NETA 2025: Full Schedule

The NETA Board is excited to welcome you to a dynamic learning experience on May 1-2, 2025, at the Younes Conference Center North in Kearney, Nebraska.

8:30am CDT

The Case for Personal Device-Free Schools

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Silver 1

The U.S. Surgeon General highlights a youth mental health crisis, with rising rates of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Removing personal devices from schools offers a low-cost solution to improve student well-being, focus, and connection. This session explores research, implementation strategies, and the importance of engaging students, staff, and families in decision-making. Join us to discuss creating healthier, device-free learning environments.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Education

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 →

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Silver 1

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Tech Coordinators
Tags Administrative Planning, Digital Citizenship, Leadership, Secondary (9th-12th)
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

11:30am CDT

Adventure into Project Based Learning

Thursday May 1, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT

Silver 5

A meaningful project can provide engagement, depth of knowledge, community building, and more to the learning experience. Establishing what that looks like in a digital world, or expanding upon curriculum in this way can feel like your are lost in the woods at first.

Speakers

Hanna Borgmann

5th Grade Teacher, Norris School District 160

I am currently a 5th-grade ELA teacher. I have been teaching for 6 years; 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and now 5th.I enjoy finding new innovative ways to improve productivity for myself, co-workers, and students. Keeping students engaged and excited about learning is vital to their succ... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 5

Mini Session

Strands that Match Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Tags Assessment, Creation/Design Tools, Digital Citizenship, Learning Spaces
Grade Level Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Target Audience Novice

1:15pm CDT

Building Digital Citizens: K-12 Objectives & Lessons for Every Grade

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Silver 5

Explore how our school district launched an integrated approach to teaching digital citizenship. Learn how we developed K-12 objectives and how librarians ensure these objectives are embedded and taught across all subject areas.

Speakers

Joy Harvey

Coordinator of Library Services, Lincoln Public Schools

Joy Harvey works with a dynamic team of leaders to provide resources, support, and coaching that empower school librarians to deliver meaningful and effective instruction. Passionate about digital literacy, she played a key role in developing and implementing digital citizenship instruction... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information) Mini Session Show and Share Poster Session

Strands that Match Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Tags Digital Citizenship
Grade Level Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

2:15pm CDT

Content Crushers: Students Creating for Your School’s Social Media

Thursday May 1, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT

Silver 12

Learn how our student team turned our school's social media into a dynamic and engaging platform. We'll share simple strategies and tools to help your students become 'Content Crushers,' creating real and engaging content. This session will show you how to guide students from ideas to posts, highlighting the benefits of student-led content. Help your students take charge of your school's online presence effectively.

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 →

Noah Journey

Business Educator, Northwest Public Schools

Thursday May 1, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Business, Cross Curriculum, Digital Citizenship, Social Networks
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

2:15pm CDT

So Much to Do, so Little Time

Thursday May 1, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT

Silver 5

How do you teach all the technology available today? As an elementary media specials teacher I see students once a week. I will share how I structure my technology classes to teach keyboarding, digital literacy, makerspace, research, computer science and more!

Speakers

Valerie Chmelka

Media Specialist, Grand Island Public Schools

Thursday May 1, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Silver 5

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information) Mini Session

Strands that Match Elementary, Library Media
Tags Computer Science, Digital Citizenship, Library Media, Maker/Makerspace
Grade Level Elementary
Target Audience Novice

3:15pm CDT

Building Media Literacy in the Age of AI

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT

Silver 4

In a world where AI rapidly generates content, students need media literacy skills to critically evaluate information, spot disinformation, and recognize bias. This session equips educators to help students develop essential dispositions and strategies to foster curiosity and skepticism. Educators will gain practical approaches and resources to build students' capacity for thoughtful media consumption, including understanding the influence of algorithms.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Education

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Computer Science, Library Media
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Science, Digital Citizenship, Library Media
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

3:15pm CDT

Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad AI? Not You Anymore!

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT

Bronze 1

There are many things in life that are scary--Rattlesnakes. The Big Bad Wolf. People who eat steak with ketchup. But what doesn’t have to be scary is showing students how to use AI as a writing and thinking partner in their lives. In this session, we’ll look at ways to ethically include ChatGPT and AI in student writing, including brainstorming and writing feedback. We’ll also peek into Google Notebook and how this tool can help you hit the “EASY” button on research.

Speakers

Dr. Melissa Pilakowski

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT
Bronze 1

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Higher Education, Teaching & Learning
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Classroom Management, Digital Citizenship, Language Arts
Grade Level Secondary, Higher Education
Target Audience Intermediate

4:15pm CDT

Fantastic AI-Related Questions and Where to Discuss Them

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT

Silver 12

If student over-reliance on AI in writing raises academic integrity concerns, is it ethical for teachers to use AI-generated feedback on that same writing? Should text-leveling tools be used for differentiation if students aren’t reading on grade level? Do you cite AI use, and if so, how? This session tackles these questions and more about AI’s role in education, providing resources, practical use-cases, and discussion time during the session for elevating your approach to AI integration.

