UCET Elements: Kelli Cannon and Traci Rindlisbach

Welcome back to the UCET podcast, where we talk all things Utah, education, and technology. In this special series, we ask the following questions to our featured guests:

• How has educational technology changed what it means to be a great teacher, and what timeless teaching qualities remain unchanged?
• What do you believe are the three most essential elements every classroom needs to thrive in today’s world?
• Which one of our UCET Elements are you drawn to the most and why?

The Conversation

In this episode, host Kiera Beddes is joined by Traci Rindlisbach and Kelli Cannon, both dedicated members of the UCET board. Together, they dive into the "UCET Elements" theme, exploring how classrooms thrive when they are built on a foundation of relationships, trust, and empathy.

They discuss the shift from the "sage on the stage" to the "guide on the side," highlighting how students have evolved from passive consumers into active producers of content. From AI awareness to authentic assessments like podcasts and portfolios, Traci and Kelli share how technology facilitates a more personalized and curious learning environment.

The UCET Elements

This episode introduces our four conference strands: Spark, Amplify, Flow, and Grounded.

• Traci finds herself drawn to Grounded, focusing on evidence-based pedagogy and the incremental, practical improvements educators can implement immediately.
• Kelli is energized by Spark, looking toward emerging tech and transformative strategies that ignite a fire for learning.

Whether you are looking to elevate student voice or build a toolkit of proven practices, this conversation sets the stage for our upcoming gathering this March.

Episode Timeline

• 00:00 Welcome to the UCET Podcast + Introducing the “UCET Elements” Theme
• 01:10 What Every Classroom Needs: Relationships, Personalization & Curiosity
• 02:49 Traci’s Essential Elements: Belonging, Innovation & Engaging Learning
• 04:19 How EdTech Has Changed: From “Sage on the Stage” to Student Producers
• 07:43 Picking Favorites: UCET Conference Strands (Spark, Amplify, Flow, Grounded)
• 08:05 Grounded Strand: Evidence-Based Practices & Building an Elemental Toolkit
• 09:29 Spark Strand: Fire, Emerging Tech & Transformative Strategies
• 10:43 Wrap-Up: More Episodes Coming + See You at the March Conference

Conference Details

This year's conference is March 16 & March 17th at the Salt Palace. Our theme is "UCET Elements." If you want to attend the UCET conference as a vendor, or as an attendee, you can find more info at: ucet.org/conference/

Special thanks to Kayla Towner for the podcast producing & editing and Kiera Beddes for hosting.