Utah Charter School Conversations

Join our conversation with Jared Ferguson, Executive Director, at Athenian eAcademy. Athenian has six campuses in Tremonton, Delta, Ephraim, Nephi, Richfield, and Ballard in addition to a blended program that combines home learning with school supports. Jared believes in the importance of each person at school from students to parents, and support staff to teachers. Athenian strives to provide differentiated learning for their multi-grade classrooms to meet each student at their level. Teacher training is targeted to be meaningful and highly pertinent. Jared believes in building trust and sees lack of trust as one of the big problems in education. To combat that, he values each person's perspective and advocates for using agency to be deliberate in interactions with others. A former high school biology teacher, with a particular interest in entomology, Jared makes time to visit each campus and give a presentation on insects that is a highlight for students, and for him. Listen to learn more about this school that caters to rural Utah.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Join Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director, Utah Association of Public Charter Schools as we discuss what bills passed, what was discussed, and how much money we'll get for education in the coming year. Please take a look at the summary document on our website HERE. You can also see all the updates during the session on our website at https://www.utahcharters.org/legislative-updates.  Some key bills discussed include the following (link to bill):HB 221, Student teacher stipendsHB 105, Classroom supplies reimbursementsHB 173, Teacher bonusesHB 29, Sensitive materials HB 303, Classroom neutralityHB 182, Student survey requirementsHB 499, Adjusts training requirements for educatorsHB 413, Mental health screener notification requirementsHB 84, School safety amendmentsHB 415, Curricular and co-curricular feesWe have also provided a detailed HB 84, School Safety Amendments, summary document HERE.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Meet the delightful and experienced Lani Rounds, Principal at Bridge Elementary in Roy, UT. A long-time educator, Lani has worked with multiple charter schools in leadership positions, but began in education as a SPED teacher. Designing Bridge Elementary after Special Education principles of personalized learning, her school is active, "sometimes noisy," and full of enthusiastic professionals. Her teachers receive 16 hours/week toward PPCD (preparation, professional development, collaboration, and data analysis) to deliver personalized learning plans for every child.  Learn about this method of education, integrating specialities into math and language arts, and how a "no desk" environment supports it all.Lani describes the "happy clicker" she uses to highlight the good things happening around her and how it has helped students as well. (about minute 34). Lani also mentions the "ARL" route to her teaching after work as a berry picker at Sacco Fruits (age 10) to the IRS (for 13 years!) and as an IT professional testing software. ARL is an Alternate Route to Licensure used for years by the State to train teachers who were entering teaching outside a teacher preparation program at a university. The current route for teacher training is the APPEL (Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License) program.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

In this double episode (!) we get two interviews-first with Marie Steffenson, Associate Executive Director, State Charter School Board. Marie has extensive experience with Utah's charter schools as a teacher, instructional coach, and school director. Her desire to build relationships and support charter schools comes through. We discuss what an authorizer does, what supportive authorization looks like, and the organization of the SCSB.In our second interview (beginning at 35:00), we meet Dr. Paul Kremer, Executive Director, State Charter School Board. Dr. Kremer joined the SCSB in October 2023 from broad experience with charter schools in Arizona. Dr. Kremer seeks to fulfill the SCSB strategic plan to better serve the charter schools the SCSB authorizes. We discuss the great things going on in Utah's charter schools and how to make things even better.State Charter School Board Website: https://www.utahscsb.org/State Charter School Board Strategic Plan: file:///Users/ginajames/Downloads/SCSB%20Strategic%20Plan%20221208.pdf From May 11, 2023 SCSB Board MeetingThe Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

This episode covers items pertinent to public charter schools coming up in the Utah State Legislature session. Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director, UAPCS, is right in the center of conversations with lawmakers and let's us know what to watch for. The 45 day session runs from January 16, 2024-March 1, 2024.We discuss the following items:Governor's Budget RecommendationsHB 29, Rep. Ivory,  sensitive materials billHB 84, Rep. Wilcox,  school safety amendmentsHB 182, Rep. Lisonbee, student survey amendmentsTeacher empowerment billCharter school law updatesThe Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Join the discussion with Brittany Luck, Principal, Uintah River High School, and Ronee Wopsock Pawwinnee, Ute Indian Tribe Education Director to talk about Uintah River High School. This public charter school is located on Ute tribal land in Fort Duchesne, UT.  The school serves 80 students, most with tribal affiliation (506 students refer to federally funded appropriations for American Indian and Alaskan Native students). The school is designed to foster cultural appreciation by teaching the Ute language and participating in tribal celebrations. They also are sensitive to tribal customs and individualize student learning to be sure that education works within traditions. A close relationship with the Ute Indian Education Department ensures that ensures that the charter school and tribal council work together to deliver an environment of supportive education geared toward lifelong learning.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

