv OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
In this session we will dive into improv-based team-building games that any teacher (or admin) could use with their classes to provide a safe space for students to express themselves, engage without fear of failure, and build stronger interpersonal connections. Improv is a proven technique to teach listening skills and build a positive classroom community. We will teach you a few different improv games that are easy to use in any classroom as a brain break, morning meeting/starter routine, community building/ice breaker activity, or PBIS reward.
Presenter
avatar for Katie Schmoldt

Katie Schmoldt

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
I love history teaching, integrating technology, and anything outdoors!
EH

Erica Heiner

Theatre Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A216

9:40am MDT

Quality Interactions Through Mind Maps OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
We will be highlighting the use of quality interactions in an ELA classroom through a few tasks teachers have found success with at our school.
Presenter
avatar for Lindsey Hausknecht

Lindsey Hausknecht

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
AS

Amy Stanton

8th grade ELA
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A218

9:40am MDT

Oh my Gosh, there's no way I'm letting my students record video! Or should I? OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
When it comes to students doing projects or submitting video for assignments, there are several quick and easy ways for them to record. Come share your secrets and learn more from lessons learned in Project-based learning.
Presenter
avatar for David G. Smith

David G. Smith

Business Leadership Instructor, Canyons School District
Canyons Technical Education Center (CTEC) Business & Marketing teacher and CAPS Facilitator. Project-based learning through student lead projects.
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A335

9:40am MDT

Random Grouping, Movement, and Menus in Instruction OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
I teach with random groups and do lots of little things to get students engaged with each other. I'd like to highlight how simple it is to get students moving and how it increases engagement. The final buy in strategy I use is giving student options to accomplish a task, for example menus for summaries and leveled problems. These really simple shifts really up student engagement. I think these strategies could be use across many contents even though I've only used them in math.
Presenter
avatar for Michelle O'Reilly

Michelle O'Reilly

math teacher, Canyons District
Michelle has been an educator in Canyons School District for the last 8 years. She is passionate about mathematics and mindsets. Her goal is to change students perception of the subject and build their confidence so they can reach their own potential as mathematicians without all... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A175

9:40am MDT

Read It and Reap: Incentivizing Teen Readers Without Losing Rigor OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Read It and Reap: Incentivizing Teen Readers Without Losing Rigor explores how secondary ELA teachers can boost student motivation and independent reading without sacrificing academic depth. This session highlights the creative use of Beanstack, a digital reading challenge platform, to track progress, encourage goal-setting, and celebrate reading milestones. Participants will see examples of how educators integrate Beanstack into their curriculum to align with learning goals, foster authentic reading habits, and celebrate student growth. Walk away with practical strategies to engage reluctant readers, promote reading accountability, and cultivate a culture of joyful, purposeful reading in secondary classrooms.
Presenter
avatar for Gretchen Zaitzeff

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District
Gretchen Zaitzeff is the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and the President of the Utah School Library Association (USLA). She is deeply committed to professional learning, instructional leadership, and literacy, actively supporting library... Read More →
avatar for Lesli Morris

Lesli Morris

HS ELA Specialist, Canyons School District
Lesli Morris is the high school ELA (English Language Arts) teacher specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and is currently serving as the Utah Ambassador for the News Literacy Project and is on the selection committee for the Notable Books for a Global Society Award... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A213

9:40am MDT

Scaffold Smarter: Because Even Teachers Deserve a Bot-ter Assistant? OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
Feeling overwhelmed by large class sizes and students constantly needing your attention? Do you have those few students who always finish early and are ready for more? Good news — help is here! With a customized chatbot, it’s like having a virtual version of yourself in the classroom, ready to support learners at every level. Join us to discover how this powerful tool can transform your teaching!
Presenter
avatar for Jessica Edwards

Jessica Edwards

instructional coach, Canyons School District
I have been in education for 16 years with 15 years as a social studies teacher and one whole year as an instructional coach! I love getting to support teachers and see all the amazing things that they are doing in their classrooms! #bestjobever In my "free" time, I attempt to keep... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A229

9:40am MDT

Derivita: Embracing Productive Struggle: Cultivating Perseverance in Learning OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
How can we create a classroom culture where students embrace challenges rather than avoid them? This session draws insights from Productive Math Struggle and covers:
● The role of struggle in learning and how to support it without lowering rigor
● Strategies for shifting mindsets around mistakes and perseverance
● Practical ways to foster deeper thinking and resilience in students
Teachers will gain actionable techniques to balance challenge and support. Derivita will also introduce new platform capabilities and lead a brief AMA.
Presenter
avatar for Rachel Marshall

Rachel Marshall

Instructional Specialist, Canyons School District
avatar for Allison Duncan

Allison Duncan

HS Math Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A173

9:40am MDT

Harnessing the Power of AI In the Elective Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
With the rise of usage in AI throughout education, many teachers find easy ways to use it in core classes. However, there are many ways to use AI with and without students in elective classes as well! We will demonstrate ways to use AI as teachers, as well as with students, in classes such as Health, Dance, PE, Theater, and other elective contents.
Presenter
avatar for Caitlin Barrus

Caitlin Barrus

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
I am currently getting ISTE certified. Additionally, I am an eMINTS affiliate trainer, and have presented on the use of SAMR and TPACK.
RP

Roxanne Paulsen

Dance/ Health Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am MDT
A238

9:40am MDT

Building a Community of Writers (3-5) OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 11:50am MDT
Bernice and I are working with our USBE literacy coaches, Stacy Packard, Sara Leonard, and Leigh Anstadt to present after a PL with the state around writing. We are not clear of how many sessions needed but we are thinking we have a session 1a and 1b-reccomending that you attend 1a (learning) before 1b (application). We will also have Scott Christensen presenting with us.
Presenter
avatar for Stacy Packard

