UEN Homeroom

In this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani and Matt are joined by Matheson Junior High Assistant Principal, Kamaal Ahmad. We learn how his sports and coaching background has shaped his leadership style and find out what he enjoys about being involved in his community.

In this UEN Homeroom episode, Dani and Matt are joined by Jess Cola, program manager and Utah representative at Google for Education. They chat about the importance of giving teachers support through coaching, ways teachers can maximize their coaching experience and more!Utah GEG GroupGoogle Teacher Resources

In this episode, Matt and Dani talk with two groups of teachers about their experiences with burnout. They first talk with teachers from Ben Lomond High School in Ogden and then discuss the same topics with educators from the rural Piute School District. Listen to hear how burnout affects the educators in similar ways and how they are combatting it.

In this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani and Matt are celebrating Human Rights Month with refugee and entrepreneur Ashis Dhakal and Associate Director Of Educational Equity at Granite School District, Rebecca Ibarra. With Ashis they discuss his business endeavors and how he wants to help other refugees. Rebecca discusses what the Tumaini Welcome and Transition Center provides refugees.

In this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani and Matt speak with authors Darren Hudgins and Jennifer LaGarde about information literacy and evaluating our responses to media. They also discuss many ideas from Darren and Jennifer's book Developing Digital Detectives.Darren Hudgins on TwitterJennifer LaGarde on TwitterDeveloping Digital Detectives Order Link

In this episode, Dani and Matt are joined by Heather Francis and Brenda Beyal from the BYU Arts Partnership's Native American Curriculum Initiative. They talk about the initiative, why it exists, how they built the curriculum and how it will help educators.BYU Arts Partnership Native American Curriculum Initiative WebsiteMoving Towards Culturally Responsible Classrooms Blog Post“What do you want children in Utah to know about your tribe?” Blog Post

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Matt and Dani get the pleasure of speaking with "This Land" podcast host and activist, Rebecca Nagle about Native American culture and education. Their conversation covers storytelling, uplifting marginalized voices and how educators can learn more about Native American culture.Rebecca Nagle on TwitterThis Land PodcastAmerican Indians in Children's Literature BlogChildren's books that Rebecca recommends:Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice DavidsWe Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

In this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani and Matt are in the studio with Utah's First Lady, Abby Cox. Abby discusses the experiences of her new position and starting education initiatives to make positive change. The three of them chat about the need to focus on both educators' and students' emotional wellness.

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani and Matt welcome founder and CEO, Jose Enriquez. They talk about Jose's organization, Latinos in Action, going national and how the organization has helped the Utah community over the past 20 years.Latinos In Action Website + TwitterJose's Twitter

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani and Matt are joined by Alfonso Mendoza, an EdTech professional, podcast host and educator. The three of them discuss using EdTech to build community and inclusivity.Alfonso's TwitterMy EdTech Life PodcastTeachers on Fire Checklist

On the first episode of the new Homeroom season, Matthew Winters debuts as Dani Sloan's new co-host! The two talk to Dan Ryder, and Mat Dombrowski about encouraging student innovation and maintaining innovation over time.Dan Ryder's TwitterMatt Dombrowski's Twitter

On the final episode of the season, Dani Sloan and Katie Blunt bring Matt Winters and Rory Beals on UEN Homeroom to talk about the power of podcasting. Matt Winters is the host of the UCET podcast and will soon be a co-host on UEN Homeroom. Rory Beals is a graduating senior from West High and the creator of "The Way I 'Z' It" podcast where he talks about modern issues from the perspective of a Generation Z individual. Listen in for an exciting conversation!UCET PodcastThe Way I "Z" It PodcastTeach SDGs

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani Sloan and Katie Blunt welcome past Homeroom guest, Dr. Darren Draper. Their conversation focuses on the lessons learned during the pandemic, how educators can implement those lessons moving forward and how this past year might have changed education for the better.Lessons Learned: Post Pandemic Practices that Our Students DeserveElementary Effective PracticesSecondary Effective Practices

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani Sloan and Katie Blunt have an in-depth conversation with Megan Simmons and Joanna Schimizzi from the ISKME team. Megan and Joanna touch on the creation of the Open Educational Resources (OER) Commons and how it has been a powerful tool for educators during the pandemic.OER Training with Megan and JoannaISKME Website

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Dani and Fernando chat with Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors, Clief Castleton and Milo Maughan. These Utah educators share their STEM teaching experiences that led them to apply to the SETI Institute’s Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors program.Airborne Astronomy Ambassadors Program Website https://www.seti.org/aaaSOFIA Telescope Twitter @SOFIAtelescopeClief Castleton's Twitter @CastletonCliefMilo Maughan's Instagram @mr_maughan_nasa_aaa

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, things feel a bit different. Jared Covili joins this episode, no longer as a host, but as a guest! Jared left UEN to join Jordan School District. In this episode he speaks on his experience with the changing world of EdTech and what it will look like in the near future.

