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

Looker Studio getting started with Data Visualization

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

Silver 2

Looker Studio is Google's free visualization tool, and it's a game-changer for anyone who leverages spreadsheets. It creates dynamic reports that use live data.
This means no more manually updating charts to get the latest insights! This is useful in all sorts of ways—from visualizing student data to keeping an eye on school improvement indicators or even tracking device checkouts.
This session will cover practical steps to collect and convert that data into a customized dashboard.

Speakers

Jennifer Davis

Technology Integration Specialist, ESU 1

Jennifer has twenty-one years of experience as an educator and has taught biology, chemistry, physics, physical science, computer science, and undergraduate education courses. She is the Technology Integration Specialist and Teaching and Learning Specialist at ESU 1.

Jennifer comp... Read More →

20260430 NETA Data Dashboards for Educators pdf

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

Concurrent Session

Company Tech Coordinators, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Administrative Planning, Information Technology (IT), Staff Development, Math, reading
Subject All Levels
Area All, Advanced

10:15am CDT

Is Your School Secure? A Real-Time Cyber Risk Analysis with Tech Director Dave Huryta from Ravenna Public Schools

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

Silver 3

With the rapid advancement of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the risks and threats of cyberattacks are escalating. Network vulnerabilities increasingly expose your school, students, and staff to potential dangers. Join us for a live demonstration and analysis session with Tech Director Dave Huryta from Ravenna Public Schools to uncover the financial risks associated with inadequate proactive cybersecurity measures. Our cutting-edge technology will highlight the specific actions you can take today to minimize these potential impacts.

Speakers

Hamilton Business Technologies

Ryan Wineteer

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 3

Exhibitor Session

Company Administration/Leadership, Tech Coordinators
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), Technical Issues
Subject All Levels
Area All

11:15am CDT

Cybersecurity Tips for Staff

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

Silver 5

In this session, we will cover important tips for teachers to know about
Cybersecurity. Including checking strength of passwords, checking for exposures in
data breaches, how to remove personally identifiable information online, being able
to identify different forms of spam/scams, and more.

Speakers

Kimberly Ingraham-Beck

Computer Science Teacher/Esports Coach, Gretna Public Schools

Kimberly Ingraham-Beck is a high school Computer Science teacher at Gretna Public Schools with a background in music education, technology, and curriculum development. She holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and three master’s degrees... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Audience Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology (IT), Staff Development
Subject All Levels
Area All

11:15am CDT

Deployment Streamlined: New Updates for IT Leaders- Apple Education

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

Silver 9

Apple is committed to supporting your vision for technology at scale. Join us to discuss the latest products and platform changes from Apple, including what’s new for Managed Apple accounts, new deployment options, and management features for macOS and iPadOS.

Speakers

Jeff Ochsner

System Engineer, Apple

Brent Sallee

Apple

Katie Morrow

Apple

Apple Education

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 9

Concurrent Session

Company All Levels
Audience Information Technology (IT)
Area Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Wired for Success: Recabling 29 Buildings for the Digital Age

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

Silver 2

Discover how Millard Public Schools successfully re-cabled 29 buildings, implementing a new structure cabling standard. We'll cover the logistical hurdles of working while school was in session, managing phased packages, and executing smooth cutovers. Learn how we leveraged E-Rate Category 2 funding to offset costs and the essential lessons learned from project partnership with Morrissey Engineering and Commscope to ensure a successful ethernet evolution and foundation for the future.

Speakers

Lucas Bingham

Executive Director of Technology, Millard Public Schools

Joe Kuehl

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 2

Concurrent Session

Company Tech Coordinators
Audience Administrative Planning, Information Technology (IT), Leadership, Technical Issues
Subject All Levels
Area All

1:00pm CDT

From AI Evaluation to Implementation: Marian High School's Brisk Teaching Story

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

Bronze 1

Discover how Marian High School evaluated and implemented Brisk's AI tools to reduce teacher workload and enhance student learning. Director of Technology, Bruce Moore, will share their systematic evaluation process, why they selected Brisk Teaching, and the positive impact Brisk has had on their staff and students. Attendees will see live demonstrations of Brisk's AI-powered tools for feedback, differentiation, and administrative tasks, plus learn practical strategies for bringing similar solutions to their own districts.

Speakers

Pete Brunetta

Bronze Level Sponsorship, Brisk Teaching

Bruce Moore

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

Exhibitor Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Google Suite, Information Technology (IT), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Secondary, All Levels
Area All

1:45pm CDT

CS FUTURES: A Model for Recruiting and Preparing Pre-Service Teachers

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Lobby

Poster, Short presentation or roundtable –:
Explore Nebraska’s K–12 Computer Science teaching. Using data from the Nebraska Department of Education, this session examines who teaches what, identifies workforce gaps, and shares strategies to expand pre-service pathways.. Using data from the Nebraska Department of Education, this session examines who teaches what, identifies workforce gaps, and shares strategies to expand pre-service pathways.