Stacy Packard

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District/USBE
avatar for Leigh Ann Fisher

Leigh Ann Fisher

Teacher Specialist, Canyons School District
avatar for Bernice Allen

Bernice Allen

Teacher speialist, Canyons School District
avatar for Scott Christensen

Scott Christensen

Education Specialist, Canyons School District
Scott Christensen brings nearly 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and specialist in grades K-12 in public schools and charter schools from Washington State, Florida, North Dakota, and Utah. He has taught English/Language Arts in grades 7-11, including... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 9:40am - 11:50am MDT
A316

10:50am MDT

adobe vendor OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A166

10:50am MDT

AI4K12 OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A315

10:50am MDT

Creating and Launching Choice Boards with Nearpod OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Choice boards and hyperdocs offer many learning opportunities for students in a single lesson. This session will
show you step-by-step how to build a choice board directly in Nearpod and how to bring in boards you might
already use. Walk away with a choice board you can use with your students in the new school year.
Presenter
avatar for Jess Sangiorgio

Jess Sangiorgio

District Strategy Consultant, Nearpod
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A220

10:50am MDT

How to make your discussions more engaging | Whiteboarding in Canvas OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
In this session we will cover the basics of using Lucidspark, a collaborative digital whiteboard, to enhance your class discussion and make them more engaging for all students.  Here are a couple key concepts we will review: 
  • Tips for structuring successful discussion boards | frames, paths, table of contents
  • How to use facilitator controls to focus student collaboration | locking, hiding, call student to me
  • Review different ways students can engage within the collaborative board | stickies, emojis, comments
  • Walkthrough how to embed collaborative Lucidspark boards onto the Canvas page | black L in the RCE
  • Try it out | try out a few example activities together and then make your own discussion board
Presenter
avatar for Vanessa Cicero

Vanessa Cicero

Coach and Trainer, Lucid for Education
Classroom Teacher (7 years), EdTech Coach (7 years), and Lucid Coach and Trainer (3 years)
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A218

10:50am MDT

QTEL: Cultivating Language and Learning Through Engaging Classrooms OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
 I am learning about QTEL so that I can get my students engaged, talking, and making connections between concepts within text.
Presenter
avatar for Penny Armour

Penny Armour

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
avatar for Cathy Bruner

Cathy Bruner

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A322

10:50am MDT

Wait... Canva can do What? OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Presenter
avatar for Chandra Martz

Chandra Martz

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District
Chandra Martz has presented on topics such as STEM integration, EdTech Best Practice and more at UCET, UVU Makercon, and other local conferences. Chandra runs STEAM Studio in Canyons School District and has helped to create a strategic vision for STEAM in Canyons School District... Read More →
avatar for Katie Gebhardt

Katie Gebhardt

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District
Katie is a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist in Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah. Katie has a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instructional Technology from Iowa State University. She has worked in education for 18 years as a specialist, Instructional Coach... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A176

10:50am MDT

Making Evaluation Strong – An Admin CTESS Review OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Administrators/Supervisors, now that the school year is over, it is time to reflect on how well your evaluation process went and start to look ahead on how to make next year’s evaluation work stronger, more efficient, and meaningful. Come and review the CTESS evaluation elements to ensure your understanding and implementation to CTESS is accurate, see exemplars of CTESS work, and ask questions to ensure you are ready to start the new school year’s evaluation strong.
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A329

10:50am MDT

Shifting the Lens: Rethinking Math Instruction for Administrators OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Math instruction should go beyond rote memorization to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and conceptual understanding. This session helps administrators:
● Reframe math instruction with research-based strategies
● Support teachers in implementing and sustaining best practices
● Foster a culture of mathematical thinking and deeper learning
Join us to explore how administrators can better support teachers and students in building a strong foundation for lifelong mathematical success.
Presenter
avatar for Rachel Marshall

Rachel Marshall

Instructional Specialist, Canyons School District
avatar for Allison Duncan

Allison Duncan

HS Math Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A173

10:50am MDT

Recess Reinvented: Systems for Student Success & Staff Support OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
In this training, attendees will learn how recess systems can positively impact student behavior, foster engagement, and create a safer, more enjoyable play environment for all students. We’ll explore strategies for supporting recess aides through effective meetings, clear communication, and collaborative problem-solving. Walk away with practical tools to enhance recess staff support, promote positive interactions, and ensure recess is a time for students to thrive together.
Presenter
avatar for Meredith Dolny

Meredith Dolny

Teacher
Chat with me about all things play and movement! Recess, PE, movement in your classroom--anything!
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A309

10:50am MDT

Boost Engagement with Cooperative Learning OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
I will be presenting a variety of strategies that can be used with any subject to increase student learning through various interactions where students are talking, improving social skills, and moving.
Presenter
avatar for Amy Hansen

Amy Hansen

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A318

10:50am MDT

Engaging Math Instruction: Making Every Student Feel Like a ‘Math Person OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Too many students (and adults!) believe they just aren’t “math people.” But what if we could change that? This session is all about breaking the myth of fixed math ability and transforming classrooms into spaces where every student sees themselves as a capable mathematician.