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Jared and Dani welcome SGEN host Katie Blunt to highlight how higher ed has been impacted this past year. We get to hear her interview with four student body presidents: Sione Siaki from USU Eastern, Penny Mills from Dixie State University, Nouman Kante from Southern Utah University and Matt Griffin from Snow College.

On this episode of UEN Homeroom, Jared Fawson joins Jared Covili as Dani's substitute. The two of them welcome Tabitha Pacheco, director of the Utah Teacher Fellows program and National Board certified teacher in exceptional needs. Their motivating and lively discussion focuses on advocating for teachers in Utah and how teachers can advocate for themselves and their students!

Dani and Jared are excited to have Brittney Cummins, Senior Education Adviser to Governor Cox, as a guest on UEN Homeroom this week. Brittney provides us with the State of Education in Utah and she shares her experience in her new role helping education. Topics include: how educators are excelling in Utah, the roll that government plays in providing assistance to education, the Governor's education agenda moving forward, and how Utah schools are overcoming the pandemic.

Jared and Dani welcome Dr. Ann Engar and Dr. Nora Wood, distinguished faculty for the LEAP program at the University of Utah, to UEN Homeroom this week. Our discussion focuses on helping students find a learning community that works for them. Topics include: how the LEAP program benefits diverse student populations, the biggest challenges for students as they enter college, why smaller learning communities are important to students, and the role that peer mentoring plays in helping LEAP students succeed.

This week in UEN Homeroom we are pleased to welcome Jason Eyre, Technology Department Coordinator for Murray School District. Our conversation this week includes topics such as: how Murray district has created a wireless LTE network for students to use at home for schoolwork, the impact of the digital divide in rural and urban school districts, the role the district can provide in overcoming the digital divide for students, and providing a model to help other district provide more access to homes.

Jared and Dani are back with another episode of UEN Homeroom. This week they welcome Charlie Fitzpatrick, K12 Education Manager at ESRI, to the podcast to discuss using digital mapping to help students explore the world around them. Their topics include: how educators use digital maps to change the way we teach students about the world around them, the ways GIS provides students with good problem-solving skills, free software available to Utah teachers and students from ESRI, and the role ESRI will play in that future of technology in our schools.ESRI Tools for Utah Students:ArcGIS Online

Dani and Jared welcome Jeff Van Hulten, Director of Public Affairs for the Utah State Board of Education, to UEN Homeroom this week. Our discussion focuses on the 2021 Utah Legislative Session and how teachers can get involved. Some of our topics include: what all educators in Utah should know about the legislative process, the need to communicate with your local law makers, bills specific to education in 2021, and the need for teachers to be advocates for education.

Jared and Dani are thrilled to talk with Dr. Ray Timothy, CEO of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network, this week in UEN Homeroom. Our conversation focuses on building relationships with community leaders and we discuss the following topics: how UETN plays a role in procuring funding for education in Utah, the role UETN will play in the future of technology needs in schools, how school or district leaders can build relationships with their local communities, and how UETN makes a difference for students and families in Utah.

This week Jared and Dani welcome Rachael Larkin, an AVID teacher from Matheson Jr. High, to UEN Homeroom. With a new year upon us, Rachael dropped by to discuss helping our students to set goals for their academic and personal lives. Our topics included: a brief overview of the AVID program, the importance of having students set goals, extrinsic vs intrinsic motivation in goal setting, how parents can play a role in helping students achieve goals, and setting goals for all areas of personal growth.

This week UEN Homeroom is pleased to welcome Jenny Nicholas and Holly Reynolds, Social Studies teachers from West High School, to the podcast. Our discussion centers on the role teachers can play in talking with students about the recent protests and political unrest at the U.S. Capitol. We covered topics such as: how teachers can talk about the domestic terrorist attack on the Capitol, the role teachers play in addressing sensitive and passionate subjects, advice for teachers who don’t teach social studies or are elementary teachers in discussing current events, and how to help students to rebuild confidence in our democracy.

This week UEN Homeroom is pleased to rebroadcast our interview with Dr. Janice Bradley, Assistant Director with the Utah Education Policy Center. During the conversation we cover topics like how to deal with a teacher who's a "downer", what role does a school leader play in changing a toxic culture, and how can a teacher make a difference in a negative school culture.