Speakers

Guy Trainin

Williams Kwabena Boakye

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Lobby

UNL

Company Computer Science, Elementary
Audience Administrative Planning, Computer Science, Information Technology (IT), Staff Development
Subject Secondary
Area All

1:45pm CDT

Designing Immersive Vocabulary Learning Experiences through Virtual Reality: Alice’s VR Wonderland for English Learners

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Lobby

This poster explores VR-based vocabulary intervention for elementary English learners using an Alice in Wonderland immersive environment to embed new words in rich context. Drawing on Cognitive Theories of Multimedia Learning, it combines visual and verbal scaffolding across pre-, in-, and post-VR activities to address gaps in traditional vocabulary instruction.

Speakers

University of Nebraska Lincoln TLTE

Professor of Education, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Dr. Guy Trainin

Fatemeh Ashrafabadi

UNL TLTE

Guy Trainin

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Lobby

UNL, UNL TLTE

Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Information Technology (IT)
Subject All Levels
Area All

1:45pm CDT

From Chalkboards to Tablets: Evaluating Students’ Readiness for Technology-Enhanced Curriculum Delivery in Nigerian Classrooms

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Lobby

This poster will present findings from a quantitative study examining Nigerian students' readiness for technology-enhanced learning. Using exploratory factor analysis of survey data from 86 students, the study identifies key dimensions including access, confidence, motivation, and institutional support, revealing gaps between student engagement and structural preparedness.

Speakers

Guy Trainin

Omolara Oni

Graduate Research Assistant, university of Nebraska-Lincoln

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Lobby

UNL

Company UNL
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Information Technology (IT)
Subject All Levels

1:45pm CDT

Pathways to Teaching CS

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Lobby

This poster will present CS Futures, an NSF-funded statewide initiative building flexible pathways for pre-service teachers to earn K-12 computer science credentials. Spanning 2- and 4-year Nebraska colleges, the project addresses teacher shortages by developing curricula, transfer pathways, and recruitment models, with a focus on broadening participation across underrepresented groups.

Guy Trainin, Omolara Oni, Williams Boakye

Speakers

Guy Trainin

Williams Kwabena Boakye

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Omolara Oni

Graduate Research Assistant, university of Nebraska-Lincoln

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Lobby

UNL

Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Information Technology (IT)
Subject All Levels
Area All

1:45pm CDT

Preparing Teachers to Teach CS: Insights from Nebraska's Two- and Four-Year Colleges

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Lobby

The poster will present findings from a series of interviews with instructors and administrators at two-year and four-year public colleges in Nebraska. It will highlight insights into course design, program structures, obstacles and other factors related to preparing pre-service teachers to teach computer science.

Sheila Foley, Guy Trainin, Gwen Nugent, LeenKiat Soh, Brian Dorn

Speakers

Guy Trainin

Sheila Foley

UNL

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Lobby

UNL

Company Higher Education
Audience All, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Information Technology (IT)
Subject Secondary, Higher Education
Area All

2:00pm CDT

Map It, Don't Wing It: Making Cybersecurity Frameworks Work for Schools

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

Silver 2

Schools face growing cybersecurity expectations across CIS Controls, NIST CSF v2, and more — with shrinking time and staff to address them. FrameworkMapper, built by a former Nebraska K-12 cybersecurity director, maps your existing tools across multiple frameworks simultaneously, turning weeks of spreadsheet work into minutes of actionable insight. See a live demo and leave with a practical path forward you can actually manage.
In referencing previously submitted presentation proposals, here is some additional information that may be useful:
What is the takeaway:
Attendees will know how to leverage multi-framework mapping to maximize limited resources, identify gaps in their cybersecurity posture without manually cross-referencing standards, and create a prioritized roadmap for strengthening their district's security program.

Every Attendee Will Receive a Folder Packed with Actionable Information. Don't Miss Out!

Speakers

Andy Boell

Cybersecurity Specialist, Midwest Cyber

Andy Boell is the owner of Midwest Cyber, LLC, a cybersecurity consultancy specializing in K-12 school districts, SLTT organizations, small defense contractors, and small businesses. He holds a CISSP, Certified CMMC Professional, CompTIA Security+, and CETL credentials, along with... Read More →

MapItDontWingIt pptx

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

Mini Session

Company All LevelsTech Coordinators
Audience Information Technology (IT), Cybersecurity
Subject All Levels
Area Intermediate

2:45pm CDT

Building Secure, Reliable AI-Ready Networks for Lean IT Teams

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

Silver 11

Today’s K-12 networks must support AI-driven learning and Zero Trust security without demanding an army of engineers. Join Arista Networks to see how Nebraska districts leverage industry-low CVEs and "hitless" upgrades to eliminate downtime and weekend maintenance. We’ll dive into how cloud-native NAC (AGNI) simplifies student onboarding and why a single-OS approach allows a small IT team to manage a district of 20,000+ students. The future of K-12 is invisible networking.