We’ll explore practical, research-based strategies to build math confidence, foster a growth mindset, and engage students in meaningful mathematical thinking. Through hands-on activities, real-world connections, and collaborative problem-solving, participants will learn how to create a math classroom where struggle is celebrated, thinking is valued, and success is accessible to all. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that empower students, spark curiosity, and make math a subject where everyone belongs.
Presenter
avatar for Cynthia Lloyd

Cynthia Lloyd

Elementary STEM/Science/Math Specialist, Canyons School District
Cynthia Lloyd has presented at UTSTA, UCET, UCTM, FETC, UVU MakerCon, and C-Forum on topics related to Science, Math, STEM, and best practices for STEM integration. She is the elementary math, science, and STEM specialist for Canyons School District and is passionate about content... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A313

10:50am MDT

Join the AI Magic: Engaging Young Learners in Transformative Teaching OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Discover innovative AI tools to enhance critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity in K-5 classrooms. Experience hands-on activities, streamline lesson planning, and empower students through engaging, interactive learning experiences. Further unlock the magic of AI in your classroom today.
Presenter
avatar for Abigail Müller

Abigail Müller

Kindergarten Teacher, Canyons School District
I’m an Elementary Educator of Littles that loves using technology to help them create, collaborate, communicate, and think critically.
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A314

10:50am MDT

Makerspace Magic: Turning Classrooms into Creative Hubs OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
This session explores how educators can successfully integrate Makerspaces into K-5 classrooms to foster hands-on learning, problem-solving, and creativity. Participants will discover practical strategies for designing and managing a Makerspace that aligns with educational goals while encouraging student-driven exploration. Through real-world examples educators will learn how to incorporate Makerspaces into various subjects, making learning more engaging and meaningful. Whether starting from scratch or looking to enhance an existing space, this session will provide the tools and confidence needed to create a thriving environment where young learners can tinker, create, and innovate.
Presenter
EW

Emily Weigel

Teacher, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A333

10:50am MDT

Total Body Movements OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Going over the importance of total body movements within the classroom and brainstorming what movements and gestures can be used to increase student understanding and engagement across all subjects.
Presenter
CO

Christina Oropeza

Elementary Teacher
MB

Maleia Boyd

Resource Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A340

10:50am MDT

Finishing Strong: Making consolidation the most powerful part of your lesson OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
The last 10 minutes of a lesson are often where learning either sticks—or slips away. What if that time became your most impactful teaching move? In this session, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen the consolidation phase using strategies from Building Thinking Classrooms and AI-powered listening tools. You’ll walk away with actionable ideas to elevate student voice, connect thinking, and maximize learning—without reworking your entire lesson plan. Instead, we’ll focus on simple shifts that help you finish strong and make student thinking visible right when it matters most.
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A214

10:50am MDT

From Passive to Proactive: Cultivating Self-Aware Learners OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Participants will explore the topics of metacognition and student self-assessment. The session will include definitions of each of these practices and actionable resources so that teachers can cultivate self-aware learners.
Presenter
avatar for Monica Alm

Monica Alm

APPEL Coaching Coordinator, Canyons School District
avatar for Lauren Watkins

Lauren Watkins

APPEL Coaching Coordinator, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A335

10:50am MDT

Mastery Connections OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Building a community of teachers, coaches, and specialists focused on best practices in formative assessments as part of the PLC process
Presenter
avatar for Scott Lambert

Scott Lambert

Teacher Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A240

10:50am MDT

Maximizing Learning with Focused Note-Taking OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
We will talk about the 5 phases of Focused Note Taking and hone in on phases 2 and 3, which are processing notes and connecting thinking. We will discuss the strategies to increase inquiry and collaboration in the classroom alongside the process of taking notes. This helps promote student engagement and increases DOK in the classroom. For example, we will discuss the Quiz the class strategy and Costa's Levels of Questioning. We will also share how these phases help with scaffolding and meeting accommodations for all learners, while also building rigor.
Presenter
avatar for Susie Baer Young

Susie Baer Young

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
JM

Jamison Morrison

Teacher, Canyons School District
KA

Kayla Alexander

ACC Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A215

10:50am MDT

Supporting Language Development through the Creative Process OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
All students need and deserve the opportunity to be creative! All students also need and deserve to develop and practice academic and social language skills. We will engage in and practice language-development strategies that are essential for all students as they learn to be creative independent artists, successful students, and engaged learners. We will explore and use simple digital and traditional tools that support the creative process as we learn.
Presenter
avatar for Mindy Curtis

Mindy Curtis

District BTS Elementary Arts Specialist, Canyons School District
Dr. Mindy Curtis has been teaching, writing, devising, directing, choreographing, and producing in theatres, schools, and non-profit venues across the U.S. for decades. Her educational and theatrical work has consistently explored the power of content integration, collaborative creation... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A311

10:50am MDT

The Motivation Barrier OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
In the past, extrinsic motivators helped students succeed in school. The challenge today is developing strong intrinsic motivation in students. By focusing on Challenge, Autonomy, and Relationships, teachers may be able to start to tear down motivation barriers.
Presenter
avatar for Bradley Moss

Bradley Moss

Arts Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A209

10:50am MDT

Using MagicSchool in the Classroom to Save Time and Have Fun OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
I will talk about how I use MagicSchool to help my students generate topic ideas for presentations, and use A.I. in ways that aren't cheating, but helpful and fun.
Presenter
KH

Kori Hapairai

8th grade teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A336

10:50am MDT

AI in the science classroom - or Why should I ask a 2 year old to help my students learn? OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
AI is no longer a distant concept that may one day impact our students' lives—it's here, and it's already shaping the world around them. If we don't prepare students to use AI ethically and thoughtfully, we're failing to equip them for the future. The key focus must be on ethics: AI should never replace the core skills of learning, critical thinking, or creativity. Instead of asking, "Will this use of AI make my life easier?" students should be asking, "Will this use of AI make me smarter or better?" We need to guide them in leveraging AI to enhance their growth, not to avoid the hard work of thinking and problem-solving.
Presenter
avatar for Janice Spencer-Wise

