NETA 2026: Full Schedule

The NETA Board is excited to welcome you to a dynamic learning experience on April 30-May 1,2026, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

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10:15am CDT

At the Heart of It All: Library Fun for the Whole School

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Silver 10

Make your library the heart of the school with creative programming that draws in students and staff alike. Discover the impact of themed events, whole-school celebrations, and fun passive programs (like Fat Bear Week, book brackets, or kindness challenges) that spark excitement without adding stress. Learn to design engaging, low-prep activities and big community events that build school spirit, highlight learning, and make the library an irresistible hub of curiosity and joy.

Speakers

Leia Rumsey

Media Specialist, Norris 160 Intermediate School

Jessie Andre

At the Heart of it all (1) pdf

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Library Media, Middle Grades (6th-8th)
Subject Elementary, Middle
Area Novice

10:15am CDT

Authentic Connection: Building Real Relationships in a Digital World

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Bronze 2

In an increasingly isolated world, where technology increases quantity but reduces quality, human connection is more vital than ever. As parasocial relationships with online creators and influencers grow, more young people are turning to digital spaces for a sense of belonging and connection. Join us to explore lessons from Common Sense that teach students how to establish healthy digital boundaries and emphasize the importance of real-world relationships and genuine human connections.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Media

Adam is an Education Outreach Manager at Omaha Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska. He collaborates with Common Sense Media to help regional educators, students, and families approach media and technology thoughtfully while building healthy habits at school and home. By providing trustworthy... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Bronze 2

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Elementary
Audience Computer Science, Digital Citizenship, Library Media, Social Emotional Learning
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

11:15am CDT

Digital Storytelling in the Primary Grades

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 8

Use a digital approach to promote effective pedagogy and build essential communication skills. Inspire your emerging writers with a multimedia approach that builds essential writing skills by taking advantage of multimodal forms of communication. authentic opportunity to build reading, writing, speaking, and listening literacy skills.

https://www.thecreativeeducator.com/2018/articles/digital-storytelling-in-the-primary-classroom

Speakers

Melinda Kolk

Editor, Creative Educator magazine

Melinda is the Editor of Creative Educator magazine. For the past 25 years, Melinda has led workshops at schools around the world and presentations at education conferences, such as CUE, ASCD and ISTE, on the topics of creativity, project-based learning, and open-ended technologies... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 8

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Language Arts, Library Media, Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd)
Subject Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary
Area Novice

11:15am CDT

uBEATS 3.0: Reimagining STEM for the TikTok Generation

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 11

Discover uBEATS—"UNO & UNMC Building Excellence in Academics Through STEM"—a free, online resource created by education and STEM experts at the University of Nebraska Omaha and UNMC. With multimedia-rich, bite-sized modules for grades 6–12, uBEATS supplements science curricula and supports tech-savvy, student-centered learning.

Check out our website!
unmc.edu/ubeats

Speakers

Tim Krayer

E-Learning Multimedia Technologist, UNMC Office of E-Learning

I’m an E‑Learning Multimedia Technologist and former classroom teacher who designs interactive, student‑friendly digital learning experiences at UNMC. My work focuses on developing uBEATS (unmc.edu/ubeats) science modules for students in grades 6–12, using animation, multimedia... Read More →

Sarah Shaffer

uBEATS NETA 26 pptx

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 11

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Middle Grades (6th-8th), Multimedia, Secondary (9th-12th), STEM / STEAM
Subject Secondary
Area Novice

1:00pm CDT

Animating Learning: Stop Motion Projects in Canva

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Silver 11

Bring creativity to life—frame by frame! In this interactive session, explore how students can use Canva to demonstrate their learning through stop motion projects. We’ll look at real student projects, unpack how to launch your own, and explore free tutorials that simplify the tech skills. You’ll leave this session not only inspired but also having created your own stop motion masterpiece—ready to bring motion to your classroom!

Session Slideshow and Resources

Speakers

Erica Walsh

Technology Integration Specialist, Gretna Public Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 11

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience Assessment, Canva, Creation/Design Tools
Subject Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Area Novice

1:00pm CDT

Collaborating About Careers A P2C Experience

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Silver 8

This session explores how career education can be integrated into English Language Arts (ELA) classrooms through purposeful use of technology. Participants will learn strategies for co-teaching between career education and ELA teachers to help students explore career pathways, build workplace readiness skills and strengthen communication skills. Attendees will leave with ideas for implementing collaborative, tech-based career lessons.

Speakers

Sadie Hansen

Stacie Loeffelholz

School Counselor, Ravenna Public School

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 8

Concurrent Session

Company Higher Education, Teaching & Learning
Audience Career and Technical Education, Cross Curriculum, Google Suite
Subject Middle
Area Novice

1:00pm CDT

Exploring Elementary Computer Science

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Bronze 3

Curious about how to effectively teach Computer Science in elementary schools? Discover the engaging world of coding through both unplugged and plugged activities, featuring interactive robots and innovative projects. Explore class structures and durations that fit young learners. Join us to hear firsthand from Sandy Creek students about their exciting journey in learning Computer Science. Don’t miss the chance to inspire your students with creative tech education!

Speakers

Krista Calderon

Technology Integration Specialist | Computer Science Teacher, Sandy Creek

I teach Computer Science, STEAM, Keyboarding, and High Ability Learner (HAL) classes, where students build critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy skills through hands-on learning experiences. In addition to teaching, I sponsor Elementary Student Council... Read More →

Sponsors

Newline and Computer Hardware

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Elementary
Audience Computer Science, Creation/Design Tools, Cross Curriculum
Subject Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle
Area Novice

1:00pm CDT

No Pressure: Practical Google AI for Beginners

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Silver 1

This is an "all questions welcome" session for educators who are skeptical, cautious, or simply new to AI. In a supportive, low pressure environment, you will explore Google’s AI tools, especially Gemini and NotebookLM, with a focus on what they are good for, what they are not, and how to use them in ways that make teaching work easier without changing who you are as an educator.

