Utah Teacher Fellows Program

We just wanted to take a minute to celebrate our co-Director John Arthur completing his first session as a new Utah State Representative! 🏛️🍎

From the classroom to the Capitol, Representative Arthur continues to be a tireless advocate for students and educators across the state.

Congratulations, Rep. Arthur, on a successful first session! We can't wait to see the continued impact of your leadership. 👏✨

The Teacher Fellows are rounding out our spotlight with two sessions that bridge the gap between high-level theory and everyday classroom practice. 🎓 Whether you’re navigating state standards or looking for a research-backed pedagogical shift, these sessions are for you!

Here are the final two deep dives we’re bringing to the conference:

✅ Reflect, Self-Assess, and Apply: Making the UETS Practical
This interactive session helps educators shift from seeing standards as evaluation language to using them as tools for reflection and growth. Educators will activate prior knowledge, explore a clear overview of the Utah Effective Teaching Standards, and engage in brief self-assessment across key domains: Learners & Learning, Instructional Design & Clarity, Instructional Practice, Classroom Climate, and Professional Responsibility.

🧩 That’s What She Said: Modern Research vs. Montessori
This presentation examines how recent research on how students learn reinforces foundational principles established by early educational theorists, including Maria Montessori. It will further explore practical strategies for applying the tenets of these theories within traditional classroom settings, bridging historical insight with contemporary practice.

📍 Location: Salt Palace Convention Center
🗓️ Date: March 16 & 17, 2026

We’ve covered everything from AI and literacy to leadership and standards. We can’t wait to see you all at UCET 2026!

The Teacher Fellows are back with another two session spotlights leading up to our lineup! 🌟 These two sessions are all about the core of what we do: building authentic connections and ensuring every student has the tools to succeed.

Here’s a look at what we’re bringing to the Salt Palace:

🔊 Amplify: Growing Authentic Connections Supporting All Learners
Carly Maloney shares four key ways she has helped her students of all backgrounds to grow. Carly gives strategies and examples for educators in building connections with their students and helping their students to build connections with each other and the community in which they live so that ALL students feel like they belong, that they are included, and that they can learn and succeed.

📖 Are We on the Same Page? Unpacking Reading on Grade Level
Utah is poised for major changes in literacy policy, but impactful reform starts with a shared understanding of success. This presentation tackles the core of the literacy debate: What does 'reading on grade level' actually look like, and how do we measure it? Join Brooke as she analyzes Utah's current definition of proficiency and the vital link between early reading wins and future academic achievement.

📍 Location: Salt Palace Convention Center
🗓️ Date: [Insert Date], 2026

Whether you're looking to amplify student voices or align your literacy instruction, we’ve got you covered. See you there!

The Teacher Fellows are back with even more insights for ! 🚀 Whether you want to master your digital workflow or transform your physical classroom environment without burning out, these two sessions are designed for you.

Here is what we have lined up next:

✨ Use Gemini to Make the Most of Your Google Tools
Have you ever wondered what more you could do with your work in Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets? Have you ever wanted to create or automate a complex project but had no clue how to do it? If either answer is “yes”, Gemini can save the day! See examples of how Google’s AI can boost your Google creations, learn some practical tips for how to get started, and begin making your Googliest ideas come to life.

⚡ Engagement Made Easy: Active Learning & Classroom Transformations
Teachers are constantly asked to do more — but engagement doesn’t have to mean exhaustion. This session provides practical, manageable ways to integrate active learning, engagement structures, and occasional room transformations to boost student investment and achievement. Participants will leave with concrete strategies, templates, and ideas that can be implemented the very next day — no major budget or prep required.

📍 Location: Salt Palace Convention Center

🗓️ Date: MArch 16 & 17, 2026

Don't miss out on these practical, teacher-tested sessions. Let’s make 2026 the year of smarter—not harder—teaching!