Janice Spencer-Wise

teacher, Brighton High School
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A331

10:50am MDT

Beyond the Basics: Unlocking the Power of ParentSquare OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Already using ParentSquare but ready to do more with it? This session goes beyond announcements and messages to explore powerful tools like digital forms and permission slips for quick feedback, RSVP tracking for event planning, and Group creation for targeted communication. Learn how these lesser-known features can save you time, increase engagement, and make your communication with families more effective and efficient.
Presenter
avatar for Justin Andersen

Justin Andersen

Video & Digital Broadcast Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A320

10:50am MDT

Games & Other Non-Curricular Tasks for the Math Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Games and non-curricular tasks have been essential for increasing creativity, collaboration, risk-taking, building relationships, improving spatial reasoning, increasing buy-in, and bringing me more teacher joy. I’ll be teaching a few easy-to-implement games and sharing a list of resources for other options.
Presenter
avatar for Katie Nelson

Katie Nelson

Second Best Teacher, Canyons School District
Katie Nelson has taught a total of 15 years--14 years in general education and 1 year of special education resource for online learners. She currently teaches math intervention for 7th & 8th graders. Katie is a proponent of high-quality public school choice options. She strives to... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A229

10:50am MDT

Behavior Tracking and Documentation OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Presenting ways in which you can collect data for SST and EBR for Tier 2 and 3 behavior students
Presenter
avatar for Noelle Jones

Noelle Jones

Instrucrtional Coach, Canyons School District
Laugh often!
PM

Paige Martinez

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A236

10:50am MDT

Mindfulness and Yoga OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Calm Room Session
Presenter
avatar for Danae Gothard

Danae Gothard

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Danae Gothard has been an Instructional Coach and Education Technology Coach in Canyons School District for 14 years. She has prior classroom experience in the elementary setting and is currently working with students in K-5.
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A175

10:50am MDT

Prompting with Purpose: Elevating Instruction Through Research-Based Strategies OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
(Part 2 of 3 in a Series) Move beyond basic prompting and learn how to use MagicSchool AI with purpose. This session dives into research-based prompting strategies that align with key instructional goals like scaffolding complex tasks, promoting academic language, and fostering inquiry-based learning. You’ll explore how to design prompts that deepen student thinking, support multilingual learners, and enhance formative assessment. Leave with ready-to-use examples and the confidence to apply them in your own classroom.
Presenter
avatar for Emma Moss

Emma Moss

DTL Specialist + AI Co-Leaad, Canyons School District
Emma's main role is as a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist and AI Project Co-Lead in Canyons School District. Emma also currently serves as the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Education Program Director. In addition to her current roles, Emma Moss founded the Utah AI Collaborative... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

Teacher Specialist & AI Co-Lead, Canyons School District
Jonathan Stewart has worked in education for over 20 years, first as a school psychologist and then as an advocate for technology integration in the classroom as part of the Canyons School District's Digital Teaching and Learning team. He currently works as an AI project co-lead for... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A211

10:50am MDT

Reel Rights: Curating, Streaming, and Copyright Essentials for Educators OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
In an era where digital media is as integral to learning as textbooks, classroom teachers are increasingly turning to film and video to enrich instruction, spark discussion, and build media literacy. Reel Rights is a dynamic session designed to help you confidently select, stream, and use films in your classroom while navigating the legal and ethical considerations that come with it.
We’ll explore how to thoughtfully curate films that align with your content curriculum, reflect diverse perspectives, and engage students across content areas. You'll gain practical strategies for integrating media into lessons to support critical thinking and academic standards. From there, we'll tackle common questions around the District's media use policy, accessibility, the Swank streaming platform, and what teachers need to know about copyright, fair use, and Creative Commons.
By the end of this session, you'll walk away with clear guidance on how to use film meaningfully and legally in your teaching practice—empowering you to create a classroom where media supports learning without crossing compliance lines.
Whether you’re new to using film in instruction or looking to deepen your understanding of copyright and digital media use, Reel Rights offers timely, actionable insights for today’s classrooms.
Presenter
avatar for Gretchen Zaitzeff

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District
Gretchen Zaitzeff is the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and the President of the Utah School Library Association (USLA). She is deeply committed to professional learning, instructional leadership, and literacy, actively supporting library... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A213

10:50am MDT

Secondary Insights: Discovering Hidden Gems in Utah’s Online School Library OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Get ready to dig deep into Utah’s Online School Library and uncover the hidden gems that will elevate your students’ research skills! In this presentation, you’ll learn how to navigate the library’s extensive resources and discover the best-kept secrets that will help your students excel. Explore the Gale Reference Collection for academic and vetted information on topics like opposing viewpoints, business insights, health & wellness, and science. World Book Online offers detailed articles, videos, interactive maps, and engaging activities. SIRS Issues Researcher allows your students to dive into leading issues in business & economics, civil rights & liberties, communication & technology, and more. Lastly, explore Teaching Books and SORA to further enhance your students’ learning experience. Get your compass and shovels ready to find these hidden gems that will make your students’ research come alive.
Presenter
avatar for Kayla Towner

