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.

10:15am CDT

ESPORTS More than Just Games

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

Silver 5

More than a Sport, more than just games, eSports is a community and there is a future in it. It gives some students a reason to attend school, focus on academics and participate in a Sport while learning to eliminate online toxic behavior. Learn more about gaming with a purpose in a controlled environment and what is needed for a school to get going and be successful. Help schools teach real digital skills through the language kids already understand: gaming. Gaming Concepts curriculum helps students build confidence in digital literacy, problem-solving, and responsible tech use through ready-to-teach lessons aligned to Nebraska standards in all and built for grades 3-12.

Speakers

Jonathan Franta

Teacher and Coach, Omaha Central ESPORTS Coach

Rachel Murray

Customer Success Manager, PlayVS

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Tech Coordinators
Audience Computer Science, Digital Citizenship, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Middle, Secondary, Higher Education, 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

10:15am CDT

Chromebook as a Game Board

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

Silver 6

Turn student Chromebooks into interactive game boards where learning feels more like Mario Kart and Battleship than a worksheet.

Speakers

Ryan O'Donnell

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 6

Featured Speaker

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience All, Business, Assessment, Classroom Management, Cross Curriculum, Language Arts, Math, reading, Science, Secondary (9th-12th), Staff Development
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

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

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

2:00pm CDT

Computer Science at UNHS: Supporting Technology Education in Nebraska

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

Bronze 3

In response to the Computer Science and Technology Act passed by the Nebraska Legislature, UNHS began working on asynchronous, distance learning courses to support students. In this session, attendees will learn about these new courses (Computing Foundations and AP® Computer Science Principles) and how they can be used to support students (including those in brick-and-mortar schools). This session will also look at UNHS’s free, non-credit offering about artificial intelligence.

Speakers

Stacey Stubbs

Assistant Director, Curriculum, University of Nebraska High School

Thursday April 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Bronze 3

Mini Session

Company Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Distance/Online Learning, Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Secondary
Area All

2:00pm CDT

Fixer to Facilitator: Gemini for Meaningful Writing Revision

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

Central Hallway

Tired of feedback students barely read? This session introduces a high-impact, low-prep strategy for transforming revision with Gemini Gems. Using four ready-to-use prompts—reverse outline, self-critique, evidence integration, and grammar & style—students pair their draft with the rubric and targeted skills. See how Gemini acts as a personalized writing coach grounded in your expectations and their own writing.

Speakers

Kaylen Rodrigues

8th ELA Teacher, York Public Schools

NETA pdf

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

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience Language Arts, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Middle, Secondary
Area All

2:00pm CDT

Tech-Powered Tools for the English Classroom

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

Central Hallway

Participants will leave with a ready-to-use toolkit of digital resources that can be immediately used in ELA instruction, along with practical strategies for improving student engagement, writing, and classroom efficiency. Accessible tools, such as First Five, Short Answer, We Will Write, Snorkl, SchoolAI, and NoRedInk will be highlighted.

Tech-Powered Tools for the English Classroom

Speakers

Bethany Neuhart

English Teacher, Shickley Public School

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

Show and Share Poster Session

Company Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), Language Arts, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Middle, Secondary
Area Intermediate

3:45pm CDT

Book Clubs: GAME ON!

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

Silver 10

This session will explore innovative strategies for creating engaging and effective book clubs. We will uncover how to transform traditional book discussions into engaging interactive experiences through both physical and digital games. We will delve into the power of game mechanics to increase student engagement. Participants will learn how to incorporate these elements into their book clubs through themed challenges, online games, and mini-games that can be incorporated into any book club.

Speakers

Rachel Jussel

School librarian/Media Specialist, Elkhorn Grandview Middle School

Thursday April 30, 2026 3:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session

Company Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Audience Language Arts, Library Media, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject Middle, Secondary
Area All

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

11:15am CDT

Beyond the Basics: Maximizing Google for Education

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

Silver 4

Google for Education keeps growing — and so do the ways it can support your classroom. This session will highlight Google Classroom updates, share practical tips and tricks across Google tools, and showcase simple strategies that save time and enhance learning

Speakers

Heather Callihan

Technology Integration Specialist, Northwest Public Schools

Heather Callihan is the Technology Integration Specialist for Northwest Public Schools in Grand Island, Ne. Heather is currently the NETA Board president (@YourNETA), Common Sense Certified Educator and Ambassador. Heather has a passion for integrating technology in education. She... Read More →

NETA 2026 Beyond the Basics Maximizing Google for Education jpg

Friday May 1, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session

Company Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Audience Google Suite, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Subject All Levels
Area All

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