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.

11:30am CDT

Beyond the Basics of Magic School AI for Elementary Teachers

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

Hallway

This quick session covers practical ways to use Magic School AI for unpacking standards, crafting engaging DOK questions, creating decodable texts, and more. Perfect for saving time, enriching lessons, and tailoring learning experiences. Bring the power of AI into your classroom and transform your teaching with these essential strategies!

Speakers

Brittany Carroll

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

Show and Share Poster Session

Strands that Match Elementary, Special Education
Tags Assessment, Classroom Management, Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd)
Grade Level Elementary
Target Audience Intermediate

1:15pm CDT

STEM in a Minute- Aerospace

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

Silver 9

We will teach educators to explore the wonders of aerospace with an interactive STEM session! Discover aerodynamics and the forces of flight through hands-on demos and discussions. Then, take on a fast-paced "Minute to Win It" challenge in our classroom and design and test mini-flying devices using everyday materials. This fun, engaging activity fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving while sparking a passion for aerospace engineering.

Speakers

Michelle Boyce

Classroom teacher, Fairview elementary BPS

I have been teaching 5th grade for the last 24 years but have been a teacher for more than 30. I am married, with two kids out of the house. I am a 1:1 iPad teacher and love all the learning I am doing to stay ahead (or dead even) with the curve of my students' learning. I have had... Read More →

Kayla Kill

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 9

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Elementary, Special Education
Tags Maker/Makerspace, Math, Science, STEM / STEAM
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

What Could it Look Like if all Students were Engaged Readers?

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

Bronze 2

Come learn how to leverage technology and elevate the learning environment to foster increased reading engagement. Best practices will be shared on how to increase the number of books kids read, how to embrace choice, and improve the quality of texts students engage with. Session takeaway is having strategies to increase student ownership of their reading practices and progress.

Speakers

Renaissance - Mark Kessler

Account Executive, Renaissance

As a global leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–12 schools anddistricts, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources toaccelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. Renaissance solutions reach... Read More →

Tiyi Smith

National Academic Advisor, Renaissance

16 years in public education in the area of Special Education in the classroom and as a district facilitator. Masters degree in Education with a focus on Learning disabilities, certified in Special Education and ELA 8-12., Texas Admin Certification

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

Exhibitor Session

Strands that Match Special Education, Teaching & Learning
Tags Intermediate Elementary (3rd-5th), Middle Grades (6th-8th), Primary Elementary (Pre K-2nd), Secondary (9th-12th)
Grade Level Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

4:15pm CDT

STEM in a Minute-Paper Only

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

Bronze 1

Join our STEM session tailored for K-12 educators! Explore innovative ways to inspire students in science, technology engineering, and math. Discover how a simple paper activity can foster creativity, critical, thinking, and engagement. Leave with practical strategies to bring STEM to life in your classroom!

Speakers

Michelle Boyce

Classroom teacher, Fairview elementary BPS

Kayla Kill

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

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Elementary, Special Education
Tags Creation/Design Tools, Library Media, Science, STEM / STEAM
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

7:15am CDT

Access Granted: AI Hacks for ADA-Friendly Websites

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

Silver 3

Unlock the power of AI to create websites that are not only ADA-compliant but inclusive for all users. In this session, we’ll explore practical AI tools that make accessibility easier, faster, and more effective. Whether you're new to ADA compliance or looking to level up your skills, this session will empower you to build digital spaces that welcome everyone. We will learn about alt text for images, color combinations for readability, formatting suggestions for websites and more!

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 →

Emily Jacobs

Library Instructional Leader, Lincoln Public Schools

Friday May 2, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CDT
Silver 3

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Library Media, Special Education
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Assistive Technology, Creation/Design Tools, Library Media
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience Novice

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

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