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Senior Technical Specialist, UEN - Utah Education Network
Kayla Towner, a tech enthusiast, is the Product Manager & Technology Specialist at the Utah Education Network (UEN). She loves spending time with her family - playing soccer ⚽️, listening to audiobooks 📚, hiking 🥾, & adventuring around Utah 🏔️. She’s passionate about... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A162

10:50am MDT

From Hot Mess to Research Success: The Scrible Solution OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Tired of watching your students struggle to keep track of their sources, citations, and research notes? Say hello to Scrible, the all-in-one research tool that saves sources, generates citations, and integrates seamlessly with Google Docs! In this hands-on session, we’ll explore how Scrible helps students stay organized, streamline the research process, and even make citing sources (dare we say) fun. Whether you teach research papers, projects, or just want to help your students level up their digital literacy skills, you’ll leave with practical tips and tricks you can use right away. Join us and get ready to Scrible your way to research success!
Presenter
avatar for Jenny Olsen

Jenny Olsen

Teacher librarian, Hillcrest High School
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A234

10:50am MDT

From Sit and Get to Think and Do: Actively Engaging ALL Learners in the Secondary Content Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
Secondary content teachers attending this session will:

Explore strategies for supporting students in taking effective notes from content presentations, such as lectures or Nearpod sessions.

Learn techniques for chunking instruction to check for understanding and enhance content accessibility.

Discover opportunities for fostering student collaboration and building meaningful, quality interactions.
Presenter
avatar for Jodi Ide

Jodi Ide

High School Social Studies Specialist, Canyons School District
Jodi Ide is a Teacher Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, where she provides support to high school social studies teachers, instructional coaches, teachers and students in key areas such as digital citizenship, media literacy, news literacy, and debate. With 23... Read More →
avatar for Amy Gutierrez

Amy Gutierrez

ML Teacher Specialist, Canyons School District
Amy has dedicated the past 24 years to education in various capacities, starting as a middle and high school ESL and Spanish teacher, then serving as a Culture and Equity Coordinator. Currently, she is a Teacher Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah. Throughout her... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A216

10:50am MDT

Harnessing the Power of AI In the Elective Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
With the rise of usage in AI throughout education, many teachers find easy ways to use it in core classes. However, there are many ways to use AI with and without students in elective classes as well! We will demonstrate ways to use AI as teachers, as well as with students, in classes such as Health, Dance, PE, Theater, and other elective contents.
Presenter
avatar for Caitlin Barrus

Caitlin Barrus

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
I am currently getting ISTE certified. Additionally, I am an eMINTS affiliate trainer, and have presented on the use of SAMR and TPACK.
RP

Roxanne Paulsen

Dance/ Health Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 10:50am - 11:50am MDT
A238

2:15pm MDT

3D Printing for Absolute Beginners: From “What’s an STL?” to “Look What I Made!” OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Curious about 3D printing but not sure where to start? This beginner-friendly session will help you go from “What’s an STL?” to “Look what I made!” Learn the ins and outs of getting started—from district-approved purchasing and login procedures to finding and printing ready-made files using our district-created STL repositories. We’ll explore key vocabulary, walk through the full print process, and cover basic troubleshooting tips to keep things running smoothly. Plus, you’ll get introduced to Tinkercad Classroom so students can start designing their own 3D creations. Whether you're supporting a classroom, makerspace, or both, you’ll leave ready to bring 3D printing to life in your school!
Presenter
avatar for Chandra Martz

Chandra Martz

Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist, Canyons School District
Chandra Martz has presented on topics such as STEM integration, EdTech Best Practice and more at UCET, UVU Makercon, and other local conferences. Chandra runs STEAM Studio in Canyons School District and has helped to create a strategic vision for STEAM in Canyons School District... Read More →
JN

Julie Newin

Field Tech Team Lead, Canyon School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A313

2:15pm MDT

adobe vendor OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A166

2:15pm MDT

Boosting creativity in your classroom | Lucid in Canvas OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
In this session we will cover the basics of using Lucid in Canvas to give students more opportunities to immerse themselves in the learning process through creation and interactive learning activities.  Here are a couple key concepts we will review:
  • Walkthrough the basics of Lucid in Canvas and how to use it with students
  • Review examples of creative learning activities and project ideas from other teachers
  • Explore a variety of ready to use templates that you can use with your students
  • Create your own creative learning activity by customizing a template or starting from scratch
Presenter
avatar for Vanessa Cicero

Vanessa Cicero

Coach and Trainer, Lucid for Education
Classroom Teacher (7 years), EdTech Coach (7 years), and Lucid Coach and Trainer (3 years)
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A218

2:15pm MDT

Facilitating Conversations with Nearpod OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Discover how you can use Nearpod to give 100% of your students a voice and foster active participation in
meaningful academic conversations before, during, or after lessons. Help your students build 21st-century skills,
such as critical thinking and communication, while balancing the use of a digital tool alongside real-life discussions.
Presenter
avatar for Jess Sangiorgio

Jess Sangiorgio

District Strategy Consultant, Nearpod
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A220

2:15pm MDT

Using Image Generators to Facilitate Critical Thinking OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A236

2:15pm MDT

Unlock Your School’s Achievement Story with Data Dashboard OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Gain new insights into your current challenges! Discover what’s working well and where continued focus is needed. Which grade-level teams are excelling? Which student groups have made progress over the last three years? How does your school compare to others in the district? What is your strongest content area?
Let’s explore these questions together—bring your laptop and let’s dig deep!
Presenter
avatar for Hal Sanderson

Hal Sanderson

Director of Research & Assessment, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A211

2:15pm MDT

Boost Engagement with Cooperative Learning OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
I will be presenting a variety of strategies that can be used with any subject to increase student learning through various interactions where students are talking, improving social skills, and moving.
Presenter
avatar for Amy Hansen

