The annual “Show Up For Teachers” event, spearheaded by Utah’s First Lady Abby Cox, was a collaborative community effort held in July to celebrate and support educators across the state. The event, which is backed by numerous local businesses and organizations, including JA of Utah, features a day filled with workshops, speakers, and resources designed to uplift and inspire teachers.

Event Highlights and Focus

This year’s event centered on the themes of resilience, grit, and creativity as they relate to both professional and personal well-being. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from wellness and education experts on a variety of topics, including:

• Effective communication
• Leveraging technology and AI in the classroom
• The importance of self-care, sleep, and nutrition
• Financial preparedness
• Finding joy and tackling professional challenges

The keynote speaker was Ron Clark, a renowned educator, author, and founder of the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. Clark, who was named Disney’s American Teacher of the Year, shared his insights and experiences, which were also the inspiration for the film The Ron Clark Story. His school is a training site that attracts thousands of educators from around the world each year.

A central feature of the event was also the “Show {up} Room,” a unique expo hall where local companies, nonprofits, and teacher-owned businesses showcased their products and resources. The room provided opportunities for teachers to find special discounts, giveaways, and gifts, as well as spaces to relax, network, and connect with their peers.

Overall, the event was made possible by the generosity of Utah companies that sponsor or donate to the cause, all of which are dedicated to honoring the state’s educators. We were honored to be a part of it and can’t wait for next year’s event!

To learn more about the Show Up for Teachers Conference, please click HERE.