The Teacher Fellows Podcast

Educators on the Rise: UCET 2026

Episode Summary

Meet the Next Generation of Utah Teachers 🍎 What happens when you give passionate students a platform? You get a glimpse into the future of education. Live from UCET, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley interview student leaders from Career Tech High School in St. George. These aren't just students; they are future change-makers. Tune in to hear them discuss their journey into education—driven by a desire to support behavioral health, advocate for kids in need, and fill the gap in our schools. Their energy is exactly what the education world needs right now.

Episode Notes

In this special live recording from the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) conference, hosts Ryan Rarick and Lauren Merkley sit down with students from the Career Tech High School (CTHS) Education Pathway. Following their poster presentation, these students discuss their practical experiences in the field and their motivations for entering the teaching profession.

Student Perspectives:

• Tayleaha Pollock & Marlie Saxton: On the importance of patience, building relationships, and managing early childhood emotions.
• Charlotte Seals & Emily Burke: Reflections on the workload of an educator and the preparation required for success in Educators Rising competitions.
• Rebecca Winsor: The process of earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and pursuing a path in counseling.
• Evie Palmer: Learning through observation of various teaching styles and classroom environments.
• Crystal Vargas: Strategies for connecting with Spanish-speaking students and an interest in Special Education and behavior tech roles.

The episode concludes with a look at the value of paraprofessional placements and the various pathways available to the next generation of Utah educators.

00:00 Welcome to UCET Live

00:47 Meet Tayleaha Future Teacher

02:10 Marlie on Patience and Community

03:42 Charlotte Shadows a Coach

05:54 Emily on Why Teach

08:08 Becca Preschool and Counseling Goals

10:09 Evie Turning Struggles into Purpose

12:27 Crystal Behavior Support Calling

14:30 Conference Wrap and Thanks

GUESTS ON EPISODE:

• Students from CareerTech High School Education Pathway
  • Tayleaha Pollock — 10th Grade — Undecided
  • Marlie Saxton — 11th Grade — Elementary
  • Charlotte Seals — 11th Grade — Elementary
  • Emily Birck — 12th Grade — Elementary
  • Rebecca Winsor — 11th Grade — Secondary (undecided content)
  • Evie Palmer — 11th Grade — Elementary/Secondary
  • Crystal Vargas — 12th Grade — Elementary SPED

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Career Tech High School - https://cths.washk12.org/