Welcome back to the UCET podcast, where we talk all things Utah, education, and technology. In this special series, we ask the following questions to our featured guests:

The Conversation

In this episode, host Kiera Beddes is joined by Carly Maloney, the 2024 Utah Teacher of the Year and a current Utah Teacher Fellow. Carly wears many hats, teaching psychology and English to newcomer multilingual learners at Viewmont High School, as well as serving as an online instructor and mentor coach.

Carly shares her signature "recipe" for an ideal learning environment: strong relationships, teachers as lifelong learners, and students with a growth mindset. She discusses the importance of creating a safe space where mistakes are celebrated as part of the learning process—a philosophy she modeled recently by using AI tutors with her AP students to ensure learning continued during her maternity leave.

UCET Elements

When exploring the four conference strands—Spark, Amplify, Flow, and Grounded—Carly identifies most strongly with Amplify. She views technology as a powerful vehicle for equity, giving students more voice and choice in how they engage with the curriculum.

Reflecting on the evolution of EdTech, Carly notes that while tools now allow us to personalize learning and offer virtual field trips, the core of "good teaching" remains unchanged. Whether in a physical classroom or an online space, the holistic connection between a teacher and their students is the one element that technology can never replace—only enhance.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome to the UCET Podcast + Meet Carly Maloney

00:23 Carly’s Teaching Roles & Utah Teacher of the Year Journey

01:36 The “Recipe” for an Ideal Learning Environment

03:37 Modeling Lifelong Learning: AI, Mistakes, and Growth Mindset

05:56 UCET Elements Overview: Spark, Amplify, Flow, Grounded

06:31 Why “Amplify” Matters: Student Voice, Choice & Equity

08:10 AI Tutors in Action: Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom

09:22 EdTech Then vs. Now: What Changes—and What Never Does

14:21 UCET Conference Tip: Make Connections with the Experts

15:41 Final Thanks + Conference Details & Sign-Off

Conference Details

This year's conference is March 16 & March 17th at the Salt Palace. Our theme is "UCET Elements." If you want to attend the UCET conference as a vendor, or as an attendee, you can find more info at: ucet.org/conference/

Special thanks to Kayla Towner for the podcast producing & editing and Kiera Beddes for hosting.