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.

8:30am CDT

Keynote George Couros: Embracing Innovation to Help Every Learner Find Success in Their Own Way

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:30am - Friday May 1, 2026 9:45am CDT

Gold Ballroom

Carol Dweck’s work has honed in on the concepts of “fixed” and “growth” mindset, but as educators, we must venture further with these ideas to foster the learning opportunities our students and schools merit. It’s not only about what we know but also how we utilize that knowledge. Change is ever-present, and with the advent of new avenues for learning and evolution through technology, such as AI and emerging technologies, it’s crucial that we are proactive not just in response to changes but also in creating change.
In this talk, George will explore the principles and characteristics of “The Innovator’s Mindset”—a concept detailed in his book of the same name—and present compelling reasons why this mindset is essential for educators to cultivate outstanding learning opportunities, not only for their students but also for themselves.
Known for their emotional depth and humor, George’s presentations engage audiences on a level that resonates both intellectually and emotionally. This message is not just for the moment; it’s crafted to stay with you, affecting genuine change that extends far beyond the talk itself.

Speakers

George Couros

Learner, Speaker, Author, Couros Innovations LTD.

George Couros is a worldwide leader in the area of innovative teaching, learning, and leading, and has a focus on innovation as a human endeavor. His belief that meaningful change happens when you first connect to people’s hearts, is modeled in his writing and speaking. In his 20... Read More →

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:30am - Friday May 1, 2026 9:45am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Keynote

10:15am CDT

Laying the Foundation for Innovation in Education

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

Gold Ballroom

Description: The best way to deal with change is to initiate the change we want to see in our schools and classrooms. As we ask our staff to create innovative learning opportunities for all students, what are the core elements that we need to create and sustain to support teachers in their approach, and why does it matter? How do we bring out the voices of our learners to truly personalize education in a way that helps them find a pathway to success that is meaningful to them?
In this personalized and conversational session, George will follow up the keynote and will model and share strategies and ideas on ways that we can truly innovate inside the box and create practices that don’t add to the already full plates of teachers, but help us think differently about how we utilize our time in schools.
We cannot lead and create the innovative schools of today and tomorrow by focusing on and recreating the leadership and learning of yesterday.

Speakers

George Couros

Learner, Speaker, Author, Couros Innovations LTD.

Thursday April 30, 2026 10:15am - Friday May 1, 2026 11:00am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Keynote

8:15am CDT

General Session/Keynote- Laughter in the Lesson

Friday May 1, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am CDT

Gold Ballroom

Laughter in the Lesson

There is science behind laughter, and this veteran stand up comedian has mastered it. Now, imagine being able to bottle that energy, positivity and feel-good vibe that you get from a comedy show, and channel it into your classroom, workplace or everyday life. It’s easier than you think. Devin delivers a comedy-filled message that puts the power of the punchline into the hands of the staff in a way that benefits the entire school. Better mental health, lower turnover rate, improved classroom participation and a massive drop in disciplinary issues. All of these have proven real-world demonstrations that Devin experienced in his classroom, and can pass on to you!

Speakers

Devin Siebold

Devin is a veteran of the classroom, with over a decade of experience teaching high school and middle school in Florida. A side hobby as a comedian has turned into a full-fledged career as Devin has toured internationally and appeared on several nationally televised comedy shows... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 8:15am - 9:30am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Keynote

NETA 2026

8:30am CDT

George Couros

10:15am CDT

George Couros

8:15am CDT

Devin Siebold

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