My name is Kayla Towner, and I am a certified elementary education teacher (K-6) in Utah. I work for the Utah Education Network (UEN), where I serve as a technology specialist and product manager for Utah’s Online School Library. My passion lies in supporting and empowering Utah K-12 teachers through technology professional development. As a Teacher Fellow (Cohort 3) and Teacher Fellow Team Leader with Hope Street Group, I collaborate with fellow educators to enhance our teaching practices. Currently, I produce the Teacher Fellows Podcast, where we are here to inform teacher leaders about current issues in education and connect them with leading voices in our field.

I thrive on continuous learning and enjoy creatively developing skills—whether it’s designing graphics, creating videos, or diving into podcasting. Additionally, I like using artificial intelligence tools, discovering the possibilities with robotics, and exploring augmented and virtual realities (such as Minecraft Education). My certifications include being Advanced Nearpod Certified, a Student Voice Ambassador (Microsoft Flip), Google Level 1 Certified, a Microsoft Innovative Expert, and an ISTE Certified Educator. 

I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree from Westminster University in Utah in December 2015. Prior to that, I taught English in South Korean elementary schools from 2012 to 2014. My undergraduate journey led me to Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science in May 2011. 

Working for UEN, I was awarded the 2023 Honors in Education Award in Administration, a recognition bestowed by Deseret News and Utah Business, in collaboration with First Lady Abby Cox.

Before joining UEN, I spent approximately seven years working in the Davis School District in Utah. During the 2020-2021 school year, I was deeply committed to integrating personalized competency-based learning (PCBL) into my classroom and school environment. 

In the spring of 2021, I actively participated in the Davis Pedagogical Performance Assessment (PPA), supporting new educators in enhancing their pedagogical skills. Additionally, I contributed to developing beginner Canvas courses for the Davis School District. Over the years, I engaged with and presented at various Davis School District Technology conferences from 2017 to 2021. In 2020, I achieved a Technology Endorsement and became ISTE Certified, further enhancing my expertise. 

During my tenure as a new teacher leader in the Davis School District from 2020 to 2021, I received the prestigious 2020 Utah Coalition for Educational Technology (UCET) Outstanding Young Educator title. This recognition came just before the onset of the pandemic in the spring of 2020. Additionally, I had the privilege of being part of the inaugural Leading EDGEucator cohort in the Davis School District in 2017, where I honed my skills as a 21st-century educator and championed the effective and engaging use of technology in the classroom.

My family means everything to me. I have a wonderful and supportive husband who stands by my side through thick and thin. We have a son named Park, who keeps us on our toes. We enjoy being active with him, whether it’s playing soccer, swimming, scootering, hiking, climbing, or mountain biking. Our daughter, Sylvia, adores her big brother and our two dogs, Soma and Bella. Sylvia is full of life and loves expressing herself. As a family, we also cherish our travel adventures, hiking outings with our dogs, and exploring new and delicious foods. And whenever we can, we visit family in Park City, Utah, where we soak in quality family time and take in the breathtaking views. As an educator, my philosophy centers around effectiveness. I believe that students thrive when they feel safe, secure, and supported by their teachers in all aspects of life, growth, and learning. With this in mind, I am committed to assisting fellow educators in creating such nurturing environments through 21st-century technology skills. My goal is to equip teachers with the latest technology integration techniques, preparing their learners for successful careers in the 21st century while also supporting their own professional development. 🌟📚💡

"We don't need to strive for perfection; we should strive to be significant."

Quote Adapted from Clint Pulver