by Jeff Raisor
Contributing Writer

Utah Rural Schools Association held its annual conference at Richfield High School July 15-17. Educators primarily from Utah and a handful of out of state participants made Sevier County their home as they came to educate themselves on best practices, new software, and programs to use for the upcoming school year.

Hundreds of teachers and administrators were welcomed and witnessed Todd Smallcanyon of SESC and Jolene Christensen of NUES receive the Teacher of the Year Award as well as Selene Corbridge be awarded the Service Award.

Keynote speakers included Tami Pyfer, Chief of Staff and VP External, UNITE, Josh Shipp addressing the life changing power of one caring adult, and the 2023 teacher of the year Chad Warnick.

Conference goers had a plethora of options to choose from for their breakout seasons throughout the three days which consisted of sessions on Canva, coding, endorsements, paraeducator, trust lands funding, personalized competency learning, exploring 3D printing. Social and emotional wellness, digital literacy, robotics, formative and summative assessments,

strengthening mental and behavioral health supports, student supports, grading practices, literacy best practices, strengthened the guaranteed curriculum at each school, and developing a culture of investment, and so much more.

The local Sevier County community came out in full force on Monday night for a Thank a Teacher event at the Richfield City Park. There were food trucks, live bands, vendor booths, cornhole boards, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, crafts, picture taking and something for every age.

Local businesses also chipped in throughout the week providing discounts and free merchandise and services with a coupon book provided to participants. Businesses also provided treats and goodies at the conference at RHS as well.