This week UEN Homeroom is pleased to rebroadcast the Utah Podcasters Unite panel discussion from the UCET Conference. Jared, Dani, and Fernando were joined by the hosts of three Utah education podcasts to chat about all things audio and education. Jake from the Teaching Literacy Podcast, Quin from Edtrex Rewind, and Tracy from Little Things First are all Utah educators who started podcasts to influence classroom learning. Lively discussion topics include:-Why they began podcasting-Why education podcasts should be an essential part of every educator's PLN-How podcasting can innovate educational practices-What these hosts have learned through podcasting-Tips for starting your own education podcast-Audience Q&A

This week UEN Homeroom is pleased to rebroadcast our interview with Rushton Hurley, the founder and executive director of Next Vista for Learning, to the podcast. In our conversation we focus on how teachers can effectively develop opportunities for students to create videos in class. Topics included in the discussion are: How teachers can use student video projects to engage kids in learning. How film festivals promote student work. How much technical know-how teachers need to help with student video projects and the basic essentials teachers need to get started. How video projects are particularly effective during blended or online learning and more...

UEN Homeroom is excited to have Dr. Ben Springer, Director of Special Education in Wasatch School District, as a guest on the podcast this week. Our conversation focused on how to support parents during COVID 19 by addressing the following issues: what teachers can do to support parents right now, how educators can keep students’ best interests at the forefront of our minds during these difficult times, and what students can do if they see a classmate struggling.

Dani and Jared are pleased to welcome Shannon Ririe Lyon, UEN Super Trainer and Computer Programming Guru, to UEN Homeroom this week. During our conversation on the Hour of Code we discuss topics like: why the Hour of Code is such a successful program, how teachers can get started with computer programming beyond Hour of Code, the benefits of having students get involved with computer programming, and how students can grow intellectually through programming.

Jared and Dani welcome Quinn Rollins to UEN Homeroom this week. Quinn is a Social Studies teacher at Cyprus High School in the Granite School District and he is also the author of Play Like a Pirate in which he shares the importance of bringing play into your curriculum. During our discussion we cover topics such as: the importance of sharing your passions with students, the need to give students choice in assignments, how to bring pop culture into your lessons, and the Ten Commandments of 2020.

Dani and Jared welcome the eTwinz, Mario and Alberto Herraez- 5th and 6th Grade Spanish Immersion teachers from Davis School District, to UEN Homeroom this week. Our discussion centered around the role that language has in expanding student perspectives and opening them to diverse cultures. Topics this week include: the benefits of dual language programs in schools, how teachers can provide global experiences for their students, the role technology can play in building culture in the classroom, and how to get started using language and culture to engage students.

UEN Homeroom wants to help you get burned in with education. This week we welcome Amber Harper, the Burned In Teacher, to talk about teacher burnout and how to re-energize educators. Our topics include: the reasons that teachers suffer from burnout, the three types of burnout and their characteristics, how to overcome anxiety and frustration as a teacher and more.

This week Dani and Jared welcome Valentina Arismendi Chirinos to UEN Homeroom. Valentina is a student at the University of North Carolina who recently presented at the Adobe Max conference on the topic of Digital Literacy. Our conversation focused on topics such as: how young people define digital literacy, the role that digital literacy plays in developing critical thinking skills and how Adobe digital tools help students explore digital literacy through creating online projects.

This week in UEN Homeroom we're pleased to welcome Amanda Del Balso, Manager of the Google Certified Coaching Program, and Chris Leighty, an Instructional Coach from Oklahoma. Our conversation centered around the new Google Certified Coaching Program and how it can help improve classroom instruction. As part of the conversation, we discussed how coaching provides teachers with the support they need, the role Google can play to help educators, and we learned about the Google Certified Coaching curriculum.

Dani and Jared are excited to welcome Victor Karkar to UEN Homeroom this week. Victor is the CEO and cofounder of Scrible, an educational software that seeks to tackle the massive research and writing skills crisis among America’s students. During our conversation, we address such topics as: why it is vital that students are able to research effectively, how Scrible helps students determine what is good, relevant and correct information, and how schools can help students understand misinformation vs information.