Amy Hansen

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A318

2:15pm MDT

Canvas Quiz Banks to the Rescue OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Go over how to create questions in Canvas to easily organize a quiz bank. Make an Emergency quiz or a quick review.
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A340

2:15pm MDT

Elementary Treasures: Hidden Gems in Utah’s Online School Library Elementary Grades OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Unlock the treasure trove of Utah’s Online School Library and discover the hidden gems that will captivate your young learners! 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. Explore Gale in Context: Elementary for academic and vetted information on topics like animals, geography, people, and science. Dive into World Book Online for easy-to-read articles, translations, videos, interactive maps, and engaging activities. SIRS Discoverer offers reliable information on trending topics such as artificial intelligence, animals, countries, famous people, and more. Additionally, you’ll explore Teaching Books and SORA to further enhance your students’ learning experience. Get ready to find the hidden gems that will make your students’ research shine!
Presenter
avatar for Kayla Towner

Kayla Towner

Product Manager and Senior Technical Specialist, UEN - Utah Education Network
Kayla Towner, a tech enthusiast, is the Product Manager & Technology Specialist at the Utah Education Network (UEN). She loves spending time with her family - playing soccer ⚽️, listening to audiobooks 📚, hiking 🥾, & adventuring around Utah 🏔️. She’s passionate about... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A162

2:15pm MDT

Fact Fluency Fun OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Come get some ideas of games that students can play, to support building their basic fact fluency.
Presenter
avatar for Tricia Ellison

Tricia Ellison

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
SM

Sara McBee

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A329

2:15pm MDT

From Research to Stage: Collaborative Playwriting and National History Day in Upper Elementary OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Learn how our 4th graders brought history to life through historical analysis and collaborative playwriting in a cross-curricular ELA, Social Studies, and Arts project. We’ll share our process and tools to help you bring this engaging experience to your 4th or 5th grade class, culminating in the Utah National History Day competition.
Presenter
avatar for Halley Kirk

Halley Kirk

GT Specialist, Canyons School District
Halley Kirk is the Gifted and Talented Specialist and SALTA Program Coordinator in Canyons School District and brings a unique perspective to education. Her journey began with a Bachelor's degree in International Studies and Philosophy and a stint in Washington DC, laying the foundation... Read More →
avatar for Mindy Curtis

Mindy Curtis

District BTS Elementary Arts Specialist, Canyons School District
Dr. Mindy Curtis has been teaching, writing, devising, directing, choreographing, and producing in theatres, schools, and non-profit venues across the U.S. for decades. Her educational and theatrical work has consistently explored the power of content integration, collaborative creation... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A311

2:15pm MDT

Makerspace Magic: Turning Classrooms into Creative Hubs OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
This session explores how educators can successfully integrate Makerspaces into K-5 classrooms to foster hands-on learning, problem-solving, and creativity. Participants will discover practical strategies for designing and managing a Makerspace that aligns with educational goals while encouraging student-driven exploration. Through real-world examples educators will learn how to incorporate Makerspaces into various subjects, making learning more engaging and meaningful. Whether starting from scratch or looking to enhance an existing space, this session will provide the tools and confidence needed to create a thriving environment where young learners can tinker, create, and innovate.
Presenter
EW

Emily Weigel

Teacher, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A333

2:15pm MDT

Robust Vocabulary Instruction Across Contents OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Coming Soon
Presenter
avatar for Anne Clyde

Anne Clyde

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
JG

Jessica Greene

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A309

2:15pm MDT

There's a Better Way Than Utah Compose: Using MagicSchool for Writing Feedback OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
For many year, Utah Compose has been used by teachers to help give automated feedback in student writing, but it is really generic, easily manipulated by students, and based on old standards. Utilizing the power of AI in MagicSchool, teacher can use a program to give writing feedback to students. With MagicSchool, teachers can improve the feedback by connecting to current standards and relevant rubrics, personalize the type of feedback students can receive, and make applicable for any type of writing assignment. Learn how you can help give your students feedback in a 21st Century way!
Presenter
avatar for Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

Teacher Specialist & AI Co-Lead, Canyons School District
Jonathan Stewart has worked in education for over 20 years, first as a school psychologist and then as an advocate for technology integration in the classroom as part of the Canyons School District's Digital Teaching and Learning team. He currently works as an AI project co-lead for... Read More →
avatar for Bernice Allen

Bernice Allen

Teacher speialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A316

2:15pm MDT

From Passive to Proactive: Cultivating Self-Aware Learners OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Participants will explore the topics of metacognition and student self-assessment. The session will include definitions of each of these practices and actionable resources so that teachers can cultivate self-aware learners.
Presenter
avatar for Monica Alm

Monica Alm

APPEL Coaching Coordinator, Canyons School District
avatar for Lauren Watkins

Lauren Watkins

APPEL Coaching Coordinator, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A335

2:15pm MDT

The Love / Expectation Balance OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
This presentation emphasizes the vital role of balancing high expectations with deep, authentic love. Teachers are encouraged to maintain rigorous academic and behavioral standards for all students, while equally providing consistent support, compassion, and encouragement. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for fostering both challenge and connection. Educators can inspire students to reach their full potential, knowing they are believed in and valued. The Love / Expectation Balance reminds teachers that students thrive when they feel both the push to achieve and the safety of unconditional support.
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A315

2:15pm MDT

Movement in the Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Presenter
avatar for Sally Williams

Sally Williams

PE & Health Specialist, Canyons School District
Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A176

