UCET 2025

Seniors in the Education Pathway at Career Tech High School have the opportunity to be hired to work as paraprofessionals at local elementary schools. These students are paid the same rate as any other paraprofessional, AND they earn high school credit while doing so. This opportunity is possible through the innovative vision and direction of the Washington County School District and the CTHS Administration. This presentation will discuss the pathway creation, course requirements, and work-based learning requirements in order to qualify for a paraprofessional paid student internship. Students will share their experiences in each of these settings as well as what they have learned through each phase of this program. Ultimately, this presentation will strive to address this student question, \"Why should I be in this pathway?\"

So how do we create actual change? We all want it but how do we effectively go about it? We will be discussing how to push, pull, shove, and nudge our way to improving our schools. Participants will be able to learn about, practice, and then reflect on effective strategies to improve their profession. The ideas will be based on the book Forces of Influence: How Educators Can Leverage Relationships to Improve Practice by Dr. Meghan Everette and Fred Ende.

New teachers are often overlooked as potential leaders in education. However, they bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deep understanding of current educational challenges. This session will explore strategies for identifying and cultivating teacher leadership in early career educators. Participants will learn how to: Recognize the leadership potential in new teachers: Discover the unique qualities and skills that make new teachers natural leaders. Create supportive environments for leadership development: Learn how to foster a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. Provide opportunities for new teachers to take on leadership roles: Explore practical strategies for involving new teachers in school improvement initiatives, curriculum development, and professional learning communities. Empower new teachers to become advocates for student learning: Equip new teachers with the tools and knowledge to lead change and drive innovation in their classrooms and schools

In the great state of Utah. Teachers of Color are scarce. Teachers of Color are needed now more than ever to address the needs of an increasingly diverse population. The unique, authentic, essential perspectives of Teachers of Color that must be recruited, and those already existing, retained. This session seeks to explore strategies to recruit and retain Teachers of Color.

What lies beyond our classrooms? A sea of opportunities to advocate for education, even unchartered waters. Do you want to influence change in Utah education beyond your classroom but don’t know how? There are many opportunities for educational professionals to share their perspectives and be heard that you have not heard about. However, not all opportunities are good opportunities. Come learn of ways to navigate opportunities in this advocacy voyage and find your voice.

Join us for an inspiring session on celebrating teachers and fostering a culture of appreciation in schools. Discover creative and meaningful ways to recognize educators' efforts, build morale, and highlight their invaluable contributions. This session will include practical strategies, examples of successful recognition programs, and collaborative brainstorming to help participants tailor celebrations to their unique school communities. Let’s uplift the most amazing people in the world and create environments where they feel seen, valued, and celebrated every day!

In a state where education bills outnumber the soda shops, we need strong education advocates to help shape education policy in a way that best supports student achievement and wellbeing. But where do we start? In this session, participants will learn about how a bill becomes a law in Utah and what happens next– from the state school board to the local school board and on down to the individual schools. We will also briefly discuss some of the hot education bills from the current session and answer your questions about how to be both an amazing educator and an effective advocate. This session requires no previous knowledge or advocacy experience!

Explore ways to incorporate UEN-supported Scrible, Adobe Podcast + Express, and Canva can enhance project-based learning (PBL), specifically through National History Day projects. This session will provide practical strategies for using these tools to support research, multimedia storytelling, and creative project design, making PBL more engaging and impactful for students.

In today’s classrooms, technology is everywhere. Teacher leaders have the chance to show how to use it in creative and meaningful ways that inspire others. This interactive session will help participants build the skills to lead with technology and make a positive impact in their schools. Participants will: Learn how to encourage teamwork and new ideas with technology. Discover ways to coach and support other teachers in using technology effectively. Create a simple leadership plan to bring change and innovation to their schools. Through real-world examples, group discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will leave with practical ideas and tools to lead their schools toward better learning and digital growth.

Are your students ready for life after high school? Discover innovative ways to inspire and engage them in exploring career paths. This session will share practical strategies, real-world success stories, and a live demo of the HopeST app. Learn how the app transforms career assessment results into actionable exploration, guiding students to envision and pursue their futures with clarity and confidence. Reimagine career readiness and empower students to take meaningful steps toward their goals.