Speakers

Lynne Herr

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 1

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience All, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Leadership, Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd), Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th), Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th)
Subject All Levels
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

A Tech Toolkit for Secondary Math & CS

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

Equip yourself and your students with powerful classroom tech! Come explore a rotating collection of smart tools designed for secondary Math and CS. I will share practical examples using Google Gems, NotebookLM, and other essential tech. See how to generate leveled practice, debug code, and create instant study materials. Walk away with a curated list of resources and tips you can use tomorrow. Presentation Slides

Speakers

Deann Nicolaus

Secondary Math and Computer Science Teacher, McCool Junction Public Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Math, STEM / STEAM
Subject Secondary
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

AI as a Lab Partner: Real-World Data Inquiry in Middle School Science

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

This session empowers 7th-grade science teachers to use AI tools for authentic inquiry projects. Learn practical, safe methods for integrating generative AI and machine learning into any science unit. We will focus on using AI to analyze real-world environmental data, run complex simulations, and foster critical thinking about data validity and bias. Leave with ready-to-use prompts and resources that align with NGSS standards and ISTE's Designer role.

Speakers

Arleigh Wilke

Seventh Grade Science Teacher, Norris Middle School

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Coordinators
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Middle
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

Gemini for the Win: Reclaim Your Prep Period

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

Stop drowning in administrative tasks! Discover actionable ways to use Google Gemini to automate the boring stuff. We will cover instant lesson differentiating, drafting parent emails in seconds, and generating rubric criteria. Leave this session with a cheat sheet of prompts that will literally save you hours next week. Perfect for Google Workspace users ready to work smarter, not harder.

Speakers

Molly Bartels

Teacher, Crete Public Schools

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The Reclaim Your Prep Prompt Library slide Google Slides pdf

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Classroom Management, Google Suite, Staff Development
Subject All Levels
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

K-12 Math Makeover: From Worksheet to AI Powered Reasoning

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

Tired of grading every math problem? Learn a practical, plug-and-play framework for K-12 math educators. Combine Snorkl, Desmos and Google tools to transform static assignments into dynamic, differentiated tasks. Students will verbally justify their math reasoning, with AI delivering instant, targeted feedback. Walk away with a seamless workflow that lets you stop grading and start coaching!

Speakers

Paris TeBrink

Teacher, Norris School District

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Assessment, Google Suite, Math
Subject Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

Level Up Learning: How I Tricked My Students into Loving Assessment

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Central Hallway

Assessment doesn’t have to mean silence and tears. See how Blooket turned reluctant 3rd-grade learners into fluency masters. Go beyond “hosting a game” and explore stealth assessment tools that track growth in real time. Walk away with three ready-to-use strategies: Homework mode for centers, creating custom sets with Spreadsheet Import, and using reports to form small groups.

Speakers

Brittany Carroll

3rd Grade Teacher, Seward Public Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Central Hallway

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Elementary
Audience Assessment, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd)
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

2:45pm CDT

Accessibility IRL: The Six Skills You Gotta Know

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Bronze 2

By attending this session, you’ll gain a clear understanding of the core principles of ADA compliance and why accessibility is essential for websites and digital content. You’ll explore practical strategies for identifying and fixing accessibility issues in Google Docs and Slides, along with techniques to make your digital materials more inclusive such as writing effective alt text, organizing content for screen readers, and ensuring strong color contrast. Resources included!

Session Slides

Speakers

Emily Jacobs

Library Instructional Leader, Lincoln Public Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Bronze 2

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Audience Assistive Technology, Google Suite, Leadership, Library Media
Subject All Levels
Area Novice

2:45pm CDT

Device Optional Integration

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT

Silver 4

Explore the potential of technology integration to energize K-5 learning with device-optional strategies and examples that require critical thinking, inspire creativity, promote collaboration, and reveal student thinking.

Speakers

Tina Williams

Technology Coordinator, McCook Public Schools

McCook Public Schools

NETA 2026 Device Optional Integration pdf

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Elementary
Audience Computer Science, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd)
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

3:45pm CDT

It’s not the Screen, it’s the Learning: An Introduction to PIC-RAT

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Silver 8

Not all screen time is equal. This session explores the difference between passive screen time and purposeful screen use, highlighting practical ways to move lessons from consumption to creation. Using the PIC-RAT framework as a reflection tool, we’ll share simple strategies that amplify student voice, choice, and collaboration while helping educators reframe technology use with intention.

Speakers

Brittany Baker

Jessica Murray

Technology Trainer, Omaha Public Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Silver 8

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Middle Grades (6th-8th), Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject All Levels
Area Novice

3:45pm CDT

Practical Strategies for Inviting Classrooms

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT

Bronze 1

This session explores practical methods for creating an inviting classroom where all students feel welcomed and engaged. Participants will learn strategies to design activities, discussions, and projects that build connection, encourage participation, and promote student success. Leave with adaptable ideas to enhance engagement and foster a positive, supportive learning environment.

Speakers

Pamela Silvers

PI, Mentor-Connect/Florence Darlington

Engaging ALL students in STEM Careers

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Bronze 1

Concurrent Session

Company Higher Education, Teaching & Learning
Audience Career and Technical Education, Classroom Management, Secondary (9th-12th), STEM / STEAM
Subject Secondary, Higher Education, All Levels
Area Novice

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