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PODCAST · education

Utah Charter School Conversations

by Utah Association of Public Charter Schools

We do a little training, speak with charter school leaders, and touch on issues that affect Utah charter schools.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 14, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. UAPCS Mentoring Program Orientation for Mentors

    This 5 minute Mentoring Program orientation is a high-level overview of the new mentoring program. Meant as a companion to the mentoring handbook, this summary talks about the three Cs of the mentoring program: connect, coach, and cultivate. The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a...

  2. Free School Mental Health Support for Education: Introduction to Call-Up Program

    Consultation Access Link Line to Utah Psychiatry (CALL-UP) is a free consultation service available to all Utah public schools. The consult service is designed to: Optimize primary care providers’ ability and confidence to diagnose and treat mild to moderate mental health issues; Improve quality…

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  3. Part 1: Grant Readiness: Foundation & Accounting Best Practices

    How do you know if you are ready to apply for the CSP grant? This episode will guide you through identifying the foundational core capabilities that must be in place to be ready to apply. We also cover baseline application elements. We end with a quick discussion of accounting best practices,...

  4. Part 2: Grant Readiness: Writing a Strong Project & Budget Narrative

    This episode will address how to craft a persuasive project narrative and aligning your budget to your proposal so your organization is grant-ready. Your project narrative isn’t just paperwork. It's your opportunity to show reviewers that your vision is strategic, your goals are measurable, and...

  5. Part 2: Is the CSP Grant Right for Your School? Requirements, Process & What to Expect

    In this episode, you will learn about the Utah Charter Schools Program, CSP, Grant and share the application process, required documents, review criteria, and what it takes to submit a competitive application. We will cover the following: Step 1: Eligibility Verification Step 2: Mandatory…

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  6. Part 1: Is the CSP Grant Right for Your School? Background, Purpose & Eligibility

    In this episode, you will learn about the Utah Charter Schools Program, CSP, Grant and help you determine whether applying is the right step for your school. We will answer: What is the CSP Grant? Why does this grant exist? How much funding is available? Who is eligible to apply? What can CSP...

  7. Expressing Your Learning at Ascent Academy with Wade Glathar, Executive Director

    Join our discussion all about Ascent Academies of Utah and the Schoolwide Enrichment Model (SEM). With 5 campuses (Lehi, Saratoga Springs, West Valley, West Jordan, and Farmington), Ascent Academies provides an education not only geared to a student's learning type but to their expression type of...

  8. Your Money Made Simple with Able & Strong, Investment Partners of UAPCS

    UAPCS partners with several companies to offer shared services at better rates and with more options that a school may be able to receive on their own. Able & Strong, formerly Verapath, offers financial services including retirement investment options including a 401K program. In this podcast, we...

  9. Everyone is Important at Athenian eAcademy with Jared Ferguson, Executive Director

    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...

  10. 2024 Legislative Wrap-Up with Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director UAPCS

    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…

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  11. Happy Clickers, PPCD, and the Critical Role of Each Person with Lani Rounds, Principal, Bridge Elementary

    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...

  12. Meet the New Leadership of the Utah State Charter School Board Staff with Marie Steffenson and Dr. Paul Kremer

    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...

  13. What to Watch for in the 2024 Legislative Session with Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director of UAPCS

    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,...

  14. Education Enriched with Native American Culture with Brittany Luck and Ronee Wopsock Pawwinnee, Uintah River High School

    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...

  15. Building a School Family with Simon Raubenheimer, Principal at Endeavor Hall

    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...

  16. Lessons in Clear Communication with Jennilyn Derbidge, Principal, Utah County Academy of Sciences

    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...

  17. Celebrating Hispanic Cultures through Bilingual Education with Angela Fanjul, Dual Immersion Academy

    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...

  18. Building a Cultural "Fruit Salad" at Pacific Heritage Academy with Sheena Alaiasa and Kaniela Kamala

    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...

  19. Meeting Olympic-sized Needs Through Flexibility in Schooling with Tess Miner-Farra, Winter Sports School

    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...

  20. Vex Robotics Competition at the Vista School

    The Vista School in Ivins, UT hosts Vex Robotics competitions. Join us at the December 2022 competition and learn all about Vex! Many thanks to the students, parents, and teams from across the region that spoke to me: Vista School Middle School Division Champions and World Competitors Success...

  21. Jump Rope Team: Learning Teamwork and Resilience at Canyon Rim Academy

    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...

  22. Supporting Innovation by Saying Yes with Scott Mastroianni, Director, Canyon Rim Academy

    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,...

  23. Ten Minute Training: Open and Public Meetings Act

    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.…

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  24. Helping Students Find Their Passion at Vista School with Chris Barnum, Principal, Vista School

    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!…

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  25. Student Voices in Setting School Culture with Christy Hall, Director, St. George Academy

    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!…

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  26. Eliminating Classroom Cellphone Use with Nathan Marshall, Executive Director, Providence Hall Charter School

    Listen in to my conversation with Nathan Marshall, Executive Director at Providence Hall Charter School. He watches over 2000 students, K-12, in Herriman, UT. Recently discussed in a BYU Daily Universe article, Providence Hall has taken steps to eliminate cell phone use in the classroom. We talk...

  27. The Importance of Biliterate Education with Eulogio Alejandre, Principal of Esperanza Elementary

    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…

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  28. Pathmaker Bridge Teacher Program for Cancer Research with April Thompson, 9th Grade Science Teacher, Lakeview Academy

    This week's conversation is with April Thompson, 9th grade science teacher at Lakeview Academy. April participated in the Pathmaker Bridge program at the University of Utah where she conducted cancer research over the summer. In this conversation, we learn about the program and April's research...

