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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7:15am CDT

Proactive MTSS That Moves: Powered by ScootPad

Friday May 1, 2026 7:15am - 8:00am CDT

Bronze 2

Ready to make MTSS proactive instead of reactive? Learn how ScootPad uses NWEA MAP data to create personalized Math and ELA paths that meet students where they are. See how adaptive learning, real-time insights, and student goal-setting can turn data into growth for every learner!

Speakers

Rick Meyer

Superintendent, Lakeview Community Schools/ Learning Explorer

I am currently the superintendent at Lakeview Community Schools. I am a huge technology advocate and have a passion for creating a proactive MTSS system in all schools using tech tools and the power of people.

Friday May 1, 2026 7:15am - 8:00am CDT
Bronze 2

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Assessment, Classroom Management, High Ability/Gifted
Subject Elementary
Area All

11:15am CDT

3D Printing in Elementary

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Bronze 3

Have a 3D printer or want one? Come see how I integrate 3D printing in my media lessons.

Speakers

Valerie Chmelka

Media Specialist, Grand Island Public Schools, Dodge Elementary

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Library Media, Maker/Makerspace, STEM / STEAM
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

11:15am CDT

Before The Prompt: Foundational Skills for AI-Ready Students

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 5

AI literacy— the ability to understand, question, and thoughtfully engage with AI systems—begins well before students use chatbots. In this session, educators will explore foundational lessons from Common Sense that help students question what's real, evaluate altered media, credit original work, identify credible sources, and understand digital consent. We must build students' critical thinking and ethical awareness to prepare them for an AI-driven world.

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 →

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Citizenship, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Library Media
Subject Elementary, Middle
Area Novice

11:15am CDT

Tap, Type, Transform: Tech-Powered Adventures

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Bronze 2

What if students could move from surface-level thoughts to real insight? In this fast-paced, hands-on session, explore how simple tech tools ignite critical thinking, boost engagement, and guide students toward authentic self-realization. Discover easy-to-use strategies that turn “I’m done” into “Wait, I just realized something!” and help every learner tap, type, and transform their thinking.

Speakers

Brenda Larabee

ELA 10-12 Teacher, Stuart High School/ Nebraska Writing Project

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Bronze 2

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Creation/Design Tools, Cross Curriculum
Subject Elementary, Middle, Secondary, Higher Education
Area All

1:00pm CDT

Kai Bots. Not a question, it is the ANSWER!

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Bronze 3

A fresh way to unlock coding for all! Showing you a new an innovative way to learn to FAIL then SUCCEED with STEM! Kai Bots are for all ages!

Speakers

Mitzi Luedtke

Tech Coordinator/Elem Tech Teacher, Humphrey Public Schools

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Bronze 3

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Assistive Technology, Computer Science, Cross Curriculum, Maker/Makerspace
Subject Elementary, Middle
Area All

1:00pm CDT

Use a Maker Approach to Engage Students in Literacy

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Silver 10

Come and get making with your favorite books! Come explore ways to get students actively playing with ideas and characters in their favorite stories like Ten Black Dots, It Looked Like Spilt Milk, and more.. Learn how to scaffold and coach them as they cut, glue, build, and create in real life and expand with digital tools.

Speakers

Valerie Chmelka

Media Specialist, Grand Island Public Schools, Dodge Elementary

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 →

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Language Arts, Maker/Makerspace, Multimedia
Subject Elementary
Area Novice

1:00pm CDT

Maximize the Impact of Reading and Math Practice

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Silver 8

What makes reading practice truly purposeful? And how can you support your educators inbuilding opportunities for purposeful practice into daily instruction? We'll explore the tools educators need to create engaging learningexperiences where students develop not just the mechanics of reading but also anappreciation for the written word.

Speakers

Chastity Thompson

Account Manager, Renaissance

Renaissance
As a global leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. Renaissance solutions reac... Read More →

Exhibitors

Renaissance Learning

Renaissance

Renaissance is a global leader in assessment, reading, math, and early literacy solutions for pre-K–12 schools and districts. We are committed to providing educators with resources to help students build a strong foundation for success. Our portfolio includes solutions for assessment... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 8

Exhibitor Session

Company Renaissance
Audience Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd), reading
Subject Elementary
Area All

7:15am CDT

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11:15am CDT

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