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

Navigating Nebraska’s K–8 Computer Science Requirements

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

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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
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Concurrent Session

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

11:15am CDT

Exploring the CYBER.ORG Range

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

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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
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Concurrent Session

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

1:00pm CDT

Exploring Elementary Computer Science

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

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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
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Concurrent Session

Company Computer Science, Elementary
Audience Computer Science, Creation/Design Tools, Cross Curriculum
Subject Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle
Area Novice

2:00pm CDT

Computer Science at UNHS: Supporting Technology Education in Nebraska

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

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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
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Mini Session

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

2:45pm CDT

Girls Who Code

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

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I am excited to share a program I am hosting called Girls Who Code, a club dedicated to introducing girls to coding skills and opportunities in STEM. Girls Who Code is a national organization working to close the gender gap in technology by providing free lessons, activities, and resources that make coding accessible and fun. By partnering with them, I am able to use a ready-made curriculum to bring meaningful coding experiences to students in our school.

Session Slides

Speakers

Kayla Kill

Special Education, LeMay Elementary

Michelle Boyce

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

Company Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Audience Artificial Intelligence (AI), High Ability/Gifted, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), STEM / STEAM
Subject Elementary
Area Intermediate

3:45pm CDT

Cybersecurity Basics: Crack the Code

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

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The entire foundation of modern cybersecurity is built on the ancient art of Cryptography—the science of writing and solving secret codes.Dive into the secret history of World War II's most notorious cipher machine—the Enigma! In this hands-on session, you will learn the fundamental concepts of cryptography, discover the genius of Alan Turing, and understand why cracking the German Enigma machine was crucial to Allied victory. Forget boring lectures... Get ready to think like a codebreaker!

Speakers

Randa Felske

Technology Teacher, Northwest Public Schools

John Hadenfeldt

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

Company Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Audience Computer Science, STEM / STEAM
Subject Middle, Secondary
Area All

10:15am CDT

Byte-Sized CS: Short Computer Science Activities

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

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Dive into a collection of short (25-50-minute), engaging activities that I have found over the years. Spanning topics from cyber security to physical computing, digital citizenship, and more. We will introduce you to fun activities to aid your students' computer science journey.

Speakers

Kimberly Ingraham-Beck

Computer Science Teacher/Esports Coach, Gretna Public Schools

Kimberly Ingraham-Beck is a high school Computer Science teacher at Gretna Public Schools with a background in music education, technology, and curriculum development. She holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and three master’s degrees... Read More →

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