2:15pm MDT

Beyond the Basics: Unlocking the Power of ParentSquare OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Already using ParentSquare but ready to do more with it? This session goes beyond announcements and messages to explore powerful tools like digital forms and permission slips for quick feedback, RSVP tracking for event planning, and Group creation for targeted communication. Learn how these lesser-known features can save you time, increase engagement, and make your communication with families more effective and efficient.
Presenter
avatar for Justin Andersen

Justin Andersen

Video & Digital Broadcast Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A320

2:15pm MDT

Free yourself! Using an iPad and Canva whiteboard to become more mobile in your classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
We will demonstrate how to use Canva whiteboard on your iPad. It can be used to replace a document camera, whiteboard, and Explain Basics/Explain Edu which then allows for better active supervision and student engagement during class.
Presenter
avatar for Rachel Ostvig

Rachel Ostvig

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A331

2:15pm MDT

From Hidden Talent to Certified Skill: Microcredentials for Teachers OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Teachers do incredible work every day—mentoring peers, leading initiatives, supporting diverse learners—but too often those skills stay hidden in our own classrooms or go unrecognized. Utah’s microcredential system offers a way to turn your expertise into visible, portable, and verified recognition aligned with state standards.
In this hands-on session, you’ll:
Learn what microcredentials are and why they matter for teachers
Explore the list of available Utah microcredentials
Draft your 2025 CTESS professional growth goal aligned to a microcredential
Start planning your pathway to completion
Set personal reminders to help you stay on track
Whether you’re looking to showcase your strengths, grow your skills, or take a step toward leadership, microcredentials offer a flexible, teacher-driven way to get USBE credit for what you do best. Leave this session with a plan in place—and a head start on next year.
Presenter
avatar for Sandra LeCheminant

Sandra LeCheminant

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Teacher, administrator, instructional coach
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A214

2:15pm MDT

Mindfulness and Yoga OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Calm Room Session
Presenter
avatar for Danae Gothard

Danae Gothard

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
Danae Gothard has been an Instructional Coach and Education Technology Coach in Canyons School District for 14 years. She has prior classroom experience in the elementary setting and is currently working with students in K-5.
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A175

2:15pm MDT

Personalizing your Mac Desktop OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
In this session, we'll learn how to both find and create digital icons to replace the manila folder icons on your computer to help visually separate your content.
Presenter
avatar for Sydnie Schoepf

Sydnie Schoepf

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
I have a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from Utah State and am now an Instructional Coach after 13 years in the classroom, though I still teach an online class for USBE through SUU: Teaching Secondary English Language Arts. I am a lover of history, painting, and most things tech... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A209

2:15pm MDT

Your Class, Your Bot: Building Custom Chatbots for Elevated Learning OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
(Part 3 of 3 in a Series): Ready to take your AI use to the next level? In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to build custom AI chatbots using MagicSchool AI that align with your specific teaching goals. Whether you want a feedback-giving mentor, a vocabulary coach, or a Socratic discussion partner, you’ll explore how to design bots that transform classroom interactions, support differentiation, and elevate student voice. No coding required—just creativity, intention, and a clear instructional purpose.
Presenter
avatar for Emma Moss

Emma Moss

DTL Specialist + AI Co-Leaad, Canyons School District
Emma's main role is as a Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist and AI Project Co-Lead in Canyons School District. Emma also currently serves as the Artificial Intelligence for K-12 Education Program Director. In addition to her current roles, Emma Moss founded the Utah AI Collaborative... Read More →
avatar for Scott Christensen

Scott Christensen

Education Specialist, Canyons School District
Scott Christensen brings nearly 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and specialist in grades K-12 in public schools and charter schools from Washington State, Florida, North Dakota, and Utah. He has taught English/Language Arts in grades 7-11, including... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A115

2:15pm MDT

No Wrong Answers: Creating a Safe and Supportive Classroom with Improv OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
In this session we will dive into improv-based team-building games that any teacher (or admin) could use with their classes to provide a safe space for students to express themselves, engage without fear of failure, and build stronger interpersonal connections. Improv is a proven technique to teach listening skills and build a positive classroom community. We will teach you a few different improv games that are easy to use in any classroom as a brain break, morning meeting/starter routine, community building/ice breaker activity, or PBIS reward.
Presenter
avatar for Katie Schmoldt

Katie Schmoldt

Instructional Coach, Canyons School District
I love history teaching, integrating technology, and anything outdoors!
EH

Erica Heiner

Theatre Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A215

2:15pm MDT

Emotional Intelligence for Educators OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Join us to explore how emotional intelligence can support your teaching and teaming. This session will help you to develop awareness on how you respond in social situations. We will cover Elena Aguilar's four components of emotional intelligence.
Presenter
avatar for Leigh Anstadt

Leigh Anstadt

Coach, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A314

2:15pm MDT

Worldview Scaffolding in Literacy Instruction OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
**Presentation Proposal: Worldview Scaffolding in Literacy Instruction**

This presentation explores the concept of *worldview scaffolding*—the individual cultural framework each student brings to the classroom—and how it influences their learning. The presenter will discuss how educators can connect new content to students' existing worldviews, making lessons more comprehensible and engaging. Practical strategies for incorporating cultural elements into literacy instruction will be shared, focusing on creating connections between students' cultures and the material being taught. Attendees will gain insights into how a student's cultural background shapes their learning and how to adapt instruction to support all learners, particularly those with varying levels of worldview scaffolding.
Presenter
MB

Maria Babin

2nd grade French immersion teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A336