Speakers

ESU Coordinating Council - Andrew Easton

Digital Learning Coordinator, ESU Coordinating Council

The Nebraska ESUCC was created in statute to coordinate the activities of Nebraska's 17 Educational Service Units. The ESUCC was created by LB 603 in 2007 and officially came into existence on July 1, 2008. The ESUCC shall work toward statewide coordination to provide the most cost-effective... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Conversation, Digital Citizenship, Staff Development
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

4:15pm CDT

Leveling Up Nebraska: The Rise of Esports in the Cornhusker State

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT

Silver 10

Learn how the Nebraska Schools Esports Association is driving the growth of esports across the state and transforming education. This session will showcase the benefits of esports for students and provide easy steps for schools to start their own programs. Discover how to join the esports movement and create opportunities that engage and empower students in your community.

Speakers

Matt Hinkel

Digital Media Educator, Grand Island Northwest

Nate Simons

Director of Technology, Louisville Public Schools

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Tags Conversation, Digital Citizenship, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning
Grade Level Middle, Secondary, Higher Education
Target Audience All

4:15pm CDT

Movie Magic: Building an Effective Video Production Course

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT

Silver 4

This session reflects on lessons learned since Gretna High School began offering a Video Production course 14 years ago. The session will focus on: 1. Curriculum and pacing, 2. Student content creation and promotion, 3. Software and hardware used. The emphasis is on how teachers might build a course from the ground up. Samples of student products will be shown and discussed. Time will be allotted for Q&A at the end of the session.

Speakers

Bret Kohles

Special Education Teacher, Gretna Public Schools

Kelly McVey

David Stastny

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Higher Education, Teaching & Learning
Tags Creation/Design Tools, Digital Citizenship, Multimedia
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

10:15am CDT

Security vs. Privacy in Education

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT

Silver 2

Privacy and security are both important aspects of cyber safety, but they are distinct concepts. Come and explore their similarities, differences, and how they apply in K-12.

Speakers

Darci Lindgren

Tech Coordinator/Secretary, Lindsay Holy Family/NETA

Technology Coordinator for Lindsay Holy Family School, NETA secretary, DigCit enthusiast

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 2

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Elementary, Higher Education
Tags Cybersecurity, Digital Citizenship, Leadership
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

11:15am CDT

Digital Well-Being: Tackling Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health

Friday May 2, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT

Bronze 1

With social media's prevalence and documented impact on youth well-being, students are more vulnerable than ever to the effects of constant digital connectivity. Educators are critical in helping students navigate these challenges and develop healthier tech habits. We will explore lessons designed to support teens in building self-agency and practicing mindfulness around tech use. Join us as we learn practical strategies that empower students to thrive in today's digital world.

Speakers

Adam Vinter

Education Outreach Manager, Common Sense Education

Friday May 2, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Bronze 1

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Digital Citizenship, Social Emotional Learning
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Authentic Dig Cit: Building a Team of Social Media Content Creators

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Silver 4

Would you like help in telling your school’s story? Do you sometimes wish you could clone yourself and be in two places at once? Dr. Jill will empower you to do this by creating and sustaining a social media team. From recruitment to retainment, learn how to select, train, and inspire the students and adults in your district to take ownership of telling their school’s story. Walk away with some great tips for motivating others to create content for someone other than themselves!

Speakers

Jill Johnson

President, Class Intercom

I was involved in education for 30 years as a classroom teacher, professional development consultant, and high school administrator before moving into my current role as President of Class Intercom. My passion, work, and research focus on student-led social media teams, social media... Read More →

Mitchell Roush

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 4

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Career and Technical Education, Digital Citizenship, Social Networks
Grade Level Secondary
Target Audience Intermediate

1:15pm CDT

Education is Elevation—Teaching Media Literacy & Argument Using TikTok

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Silver 10

This session will provide attendees with the pedagogical tools to equip their students with the skills they need to practice critical analysis, argument deconstruction and formulation, and digital media literacy by simply reaching into their own pockets.

Speakers

Karie Cobb

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Higher Education, Teaching & Learning
Tags Digital Citizenship, Higher Education, Language Arts, Social Networks
Grade Level Secondary, Higher Education
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Modern Digital Literacy Skills for Students & Staff

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Silver 11

Have you ever said a website is reliable because it comes from a .org site? Did you know that actually almost anyone can create a website with a .org domain? Thus, this is no longer a recommended method for determining source reliability. Come to this session to learn modern digital literacy strategies to help you and your students select relevant and reliable resources using the Stanford History Education Group Civic Online Reasoning curriculum and resources from the News Literacy Project.

Speakers

Stefanie Green

School Librarian, Kearney Public Schools

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 11

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Library Media, Teaching & Learning
Tags Digital Citizenship, Library Media, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th)
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
Target Audience Novice

1:15pm CDT

The Need for Password Management Tools in Schools

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Silver 3

Adults and students alike have created a habit of reusing the same password for every account simply because they don't have access to a password manager. This habit leads to identity theft among other issues.

Come learn the current cyber security threats and how ESU 7 is helping schools deploy Lastpass statewide to overcome this issue.

Speakers

Dan Ellsworth

Network Operations Director, ESU 7

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 3

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Computer Science, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Citizenship, Information Technology (IT)
Grade Level Middle, Secondary, Higher Education
Target Audience Novice

1:15pm CDT

Parent Power Up: Creative Ways to Communicate with Families

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT

Silver 5

Build stronger connections between your school library and the families in your community. This session will explore creative strategies for engaging families with library programs and resources, from sharing read-aloud plans to leveraging digital tools. Learn how to communicate effectively, promote transparency, and extend library learning beyond the classroom.

Speakers