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.

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

7:15am CDT

Artificial Intelligence and Imagination: DAP for Early Childhood

Friday May 2, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CDT

Silver 10

There is nothing more complex and expansive than a young child’s imagination. Educators will learn how to harness the power of AI to help support the development of imagination and play skills by making students’ thinking visual, through a variety of tech modalities, specifically Canva and ChatGPT. AI has the ability to represent fanciful and intricate play schemas, and support the documentation of cognitive development through visual representation. ISTE (2.5a -2.5c; 2.6a-b; 2.6d; 2.7a-b).

Speakers

Emma Bonacci

Omaha Public Schools

Augmented Reality, Equity in Education, Kindergarten, Instagram, iPhonography, Writing Workshop.

Friday May 2, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CDT
Silver 10

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Elementary, Special Education
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Canva, Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd), Social Emotional Learning
Grade Level Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary
Target Audience Novice

10:15am CDT

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in the Digital Age

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

Bronze 1

Understanding emotions is crucial for fostering meaningful connections in our tech-driven world. This session reveals the essential role of emotional intelligence in shaping our lives, particularly as technology impacts how we communicate and interact. We will explore how emotions influence decision-making, health, creativity, and relationships. The session highlights self-awareness and self-management as key skills for emotional intelligence to help navigate the complexities of modern life.

Speakers

Josie McDonnell

Social Emotional Learning Supervisor, Omaha Public Schools

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 →

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Bronze 1

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Special Education, Teaching & Learning
Tags Classroom Management, Leadership, Social Emotional Learning, Staff Development
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

Breaking Barriers: Addressing Obstacles to Learning in K-12 Classrooms

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

Bronze 1

Barriers to learning such as emotional challenges, socioeconomic inequities, disabilities, language barriers, and lack of access to resources—can significantly hinder student engagement and success in K-12 classrooms. This session explores how educators can address these obstacles by implementing UDL principles and leveraging EdTech tools to create more equitable and inclusive learning environments. Let’s break down barriers and build a future where all learners can succeed!

Speakers

Peg Coover

Data Coordinator, ESU 10

I m a Teaching & Learning Coordinator at ESU 10, where I work with teachers and administrators in the areas of Educational Technology and Blended Learning. Prior to that I was a math and science teacher for 21 years! I recently served on the Board of Directors for the Nebraska Educational... Read More →

Jason Everett

Digital Learning Coordinator, ESU 10

Distance Learning and Blended Learning Coordinator at ESU 10 in Kearney, Nebraska.

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

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Special Education, Teaching & Learning
Tags Assistive Technology, Social Emotional Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All