Sponsors

Kathy Higgins, Arista Networks

Bronze Level Sponsorship, Arista Networks

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Silver 11

Exhibitor Session

Company Arista
Audience Information Technology (IT)
Area Intermediate, All

2:45pm CDT

Empowering K–12 with Modern AV, Safety, and Classroom Technology

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

Silver 3

Discover K–12 learning through intelligent, Connected AV solutions designed to enhance instruction, communication, and school safety. This session explores how Q-SYS powers seamless automation, classroom voice-lift systems, short-throw projection, and user-friendly control.Highlights Atlas IPX network-based intercom and paging systems for emergency alerts, daily communication, districtwide coordination.From gymnasium sound systems to wireless mics, theatrical audio/visual, and stage set ups.

Speakers

Kyle Holmgren

High Point Networks

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

Exhibitor Session

Company Administration/Leadership, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Career and Technical Education, Emerging Technology, Information Technology (IT)
Subject All Levels
Area All

2:45pm CDT

Safeguard Systems, Strengthen Budgets: ClassLink for Tech Teams

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

Silver 8

In an era of tight budgets and rising cybersecurity demands, Nebraska districts need solutions that protect both their data and their dollars. Join a panel of Nebraska tech leaders as they share how ClassLink helps streamline access management, secure logins, and simplify rostering—all while maximizing existing resources.

Speakers

Greg Schwanke

Technology Director, Gretna Public Schools

Joshua G Jerome

Technology Director / President, Ogallala Public Schools / CoSNE

Father of 4 amazing children, all in their 20s, 2 granddaughters, and Husband to the best woman on planet earth!

- Living the Dream - No problems only Solutions - Think now & Change after! Inspire. Teach. Protect. Remove obstacles. Be human.

Education:
- Jefferson High School - Edge... Read More →

Anu Jokinen

[email protected], Senior Director of Instructional Technology

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Silver 8

Exhibitor Session

Company Administration/Leadership, Tech Coordinators
Audience Administrative Planning, Cybersecurity, Information Technology (IT), Technical Issues
Subject All Levels
Area All

2:45pm CDT

Seconds to Chaos: Aftermath of a Breach and How to Stop the Next One

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

Silver 2

A breach doesn’t give you warning, it detonates. We’ll walk through a real cyber incident at a local school district and examine how a few minutes of disruption spiraled into days of operational headaches. Then we'll break down the core components of a cybersecurity incident response plan that every district should have in place. We’ll close with a clear look at how K-12 environments can gain visibility, control and the integrated defenses needed to contain and prevent cyber threats.

Speakers

Troy DeHaven

Director of Technology, Kearney Public Schools

David Reinert

Sales Engineer, Fortinet

Exhibitors

Fortinet- Stephanie Cavigliano

Fortinet

Stephanie Cavigliano

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

Exhibitor Session

Company Tech Coordinators, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Cybersecurity, Information Technology (IT), Network Systems
Subject All Levels
Area All

2:45pm CDT

Understanding Bad Behavior in the Digital and the Physical World

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

Bronze 1

Today’s school risks rarely live in one place. Online behavior, access logs, email activity, and campus security systems often tell parts of the same story — but districts rarely see the full picture. This session explores how schools can unify digital and physical safety signals to identify risk earlier, respond faster, and protect students and staff without compromising privacy.

Speakers

John Eden

Carrier Access

Exhibitors

Carrier Access IT- Hailey Nesset

Carrier Access IT

Hailey Nesset

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Bronze 1

Exhibitor Session, Technology Directors and Administrators

Company All Levels, Administration/Leadership
Audience Information Technology (IT)
Area All

3:45pm CDT

Stop doing your technology in a silo! Find the right partner.....

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

Silver 3

Today's AV can not be designed, deployed or managed in a silo. Come and explore how today's AV solutions can easily be tied together and help your school save a bundle. We'll look at how various essential tools such as intercoms, signage, security, communications and even classroom tools can all seemlessly work together. Don't build your district technology in a silo. Build a cohesive solution and save a fortune.

Speakers

Dustin Frank

[email protected], Education Consultant

Foster KCAV-Kansas City Audio Visual

Exhibitors

KCAV

Educational Consultant, KCAV

For 70 years, KCAV has offered innovative audiovisual solutions throughout the Midwest. While technology has definitely changed since 1953, our commitment to the customer has not. We still serve business, education, government and religious markets with audiovisual sales, design, ins... Read More →

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

Exhibitor Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Coordinators
Audience Emerging Technology, Information Technology (IT)
Subject All Levels
Area All

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