We're all on a long road trip together...it helps to stay positive, focus on the same goals, and have mutual respect. Join this conversation with Simon Raubenheimer, Principal, Endeavor Hall, to learn how a South African native, runs a school with nearly a third English language learners. One of the Simon's tools is his positive outlook on life and the ability to build a family-like community around the school.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

This discussion covers all things UCAS (Utah County Academy of Sciences) including its partnership with Utah Valley University, close-knit student group, and leadership in communication that brings together students and staff for great student success. The great majority of UCAS graduates have completed an Associate degree which covers a significant portion of their general college education. Additionally, the senior year experience at UCAS is held primarily on-campus at Utah Valley University giving students college experience and excellent learning opportunities. Ms. Derbidge has been with UCAS since its 2005 beginning. Her enthusiasm for the program and love of continued learning is evident in our conversation. She shares professional development lessons that have helped the school grow in student success (UCAS is always among the top-ranked high schools in Utah) and positive culture (teacher retention is high). The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Join today's conversation with Angela Fanjul, Director of Dual Immersion Academy in Salt Lake City, UT. We discuss how a variety of Hispanic cultures (teachers and students from many different Spanish-speaking countries) come together to work toward the common goal of excellent education and proficiency in two languages. We talk about their immersion model (different from many district school programs) and supports they offer to help all students and families (97% of the staff is bilingual). You will want to join the Feria de las Culturas (Cultural Fair) in October or visit Espanolandia in the spring! Or start watching telenovelas from Spain. Listen in to be in the know!The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Enjoy the delightful Sheena Alaiasa and Kaniela Kamala with Pacific Heritage Academy as we discuss using cultural heritage to help students understand themselves, value others, and as an approach to learning. For ten years, Pacific Heritage Academy has been serving students in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Sheena and Kaniela discuss the demographic changes of their students, challenges of covid to learning, and helping teachers avoid burnout.We mention Hamish Brewer, guest of the 2023 UAPCS Conference and a study about the benefits of adolescents knowing their family history.  In 2014, Sheena was named the MetLife/National Association of Secondary Principals Middle School Principal of the Year.  We are fortunate to see how she has applied her expertise at Pacific Heritage Academy...and how her "hobby" is reading curriculum materials!The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

The Winter Sports School in Park City, UT has a unique mission and school schedule (they attend school April-November). Learn about how very serious student athletes (Olympians even!) can get a world-class education while pursuing world records. Our discussion includes how teachers and students work together to create flexibility with academic rigor. We also learn about how WSS is addressing the demand on student's attention through thoughtful education and conversations around electronic device usage. (They use Project Reboot.) WSS Executive Director, Tess Miner-Farra, is uniquely qualified to lead a school through her academic background and familiarity with Olympic athletes (her husband, John Farra, was a 1992 Olympian).The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

If your school is looking for a fun, active, easy-to-start, and affordable after school team/activity for students, consider a Jump Rope Team. One of the unique performances at Charter Day on the Hill at the Utah State Capitol was watching this enthusiastic, choreographed group of jump ropers performing rump jumps, synchronized swings, and crossies! Hear about the program...and you may find yourself wanting to take the leap!Canyon Rim Academy has a 20+ year tradition of having a Jump Rope Team. In this interview, I speak with founding parent of Canyon Rim (and the Jump Rope Team), Shana Heyn, about starting the Jump Rope Team. We talk to team members Mark (6th grade), Goldie (5th grade), and Beatrice (4th grade) about being serious jumpers and the joy (and pain) of jump rope performing. We wrap up with a discussion with the coaches (AND former Jump Rope Team members AND current teachers at Canyon Rim Academy) Paige Pectol, Serena Knaphus, Hanna Broome, and Calli Hodson. I was  interested to know how their passion for team jump roping informs how they coach and encourage this next generation of jumpers. Pictures from the Jump Rope Team performance at Charter Day on the Hill and at their after school practices can be found at https://www.utahcharters.org/podcasts. The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Scott Mastroianni, Director of Canyon Rim Academy, shares his experience of finding Canyon Rim after teaching all over the world and all over the education spectrum. He is building on the 15 year of community support of Canyon Rim to continue their clear and encouraging core values of Learning, Respect, Safety, Love, Peace,and Joy. We discuss the joy of "saying yes" to innovative ideas (and what that looks like in practical terms). We also talk facilities, and the challenges of housing academics, arts, and a myriad of programs in an older building.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

