UCET Elements: Lindsey Larsen

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 Conversations

In this episode, host Kiera Beddes is joined by Lindsey, a fourth-year special education teacher in the Granite School District and a current Utah Teacher Fellow. Lindsey shares her inspiring journey from higher education and school secretary roles into the classroom—a transition sparked by the unique challenges of the COVID-19 era.

Lindsey discusses the vital role of the Utah Teacher Fellows, a non-partisan nonprofit dedicated to teacher leadership and retention. Her "essential element" for the modern classroom is a balanced hybrid approach: finding the sweet spot between direct, analog instruction (like textbooks and paper) and individualized online curriculum. She emphasizes that technology is a powerful partner, but never a replacement for the foundational skills and human connection found in traditional methods.

UCET Elements

Among the four conference strands, Lindsey feels most connected to Amplify. Working in special education, she is passionate about helping her students build confidence and realize the power of their own voices.

She shares how supportive tech tools—particularly in writing—can help students "Amplify" their thoughts and abilities. Reflecting on the post-COVID landscape, Lindsey reminds us that while technology has fundamentally shifted how we deliver instruction, the creativity, enthusiasm, and relevance a teacher brings to the room remain the most timeless elements of education.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome to the UCET Podcast + Series Intro

00:28 Meet Lindsey: From School Secretary to Special Ed Teacher

01:11 Becoming a Utah Teacher Fellow (and Why It Fit)

02:18 What Are the Utah Teacher Fellows?

02:45 Essential Classroom Element: The Hybrid Analog + Digital Approach

04:31 Why Paper Still Matters: Foundational Skills & Real-World Surprises

05:56 UCET Elements Spotlight: “Amplify” Student Voice & Confidence

08:24 How Technology Changed Teaching: Post-COVID Shifts + What Stays Timeless

10:34 Tech as Enhancement, Not Replacement: Finding the Balance

11:39 Wrap-Up + UCET Conference Invitation

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.