2:15pm MDT

Reel Rights: Curating, Streaming, and Copyright Essentials for Educators OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
In an era where digital media is as integral to learning as textbooks, classroom teachers are increasingly turning to film and video to enrich instruction, spark discussion, and build media literacy. Reel Rights is a dynamic session designed to help you confidently select, stream, and use films in your classroom while navigating the legal and ethical considerations that come with it.
We’ll explore how to thoughtfully curate films that align with your content curriculum, reflect diverse perspectives, and engage students across content areas. You'll gain practical strategies for integrating media into lessons to support critical thinking and academic standards. From there, we'll tackle common questions around the District's media use policy, accessibility, the Swank streaming platform, and what teachers need to know about copyright, fair use, and Creative Commons.
By the end of this session, you'll walk away with clear guidance on how to use film meaningfully and legally in your teaching practice—empowering you to create a classroom where media supports learning without crossing compliance lines.
Whether you’re new to using film in instruction or looking to deepen your understanding of copyright and digital media use, Reel Rights offers timely, actionable insights for today’s classrooms.
Presenter
avatar for Gretchen Zaitzeff

Gretchen Zaitzeff

District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District
Gretchen Zaitzeff is the District Library Media Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, and the President of the Utah School Library Association (USLA). She is deeply committed to professional learning, instructional leadership, and literacy, actively supporting library... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A213

2:15pm MDT

Adobe Express OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Using Adobe Express Classroom
Presenter
avatar for jean leonard

jean leonard

Art Teacher
Everything and nothing.
MS

Meghan Schott

Art Teacher
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A238

2:15pm MDT

Dyslexia - What it is and how to accommodate in Secondary OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
The basics of understanding Dyslexia and the common accommodations that teachers can provide to help students access their learning.
Presenter
ME

Michele Edem

Sped Specialist
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A322

2:15pm MDT

From Hot Mess to Research Success: The Scrible Solution OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Tired of watching your students struggle to keep track of their sources, citations, and research notes? Say hello to Scrible, the all-in-one research tool that saves sources, generates citations, and integrates seamlessly with Google Docs! In this hands-on session, we’ll explore how Scrible helps students stay organized, streamline the research process, and even make citing sources (dare we say) fun. Whether you teach research papers, projects, or just want to help your students level up their digital literacy skills, you’ll leave with practical tips and tricks you can use right away. Join us and get ready to Scrible your way to research success!
Presenter
avatar for Jenny Olsen

Jenny Olsen

Teacher librarian, Hillcrest High School
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A234

2:15pm MDT

Scaffold Smarter: Because Even Teachers Deserve a Bot-ter Assistant? OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Feeling overwhelmed by large class sizes and students constantly needing your attention? Do you have those few students who always finish early and are ready for more? Good news — help is here! With a customized chatbot, it’s like having a virtual version of yourself in the classroom, ready to support learners at every level. Join us to discover how this powerful tool can transform your teaching!
Presenter
avatar for Jessica Edwards

Jessica Edwards

instructional coach, Canyons School District
I have been in education for 16 years with 15 years as a social studies teacher and one whole year as an instructional coach! I love getting to support teachers and see all the amazing things that they are doing in their classrooms! #bestjobever In my "free" time, I attempt to keep... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A229

2:15pm MDT

Student Choice to promote Student Motivation and Engagement. OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Using AI to streamline the creation of student choice in learning. This can include designing student choice menus that allow students to select from a variety of assignments while ensuring that every combination of assignments aligns with the same standard. Briefly discuss the role of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation in fostering student ownership of learning. Demonstrate how teachers can use MagicSchool AI to differentiate instruction—for example, by enabling students to showcase their understanding through different mediums while still meeting the same academic standards.
Presenter
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A240

2:15pm MDT

Derivita: Maximizing Impact: Best Practices for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Strong PLCs drive student achievement through collaboration and continuous improvement. This session explores research-based strategies to maximize PLC time, including:
● Setting clear goals and maintaining accountability
● Using data to inform instruction
● Fostering meaningful collaboration
● Structuring productive, student-centered discussions
Participants will leave with actionable strategies to enhance their PLCs. Derivita will also showcase how its PLC features support these best practices.
Presenter
avatar for Rachel Marshall

Rachel Marshall

Instructional Specialist, Canyons School District
avatar for Allison Duncan

Allison Duncan

HS Math Specialist, Canyons School District
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A173

2:15pm MDT

From Sit and Get to Think and Do: Actively Engaging ALL Learners in the Secondary Content Classroom OPEN SEATS
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
Secondary content teachers attending this session will:

Explore strategies for supporting students in taking effective notes from content presentations, such as lectures or Nearpod sessions.

Learn techniques for chunking instruction to check for understanding and enhance content accessibility.

Discover opportunities for fostering student collaboration and building meaningful, quality interactions.
Presenter
avatar for Jodi Ide

Jodi Ide

High School Social Studies Specialist, Canyons School District
Jodi Ide is a Teacher Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah, where she provides support to high school social studies teachers, instructional coaches, teachers and students in key areas such as digital citizenship, media literacy, news literacy, and debate. With 23... Read More →
avatar for Amy Gutierrez

Amy Gutierrez

ML Teacher Specialist, Canyons School District
Amy has dedicated the past 24 years to education in various capacities, starting as a middle and high school ESL and Spanish teacher, then serving as a Culture and Equity Coordinator. Currently, she is a Teacher Specialist for Canyons School District in Sandy, Utah. Throughout her... Read More →
Wednesday June 4, 2025 2:15pm - 3:30pm MDT
A216
 
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