Utah Middle Level Association

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Home	Update: July 04, 2009

2009 Conference

On Saturday, March 14, 2010, we celebrate the thirtieth anniversary on the Utah Middle Level Association, bringing back three Utah-favorite speakers, Judith Baenen (1992, 1994, 2004), Jack Berckemeyer (2005), and Debbie Silver (1996, 2007). After brief introductions at a general meeting, during which we will also celebrate middle school students and teachers, each of our speakers will present three 90-minute sessions throughout the day.

UMLA is looking for those of you who are doing magical things for and with students. One of the hallmarks of our annual conference is that it highlights the important work of teachers and administrators and provides a wealth of ideas for participants. Do you have a philosophy or techniques that you can share with your peers? Do you know someone you have seen or heard at state conferences whom you think should present at the UMLA conference? The conference presenter form is included on the website. Please send in your presenter form for the March 2011 UMLA Conference before January 15, 2011.

Forms you may need

Conference Registration Form

Become a Presenter

Message From The President

     A sculptor was commissioned to complete a sculpture of a prominent man. The completed sculpture would be placed up against a wall where the back would not be visible. The sculptor was observed giving great attention to the details on the back side of the sculpture. He was asked why he was giving so much time and effort to a part of the sculpture that would not be in view. Most likely, no one would ever know if he chose to do a rough job on the back side. His reply was that he would know it was unfinished and would not be satisfied with his own work. Jim Collins, a noted researcher and writer, retold this story at a general session of the National Middle School conference in Denver last month. Mr. Collins went on to make the analogy that our work as middle level educators is much like the work of the sculptor on the back of the work of art. Much of the work we do in order to meet the unique needs of our middle school students is not immediately evident. It is on the back side of the completed work, but each of us knows how important the work is. More importantly, our students know what care and attention we have given them even in those places that may not be immediately evident.
     A group of forty-seven Utah educators attended the NMSA conference in Denver. The conference provided a great opportunity to learn from the experts and network with middle level educators from all over the country and several foreign countries. Utah Middle Level Association will be providing a similar opportunity through our conference on March 14, 2009 at Jordan High School. We are pleased to announce Rick Wormeli will be the keynote speaker. I attended several of his sessions at NMSA and found him to not only be incredibly entertaining but also very practical. I have already tried some of his useful ideas. The President of the National Middle School Association, Janet Vernon, will also be attending to give a welcome and provide breakout sessions. Many of you may choose to share your expertise with others by providing break-out sessions. Through the conference we can each share our great ideas, network with others and continue to improve middle level education in Utah.
    I hope to see you and your colleagues at the conference!
         Cathy Jensen, President, UMLA