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

• Which one of our UCET Elements are you drawn to the most and why?

The Conversation

In this episode, host and UCET President Kiera Beddes is joined by a very special guest: Utah State Superintendent Dr. Molly Hart.

Dr. Hart shares her remarkable journey through the world of education, having served in nearly every role imaginable—from paraprofessional and substitute teacher to principal and school board member. Driven by a desire to bring a stronger educator voice to policymaking, she now leads the state with a focus on human-centered learning. She discusses the challenges of modern student apathy and disengagement, reframing education not just as a series of tasks, but as a fundamental human experience that must engage all our senses.

UCET Elements

When asked to choose from the four conference strands—Spark, Amplify, Flow, and Grounded—Dr. Hart finds her anchor in Grounded.

For Dr. Hart, staying Grounded means more than just following data; it’s about aligning actions with core principles and cutting through the "noise" of public and political discourse. She speaks passionately about maintaining balance and high standards while never losing sight of the "magical" purpose of teaching: helping students grow without letting the weight of the profession lead to burnout. This conversation serves as a powerful reminder to reach for the stars while keeping our feet firmly on the ground.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome to UCET

00:45 Meet Dr Molly Hart

02:27 Education as Human Experience

03:34 Senses and Student Engagement

04:18 Conference Elements Overview

04:58 Why Grounded Matters

05:17 Staying Grounded Amid Noise

06:40 Keep Reaching for Stars

07:11 Closing and Next Time

Conference Details

This year's conference is March 16 & March 17th at the Salt Palace. Our theme is "UCET Elements." Don't miss the chance to hear from leaders like Dr. Hart as we explore how to stay grounded in our practice while sparking new innovations.

Find more info at: ucet.org/conference/

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

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 sits down with UCET conference keynote speaker Bennett Borden, the founder and CEO of Clarion AI Partners. As a leader in AI-focused law, strategy, and development, Bennett brings a profound perspective on how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of human knowledge and instruction.

Bennett identifies three classroom essentials for the AI era: psychological safety so students can take intellectual risks, purpose and meaning so they understand why learning matters, and a skilled, trusted teacher to guide responsible AI use. He argues that in a world where AI makes "answers" cheap, the teacher's role shifts from being a primary source of information to a shaper of meaning—acting as a curator, sense-maker, and ethical anchor for their students.

UCET Elements

When exploring our conference strands, Bennett chooses Grounded as his key element. He believes that while innovation is vital, it must be balanced with foundational principles to keep technology from destabilizing what truly matters in education.

He describes AI as a "super suit" for educators—a tool that can personalize learning and amplify a teacher's impact rather than replace it. This conversation offers a fascinating sneak peek into his keynote address on leading transformative AI in education and how we can maintain our human "grounding" in a high-tech world.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome to UCET

00:47 Meet Bennett Borden: Founder and CEO of Clarion AI Partners

01:47 Why AI in Education?

02:36 Three Classroom Essentials: Safety, Purpose, and Guidance

06:06 Teachers as Meaning Makers in an AI Era

06:46 How EdTech is Redefining the Teaching Profession

09:30 AI as the Teacher's "Super Suit"

10:51 Choosing the Elements: Why "Grounded" Wins

11:29 Navigating Grounded Innovation

12:30 Keynote Sneak Peek: Leading Transformative AI

13:36 Conference Wrap-Up

Conference Details

This year's conference is March 16 & March 17th at the Salt Palace. Our theme is "UCET Elements." Don't miss Bennett Borden's keynote address, where he will dive deeper into the strategies for integrating AI with purpose and judgment. Find more info at: ucet.org/conference/

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

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 Carly Maloney, the 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year and a current Utah Teacher Fellow. Carly wears many hats, teaching psychology and English to newcomer multilingual learners at Viewmont High School, as well as serving as an online instructor and mentor coach.

Carly shares her signature "recipe" for an ideal learning environment: strong relationships, teachers as lifelong learners, and students with a growth mindset. She discusses the importance of creating a safe space where mistakes are celebrated as part of the learning process—a philosophy she modeled recently by using AI tutors with her AP students to ensure learning continued during her maternity leave.

UCET Elements

When exploring the four conference strands—Spark, Amplify, Flow, and Grounded—Carly identifies most strongly with Amplify. She views technology as a powerful vehicle for equity, giving students more voice and choice in how they engage with the curriculum.

Reflecting on the evolution of EdTech, Carly notes that while tools now allow us to personalize learning and offer virtual field trips, the core of "good teaching" remains unchanged. Whether in a physical classroom or an online space, the holistic connection between a teacher and their students is the one element that technology can never replace—only enhance.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome to the UCET Podcast + Meet Carly Maloney

00:23 Carly’s Teaching Roles & Utah Teacher of the Year Journey

01:36 The “Recipe” for an Ideal Learning Environment

03:37 Modeling Lifelong Learning: AI, Mistakes, and Growth Mindset

05:56 UCET Elements Overview: Spark, Amplify, Flow, Grounded

06:31 Why “Amplify” Matters: Student Voice, Choice & Equity

08:10 AI Tutors in Action: Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom

09:22 EdTech Then vs. Now: What Changes—and What Never Does

14:21 UCET Conference Tip: Make Connections with the Experts

15:41 Final Thanks + Conference Details & Sign-Off

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.