Utah Association of Elementary School Principals Mid-Winter Conference
February 12-14, 2025
Dixie Center
1835 Convention Center Dr., St. George, Utah
NEW SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12
3:00 Registration and Vendors
4:30 Welcome
4:45-6:00 Opening Keynote - GERRY BROOKS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13
8:00 Vendors and Snacks
9:00 -10:30 Keynote
10:30-11:15 Vendor Break
11:15-12:15 Keynote Continued
12:15-1:00 Lunch and Vendors
1:00-1:30 Earl Franks NAESP Executive Director
1:30 - 2:00 2025 Principal of the Year
and Assistant Principal of the Year Candidates
2:00 Veronica Holyoke - 2024 Assistant Principal of the Year
2:30 -3:00 Rachel Alberts 2024 Principal of the Year
Friday, February 14
8:30 -9:30 BOOM Principal Share
9:30-10:00 Vice President Candidates
10:00-11:00 Kirby Heyborne - Motivational Speaker
11:00 Door prizes and dismissal
Speakers:
Gerry Brooks is a veteran educator in Lexington, Kentucky. His educational experience includes six years in the classroom, two years as an intervention specialist, and 12 years as an administrator.
He is a passionate public speaker whose focus is on encouraging and helping teachers improve their instructional abilities. He also has a desire to help administrators successfully lead their staff.
An encouraging speaker, he has spoken to educational groups all around the nation. His focus is on encouraging teachers to improve their instruction through personal climate and culture strategies. He desires to help administrators focus on how to lead all staff in a positive and constructive manner.
His following on social media has developed through humorous videos that focus on real-world educational experiences. He is currently followed on these social media sites by over 500,000 people.
Jen Schwanke, Ed.D.
Dr. Jen Schwanke is a longtime educator, teaching and leading at all levels. She is the author of four ASCD books, including the just-released The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management. A frequent contributor to multiple educational publishers, Schwanke consults with districts and school leaders in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership. An instructor in educational administration at Miami University of Ohio, Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio. You can find her at jenschwanke.com, on X at @jenschwanke, and on Instagram @DrJenSchwanke.
Kirby is an accomplished actor, narrator, musician, and comedian. He is best known for his roles in Saints and Soldiers, Faith of Angels, The Singles Ward, The R.M., The Best Two Years, Sons of Provo, and The Three Stooges. He has also starred in numerous TV series and national commercial campaigns. Kirby currently hosts the popular BYUTV show, “Making Good.” As an audiobook narrator, Kirby has been nominated for a Grammy, received two Odyssey Awards, and countless Earphones Awards for excellence in narration. He has narrated over 2000 audiobooks, including Brandon Mull’s DRAGONWATCH series. He loves spending time with his wife and kids.