This week Jared and Dani connect with Justin Anderson, an educational technology team lead from the Canyons School District. As part of the episode they explore what digital citizenship looks like for today's students. We discussion issues such as: What it means to be a good digital citizen. Beyond cyberbullying, what else does digital citizenship entail. How digital citizenship has changed in 2020. How teachers can model digital citizenship and more...Check out more from Justin on Good Morning Utah.https://www.abc4.com/gmu/students-learning-to-be-tech-savvy-in-online-world/

This week UEN Homeroom is pleased to welcome Rushton Hurley, the founder and executive director of Next Vista for Learning, to the podcast. In our conversation we focus on how teachers can effectively develop opportunities for students to create videos in class. Topics included in the discussion are: How teachers can use student video projects to engage kids in learning. How film festivals promote student work. How much technical know-how teachers need to help with student video projects and the basic essentials teachers need to get started. How video projects are particularly effective during blended or online learning and more...Check out the October 2020 newsletter from Next Vista for Learning.

In honor of International Podcast Day, Jared and Dani kick off season three of UEN Homeroom with a discussion on innovation during COVID. They discuss topics such as: the innovative ways in which Utah teachers are instructing students, what innovation looks like in our current classrooms, and how to help struggling teachers to adapt the "new now" they are facing in schools.

Jared, Dani, and Fernando take a look back at Year Two in UEN Homeroom. We share some of our favorite moments and give out some annual awards. The biggest question is: which of the UEN Homeroom staff will give themselves an award? Listen to find out...

Dani and Jared are excited to have Max Gonzalez, Program Manager at UETN, join them to share information about the new Reimagine Teaching project. As pare of our discussion we learn how teachers can qualify for a $200 stipend related to distance teaching professional development through the CARES Act. https://reimagine.uen.org/

As we move into our 3rd season of UEN Homeroom, the two Jareds (Covili and Fawson) catch up with the guys from Skill Struck. Our conversation focuses on the importance of providing students with real world opportunities to show what they know. We also discuss how student internships can provide opportunities for schools to connect with their local communities, the need for students to prepare for post-school employment, and the impact Skill Struck has in helping students learn computer programming. https://www.skillstruck.com/

In the last of our Back to School episodes, Jared and Dani talk with Nicole Johnson, UEN Admin Assistant extraordinaire, about her experiences as a student during COVID. As part of the conversation we cover topics such as: what COVID required of students, how schools and educators fared providing instruction during distance learning, and what schools can do to help support students if classes go online in the upcoming school year.

UEN Homeroom continues along with our Back to School series as Utah prepares for the return of teachers and students to our buildings. This week we connect with Moe Hickey, CEO of Voices for Utah Children. Our conversation focuses on the fiver key areas of healthy development for kids: health, school readiness, safety, economic stability, and diversity. We also learn what Voices is doing to advocate for Utah students with the state legislature and local school districts.Voices for Utah Children - https://www.utahchildren.org/

In the next installment of our Back to School series, Jared and Dani talk with Katie Dewey Hill, an educator development specialist from the Utah State Board of Education. To help teachers get ready for a new school year, we discuss the impact the instructional coaching can have on improving teaching. Our conversation also addresses the relationship between an educator and their instructional coach, how teaching will be different this year, and Katie shares some resources to help teachers prepare for school.Midas Remote Learning Course - https://usbe.midaseducation.com/professional-development/courses/course/58330

Jared and Dani are continuing the Back to School series this week by talking with Rachel Fletcher, a school counselor at the Salt Lake Center for Science Education. As we discussed the need for schools to address the social and emotional needs of student and staff, we also covered the following topics: how we can help students, teachers, and parents who are dealing with anxiety related to schools opening, what types of supports can schools provide for students who need to share their feelings about COVID related issues, and what role schools can play to help provide a safe space for all.

In our Back to School series, UEN Homeroom visits with Shanna Bingham, a Kindergarten teacher from the Granite School District. During our conversation we talk about the issues surrounding returning to school and look back at remote learning from last year. Topics in the podcast include: how to build relationships with students and parents, the need to connect with students using video and more, how to move your in-person curriculum online, and many more. Mrs. Bingham is described as "Mary Poppins if she taught Kindergarten" - listen to this interview and you'll fall in love with her positive outlook on education...

This week UEN Homeroom is rebroadcasting our conversation with Holly Todd, the Project Aware Coordinator for Jordan School District. This episode shares ideas on social and emotional learning in schools. We also discuss the need to help students understand their emotions, how to provide self-care for teachers, and the need to teach kids "soft skills" that can prepare them for real life.

This week UEN Homeroom is pleased to welcome Todd Call, Educational Coordinator for the Digital Teaching and Learning Grant at the Utah State Board of Education. Our conversation focuses on the impact of the DTL grant and how Utah schools are using the program to improve education throughout the state. While once considered a technology hardware grant, the DTL program has made big strides to bring instructional coaching and professional learning to our classroom teachers.