What’s New at SEDC?


  • Let’s Talk Movies and the Classroom!

    So, you’re a teacher and you’re wondering about showing movies in class? It’s a great way to spark interest and bring lessons to life, but it’s important to do it the right way. Or maybe you just want something for indoor recess or as a class reward?

    Here’s the scoop on copyright and streaming movies:

    • Copyright protects creative works. That means movies, TV shows, music, and more are owned by someone.
    • Most streaming services don’t allow public showings. This includes classrooms, even if it’s just for a short clip. 

    But don’t worry! There are several ways to access movies legally:

    What if the movie is not in SWANK or eMedia?

    • Fair Use: This is a tricky one, but it basically means you can use small portions of a copyrighted work for educational purposes. Click here for details on Fair Use.
    • Keep it short and sweet. Show only the parts that are directly related to your lesson.
    • Focus on learning. Make sure the movie clip is a tool to help students understand, not just entertainment.
    • Ask your school’s media specialist. They can give you specific advice on what’s allowed.

    Where can I find materials to use with movies to increase engagement?

    Teach with Movies: This site has movie summaries and lesson plans

    What if I just want something to show for indoor recess?

    Remember:

    It’s always better to be safe than sorry. By following these guidelines, you can use movies in your classroom without any legal trouble. 

    Have fun and happy teaching!

  • Spring 2025 Instructional Coaching Endorsement Class (EDUC 5411) with SEDC

    EDUC 5411: Foundations of Instructional Coaching SEDC Instructional Coaching Endorsement Course for Spring 2025

    What: Spring 2025 Instructional Coaching Endorsement Class: EDUC 5411: Foundations of Instructional Coaching (second course in cohort)

    When: Second Tuesday of every month, January 14th through April 8, 2025, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm (synchronous online)

    Who: Open to all teachers interested in Instructional Coaching Endorsement (courses can be taken in any order)

    How: Virtual class offered via Zoom and Canvas. Synchronous attendance and participation required.

    Fees:

    • SEDC Fee: $210.00
    • UVU Tuition: $45 (one-time $35 admission fee for first-time UVU students)

    Questions:

    Notes: 

  • Connecting Classrooms & Communities

    Connecting Classrooms & Communities

    UEN PDTV Feature of Boulder Elementary and SEDC PD Team

    In this episode of UEN’s PDTV Principals Edition, we meet Teacher Leader and Administrator Elizabeth Julian at Boulder Elementary. Elizabeth has transformed her school into a place of innovative learning with the support of incredible partners like the Utah Film Center, Utah Education Network, and SEDC. These partnerships have brought exciting and enriching experiences directly to her students and we’ll get a glance into just how.

    Read more: Connecting Classrooms & Communities
  • Samie Ott Spotlight on UEN PDTV

    Samie Ott Spotlight on UEN PDTV

    Computational Classrooms

    Let’s join Samie Ott’s classroom at Bryce Valley Elementary and witness firsthand how Utah’s Computer Science standards are being integrated into the curriculum. In this episode of UEN’s PDTV, you’ll see Samie’s students showcase their learning journey as they demonstrate their mastery of computational thinking. Dig deeper about the educational technology standards addressed in Samie’s video, as well as past teacher spotlights on the UEN PDTV playlist page.

    Schools can reserve the the planetarium by contacting Clint. The planetarium will be delivered, picked up and facilitated by SEDC staff and/or trained personnel from districts. Use for classroom instruction, before and after school clubs and camps, computing, and STEM activities, Back to School Nights, school event kickoffs, end-of-year activities, fundraisers, community events, and much more!

    Explore the built-in Lesson Plans here.

  • Jody Heaps – 2024 SEDC Administrator of the Year

    Jody Heaps – 2024 SEDC Administrator of the Year

    Jody has been a teacher and/or principal for 42 years. She taught high school English/Speech/Debate at Bryce Valley HS, Cedar HS, Hillcrest HS, American Fork High School, Milford HS, and Minersville Elementary. She taught 15 years at a magnet technical high school in West Virginia where she created and taught a new Applied Language Arts program for West Virginia. She served as a Speech/Debate representative for the UHSAA for six years. She was selected as Utah’s Sterling Scholar’s Most Influential Teacher in 1989.   She has just retired from Beaver County School District after 17 years. She is the mother of four and grandmother to nine.

    Congratulations Jody!

    Please share this! sedck12.org/24adminofyear

  • URSA Dedicated Service Awardee – Selene Corbridge

    URSA Dedicated Service Awardee – Selene Corbridge

    Large Photograph of Selene Corbridge, Office Manager

    Selene Corbridge is the Office Manager for Southwest Educational Development Center in Cedar City, UT. She is responsible for the daily operation and activities of the center. These responsibilities include; tracking of revenue, accounts payable and receivable, requisitions for purchase orders, preparing payroll, preparing invoices for assessments, and monitoring employee contracts. Selene prepares correspondence for SEDC’s Executive Board and keeps minutes for their monthly board meetings.

    In addition, Selene is the Administrator for the Southwest Sterling Scholar program. This includes managing budgets, planning board meetings, scheduling and working to have everything run smoothly.

    Lastly, Selene is a welcoming presence in the office. She answers phones, greets visitors and maintains a professional atmosphere for those who visit and work at SEDC.

    Congratulations Selene! Well deserved. Thank you for ALL you do for us at SEDC!

     

  • EdTech Endorsement – New Competency-Based Pathway Through SEDC & UEN

    EdTech Endorsement 2023

    word cloud of terms relevant to educational technology teaching and learning in Utah in 2023 - you can view the list here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xx6LrXgaopVxeu1cJdKwfhuELuDBUhkBl8PjBfUCXAc/edit?usp=sharing

    New Competency-Based Pathways Through SEDC & UEN

    Educators are increasingly expected to exhibit skills and knowledge of using technology to enhance student learning. On July 1, 2023, the traditional path for the Educational Technology Endorsement Program (ETEP) was replaced with a Competency-Based approach. You are now able to demonstrate your skills to earn the endorsement without any coursework!
     
    However, if you are not quite at that level, you still have an anywhere, anytime course-based pathway to the endorsement. The SEDC & UEN ETEP is grounded in the these new USBE EdTech Competencies, as well as the Utah Effective Teaching Standards and will help you learn the fundamentals of technology integration, effective pedagogy, digital citizenship, media literacy and to expand your leadership horizons. The courses are all self-paced, and you can enroll and begin your journey anytime.
     

    This endorsement program is designed by UEN and approved by the Utah State Board of Education. Participants who began the traditional endorsement before July 2023 can continue with that route or change to the new competency-based endorsement. All traditional requirements much be completed before June 30, 2025.

    Already know you are interested in joining the new ETEP program with SEDC? Sign up here. If you are not sure, read on!

    (more…)

  • UEN’s Digital Locker for Educators

    decorative image for UEN Digital Locker - shows purple lockers with text tips on the various resources teachers will find on this site

    UEN’s Digital Locker for Educators

    UEN has announced a new resource for Utah educators. It’s designed to be a perfect “Go To” for some just-in-time training or help. It is extremely easy to navigate, and can quickly get you to the perfect UEN resource right when you need it. 

    Check it out at uen.org/locker