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

Navigating Nebraska’s K–8 Computer Science Requirements

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

Bronze 3

Description: Learn about Nebraska’s K–8 computer science frameworks, instructional resources, and next steps for schools as the state moves forward with CS legislation. This session will highlight implementation expectations, available supports, and upcoming guidance from the Nebraska Department of Education. Participants will leave with an understanding of requirements, planning tools, and practical strategies to support teachers, align curriculum, and build sustainable computer science programs across elementary and middle school classrooms statewide.

Speakers

Shaun Young

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

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience All, Computer Science
Subject All Levels
Area All

10:15am CDT

Top 10 Tech Tools for 2026

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

Silver 12

Dive into a curated selection of some of the best tools to use this school year! Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these tools can be seamlessly integrated into various teaching contexts to foster student engagement, collaboration, and achievement.

Speakers

Jenna Krambeck-Reeh

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Instructional Technology Facilitator at Papillion LaVista Community Schools, educator, learner, bookworm, techie, and NETA member of the Board of Directors.
3 things I am currently working on:
1. Creating engaging and individualized professional development for teachers 2. Finding ways to use technology to differentiate instruction for students 3. Embracing courage over comfort... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Creation/Design Tools, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Higher Education
Area All

11:15am CDT

TIS Birds of a Feather

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

Silver 4

Birds of A Feather - Educator’s Remix:TIS
No presenters, no slides—just real talk. This Birds of a Feather session is designed for Technology Integration Specialists to dive into the topics that matter most to you. Whether you want to discuss AI implementation, professional development hacks, or classroom management in a 1:1 environment, come ready to share your wins and brainstorm through your challenges.

Speakers

Terry Julian

Technology Facilitator, Hastings Public Schools

I have long enjoyed helping teachers use technology, As a district technology facilitator, I am very thankful to now be able to do that on a daily basis.

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 4

Birds of a feather

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist

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

Exploring the CYBER.ORG Range

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

Bronze 3

Experience CYBER.ORG’s browser-based Cyber Range, a safe virtual environment where students can explore cybersecurity concepts through real-world simulations. Participants will learn to set up classes, launch virtual machines, and preview engaging lessons that teach password security, data privacy, and cybersecurity skills for grades 6-12. Whether you're new to cybersecurity or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will help you seamlessly integrate this resource into your classroom.

Speakers

Nikki Hendricks

Curriculum Designer-Instructor, CYBER.ORG

Nikki Hendricks is a retired Texas educator and school librarian who now serves as a Curriculum Designer–Instructor at CYBER.ORG, where she develops middle and high school curriculum focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computational thinking.

Nikki previously taught high school cybersecurity and computer science. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and several industry certifications, including CompTIA CySA+, Security+, and Network+, and is currently working toward her SecAI+ certification... Read More →

Charlene Cooper

Director, CYBER.ORG

Charlene Cooper is the Director of CYBER.ORG, the academic division of the Cyber Innovation Center. As Director, she leads the team in developing cybersecurity resources for teachers and students nationwide. A National Board Certified Teacher, Charlene brings over 20 years of experience... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Career and Technical Education, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Citizenship
Subject All Levels
Area All

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

Ctrl+Alt+Fix: Rebooting Your School’s Tech Strategy and Culture

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

Silver 4

After going 1:1 post-COVID without structure, our school faced inconsistency and frustration. A teacher-driven plan introduced access tiers, intentional blocking/unblocking, and a quick request process to align tools with learning. Now, tech use is purposeful—students create, collaborate, and practice digital citizenship, teachers lead PD, and a shared Tech Philsophy ensures transparency and a consistent, empowering culture.

Speakers

Leia Rumsey

Media Specialist, Norris 160 Intermediate School

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... Read More →

Jason Gault

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Classroom Management, Digital Citizenship, Leadership, Learning Spaces
Subject Elementary, Middle
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

2:45pm CDT

Life Hacks: 10+ Ways to Save Time with Technology

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

Silver 12

Work smarter, not harder! In this fast-paced session, teachers will discover 10+ tech tools and shortcuts that save time, streamline tasks, and reduce daily stress. From organizing your digital life to automating repetitive tasks, you'll walk away with practical strategies that make teaching more efficient.

Speakers

Jenna Krambeck-Reeh

Instructional Technology Facilitator, Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:45pm - 3:30pm CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Canva, Classroom Management, Google Suite
Subject All Levels
Area 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

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

3:45pm CDT

Standards + Creative Tasks = Future-Ready

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

Silver 11

Project work doesn't have to require excessive time investments and extensive training. A simple shift in framing a task helps students go beyond a rote response to standards and learning goals to deep thinking and digital age communication.

Come explore and play with creative tasks like story adaptations, associative letter projects, wanted posters, fictitious interviews and more.
https://www.thecreativeeducator.com/2025/articles/creative-thinking-tasks

Speakers

Melinda Kolk

Editor, Creative Educator magazine

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Silver 11

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Multimedia, Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd)
Subject All Levels
Area Intermediate

3:45pm CDT

Teaching Beyond the Prompt: Authentic Learning with AI

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

Silver 4

Discover how to integrate artificial intelligence in K–12 classrooms without losing authentic learning. This session helps teachers design lessons where students think critically, create meaningfully, and use AI responsibly. Attendees will learn how to balance technology use with cognitive engagement and ethical classroom practices that promote deeper understanding.

Speakers

Kelly Gatewood

Instructional Design and Technology Professor, Keiser University

Hi,
My name is Kelly Gatewood. I have been active with NETA for 30+ years. My interests include instructional design for motivating student through technology use and events of instruction.

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

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Assessment, Digital Citizenship, Staff Development
Subject All Levels
Area All

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