In our new series of Ten-Minute Trainings, listen to our Director of Training, Shannon Greer, concisely let you know the basics of OPMA (Open and Public Meetings Act) in Utah. This can be used in board meetings with the accompanying worksheet to help your board comply to this vital law.***Updated and shortened from the other OPMA training.***Grab the WORKSHEET! (print or view pdf online)Turn on the podcast!Be in compliance!Here is what we cover:Noticing a meeting (even if it's an emergency!)Board meeting agenda (everyone needs one...and a good one)Electronic meetings (do you have a policy so you can even have one?)Board meeting minutes (let 'em know what happened in a timely manner)Common violations-what to watch out for! The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Chris Barnum, Principal at Vista School in Ivins, Utah discusses the triple focus of academics, arts, and technology. The school offers a variety of options so students can focus on what interests them the most....but not without giving them plenty of exposure to a variety of fun curriculum! Chris discusses going from teacher to administrator and how to help teacher (and his own) burnout.This episode, recorded December 3rd, discusses the newly opened expansion of Vista School. The new 500 seat theater was dedicated January 7, 2023. The theater will showcase student productions with professional sound and lighting, including an orchestra pit. If you're around, make sure to attend one of their many productions!  The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Our conversation this week is with Christy Hall, Director of St. George Academy in Washington, Utah. Christy has over 20 years experience in charter schools in southern Utah. We discuss the focus of St. George Academy, building and inclusive school culture with student input, and much more! Christy has a great story about transitioning from a performance-based charter school to an academic-focused school-let's just say you teach math a little differently. This story shows that as an educator, Christy is determined to serve students in a meaningful and individualized way.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Join in this conversation with Eulogio Alejandre, Principal of Esperanza Elementary. Esperanza Elementary educates its student to be biliterate in Spanish and English. In our conversation we cover the need for biliterate education especially in our local Latin population and best methods to provide that learning. We discuss the four registers of language and how that impacts language learning. You will see the intentionality of Esperanza's design and how passionate Mr. Alejandre is about educating "his" children.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

Itineris graduate, Mitchell Sandborn, takes a few minutes to discuss the impact the Itineris had on his career. Hint: A lot! He works as an IT contractor at Itineris! Hear about his educational journey and what his time at Itineris meant to him.To learn more about Itineris, visit https://www.iechs.org/.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

In this conversation with Renee Edwards, we learn more about Itineris Early College High School and Renee's path in education. Itineris is affiliated with Salt Lake Community College and 90% of its seniors participate in college-level classes. Learn about the supportive education system at Itineris that helps students reach their potential. Itineris currently serves 10-12 grade students, but is adding 9th grade next year. To learn more, visit https://www.iechs.org/. The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.

This episode covers the UAPCS APPEL Program. APPEL stands for Alternate Pathway to Professional Educator License. All teachers who do not go through a traditional teacher college, can get a professional license through an APPEL program. Many district and other charter schools have their own programs, but UAPCS also has its own robust program. Joylin Lincoln and April Thompson coordinate the teacher candidates for UAPCS.  In this episode I discuss with Joylin why an APPEL program is necessary, the types of teacher licenses, and how the program works.For questions about the UAPCS APPEL program visit utahcharters.org/APPEL or email appel@utahcharters.org. The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in education across Utah. Visit www.utahcharters.org for more information.The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.Please subscribe to this podcast and visit us on Facebook and Instagram. Find student stories and training videos on our YouTube channel.