NETA 2026 has ended

Create Your Own Event

NETA 2026

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.

10:15am CDT

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

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

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

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 →

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

Novel Ideas: Tech Tools to Help Students Publish Their Stories

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

Inspire your students to become real authors! Learn how to guide them from that first spark of an idea to holding their published novel in hand. You’ll also hear amazing success stories from middle and high school students who turned their writing dreams into books sold online and in stores.

Speakers

Jen Schneider

High Ability Learner Facilitator, Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Dr. Jen Schneider is a Middle School High Ability Learner facilitator in Papillion, Nebraska and a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska with a PhD in Education with a specialization in Innovative Technologies. She currently serves on the Nebraska Educational... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Bronze 1

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Audience Creation/Design Tools, High Ability/Gifted, Language Arts, Library Media
Subject Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Area All

10:15am CDT

Top 10 Tech Tools for 2026

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

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

Digital Storytelling in the Primary Grades

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

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

Lights, Camera, Action: Creating a School News Show with Canva

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

Learn to guide students in creating a bi-weekly news show with Canva. This session covers planning, roles, and hands-on production, turning the yearbook into a dynamic media project. You'll get practical tips on using Canva's video tools to teach students real-world skills in journalism and digital media.

Speakers

Lise Wagner

Librarian, Elkhorn Middle School Library

Hi, I’m Lise Wagner! I’m currently the Librarian at Elkhorn Middle School. While I’m in my 4th year as a librarian, I’ve spent 20 years in the world of education. I love finding new ways to spark a love of reading and discovery in middle schoolers and collaborating with fellow educators to make the library the heart of the school... Read More →

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

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Audience Canva, Creation/Design Tools, Library Media, Middle Grades (6th-8th)
Subject Middle, Secondary
Area Intermediate

1:00pm CDT

Animating Learning: Stop Motion Projects in Canva

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

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

Exploring Elementary Computer Science

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

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

Ignite Learning with IXL and Spark Studio

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

Discover how IXL and Spark Studio can transform your classroom! Explore how IXL’s personalized learning platform supports skill growth for every student, while Spark Studio’s AI tools help you save time by creating lesson plans, review games, and differentiated resources in seconds. Learn how scaffolding and translation support ensure that every learner—no matter their level—can succeed. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies you can implement tomorrow!

Speakers

Carrie Nielsen

Technology Integration Specialist, Diocese of Lincoln Schools

I serve as a Technology Integration Specialist for the Diocese of Lincoln, where I’ve spent the past eight years supporting 30 schools as they navigate and make the most of classroom technology. Before stepping into this role, I spent 18 years in the classroom teaching PE, Computers... Read More →

Cody Bobolz

Educational Sales Consultant-IXL Learning, IXL Learning

Stop on over if you are interested in taking a deeper dive into IXL, including Spark Studio, our new AI powered platform that helps to further enhance teachers classrooms. Spark Studio includes a whole Tool Library to help create many resources such as exit tickets, rubric builder... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

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

2:00pm CDT

Beyond the Textbook: Creating Custom Storybooks for Academics & SEL

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

Central Hallway

Move beyond dry resources! Learn to use Gemini to turn science facts, history, and personalized social stories into illustrated narrative adventures. We will share prompt engineering strategies that ensure accuracy and engagement. Ideal for elementary teachers integrating creativity into Science, Social Studies, and SEL.

Speakers

Angie Roby

Computer Science teacher K-2, Crete Elementary School

2026 Beyond the Textbook Google Slides pdf

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

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Computer Science, Elementary
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Creation/Design Tools, Cross Curriculum, Social Emotional Learning
Subject All Levels
Area All

2:00pm CDT

Unleashing Young Voices: The Cougar Talk Experience

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

Central Hallway

Dive into the vibrant world of Sandy Creek Elementary's "The Cougar Talk," a dynamic morning show led by our spirited 5th graders. Discover how they kickstart each day with menus, birthday celebrations, and PBIS reminders. Fridays for "Fight Song Fridays" and the beloved "Highlights" wrap-up, where students showcase their creativity in wild outfits. Meet the young hosts, explore their process, and be inspired by their enthusiasm and teamwork. Don't miss this chance to see creativity in action!

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 →

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

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Leadership, Multimedia
Subject Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle
Area Intermediate

3:45pm CDT

Standards + Creative Tasks = Future-Ready

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

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

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 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

You Can Teach An Old Tool New Tricks

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

We all know that EdTech tools pop up all the time, and can disappear just as quickly. Rediscover the power of some of the tools that have survived the test of time. In this session we’ll explore innovative ways to use familiar tools to spark creativity, collaboration, and deeper learning. Leave with fresh ideas that prove you don’t need new tech to teach in new ways.

Session Resource

Speakers

Peg Coover

Data Coordinator, ESU 10

I work at ESU 10 in Kearney as the Data Coordinator and this is my 13th year. In addition to my work with collecting data sets and creating data visualizations for our staff, I work with teachers and administrators in the areas of Educational Technology and UDL. Prior to this role... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Creation/Design Tools, Multimedia
Subject All Levels
Area All

10:15am CDT

Bringing our Presentations to Life - Make Learning POP

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Learn how to utilize platforms like canva and genially to make our curriculum come to life for students. Looking at the teacher-friendly side of these sites to maximize our teaching!

Speakers

Jachob Wiedeburg

4th Grade & High Ability Learning Teacher, Sidney Public Schools

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 11

Concurrent Session

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Canva, Creation/Design Tools, High Ability/Gifted
Subject All Levels
Area All

10:15am CDT

Google Docs Glow-Up: Designing Dynamic Resources

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Newsflash: your laptop isn’t a typewriter. Bust out of the black-and-white Word Doc and learn to leverage Google Docs’ built-in features to create beautiful, multimodal resources that feel like mini-websites. This follow-along session will guide you through using tables and headings in fresh ways to build dynamic classroom calendars or library resource guides. You’ll walk out with a ready-to-use template and the inspiration to redesign all your newsletters, handouts, and training materials.

Speakers

Michaela Weber

Media Specialist, Elkhorn North Ridge Middle School

Friday May 1, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 8

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Audience Administrative Planning, Creation/Design Tools, Google Suite, Library Media
Subject All Levels
Area All

11:15am CDT

3D Printing in Elementary

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

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

Tap, Type, Transform: Tech-Powered Adventures

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

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

Use a Maker Approach to Engage Students in Literacy

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

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