  29. Focusing on Literacy with Katina Santamaria, Principal of Guadalupe School

    This week my conversation is with Katina Santamaria, Principal, Guadalupe School in Salt Lake City. Ms. Santamaria and I discuss the literacy focus of Guadalupe, the close culture of the school community, and swimming in the ocean (wear a bright pink cap)! To learn more about Guadalupe School…

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  30. Bonus: Charter School Graduate Profile: Mitchell Sanborn

    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...

  31. Supportive College Prep Education with Renee Edwards, Director at Itineris Early College High School

    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…

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  32. All about the APPEL Program

    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...

  33. Training: Board Retreats and Strategic Planning

    Want to know how to approach strategic planning at your school? Kim Dohrer, President, Academica West and Kara Findley, Lead Board Liasion, Academica West join us to discuss board retreats and strategic planning. We discuss the following: Why board retreats are important Key components to…

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  34. Teacher Collaboration and Supporting Student Wellness with Blake Clark, Executive Director at George Washington Academy

    The featured conversation this week is with Blake Clark, Executive Director at St. George Academy, located in St. George, Utah. We discuss the great things going on at GWA, teacher and administrative collaboration, and supporting students' emotional wellness. The Utah Association of Public…

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  35. Why Choose a Charter School? The Warners

    We are starting the new school year with Why Choose a Charter School? This episode gives an inside look to one family's decision to send their children to a public charter school. Meet the Warners, parents of seven children, who chose American Preparatory Academy after researching several charter...

  36. Why Choose a Charter School? The Hansens

    We are starting the new school year with Why Choose a Charter School? This episode gives an inside look to one family's decision to send their children to a public charter school. Meet the Hansens, parents of three children, who chose a charter school after having their children in private…

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  37. Developing Student Character with Stephanie Eccles, Director of Excelsior Academy

    The featured conversation this week is with Stephanie Eccles, Executive Director at Excelsior Academy located in Erda, Utah. We learn about Excelsior and Stephanie's familial push into education (which she appreciated!) We frankly discuss the role of character education in a student's life and…

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  38. Developing Good Citizens with Sonia Woodbury, Executive Director of City Academy

    In this conversation with Dr. Sonia Woodbury, we learn about the unique community of City Academy. Dr. Woodbury started City Academy with like-minded teaching professionals from the University of Utah. As one of the first charter schools in Utah, City Academy serves 7-12th grade with the goal to...

  39. Creating a Safe and Loving School Environment with Tyler Bastian, Principal of Roots Charter High School

    Join our conversation with Tyler Bastian, principal of Roots Charter High School in West Valley City. Roots is a farm-based school that provides real-life work experience to make education meaningful and applicable to students. Many of his students had left school previously or weren't interested...

  40. All About UAPCS

    We've had a little break, but would like you to get to know us! UAPCS (Utah Association of Public Charter Schools) provides advocacy, training, and technical support to promote excellence in Utah's public charter schools. Hear a conversation with Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director, about the...

  41. Crossover Episode: March 2, 2022 Legislative Updates

    Today, we visit our sister podcast: Climbing the Hill. Climbing the Hill is all about the Utah Legislative Session and how it affects charter schools. We discuss the following with Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director, Utah Association of Public Charter Schools: Budget Funding still looks like...

  42. Training: Robert's Rules of Order

    Robert's Rules of Order provide structure and formality to help your meetings run smoothly. In this conversation with Joylin Lincoln, Director of Training for the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, we cover the basic tenets of Robert's Rules including motions, agenda structure, and...

  43. Building School Culture with Principal Janese Vance of Mountainville Academy

    We talk with Mountainville Academy Principal, Janese Vance. We have a great conversation about building school culture for students and teachers, listening to solve problems, communication in and out of the school, and so much more! The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools (UAPCS) is a...

  44. Training: Board Meeting Structure

    Board Meeting Structure is essential to create an efficient board meeting. Here are some highlights from the discussion with Joylin Lincoln, Director of Training at the Utah Association for Public Charter Schools (UAPCS). Importance of board structure Agenda suggestions Director's Report (30...

  45. Training: Open and Public Meetings Act

    In this podcast, we discuss the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act and how it applies specifically to charter schools. Our conversation points out some of the most outstanding components of the law, but is not exhaustive. We discuss the Public Notice Website. This is where agendas, calendars,...

  46. Training: So You Joined a Board...

    This 27 minute audio training will help you know the first things you need to know when joining a charter school board. Taught by Joylin Lincoln, Director of Training, at the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, this training covers: your role as a board member documents to read New Board...

  47. History of Utah Charter Schools

    In this conversation, Royce Van Tassell, Executive Director of the Utah Association of Public Charter Schools, shares the history and purpose of Utah public charter schools. The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization. The mission of UAPCS is to provide advocacy,...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

We do a little training, speak with charter school leaders, and touch on issues that affect Utah charter schools.

HOSTED BY

Utah Association of Public Charter Schools

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Utah Charter School Conversations have?

Utah Charter School Conversations currently has 47 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Utah Charter School Conversations about?

We do a little training, speak with charter school leaders, and touch on issues that affect Utah charter schools.

How often does Utah Charter School Conversations release new episodes?

Utah Charter School Conversations has 47 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Utah Charter School Conversations?

You can listen to Utah Charter School Conversations on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Utah Charter School Conversations?

Utah Charter School Conversations is created and hosted by Utah Association of Public Charter Schools.
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