NETA 2025

NETA 2025

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

friEd's Hall of F.A.M.E. - Favorite App Mashups & Extensions

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

Welcome to friEd's Hall of F.A.M.E. - Favorite App Mashups and Extensions! Participants will have the opportunity to learn about some of our favorite apps and extensions that have achieved FAME status and discover practical ways to use them to enhance student learning, engagement and educator productivity!

Speakers

Amy Storer

Amy Storer, a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. Known for her exceptional teaching skills, Amy inspires... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Silver 7

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

8:30am CDT

My Favorite AI Tools and Why

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

This session will highlight some of my favorite tried and true AI websites as well as share with you some of my more recent AI website discoveries. We will focus on everything from assistive AI, classroom tools, design, and graphic and video AI solutions for educational and personal use. I will highlight some of my favorite features within each solution we overview.

Speakers

Leslie Fisher

Leslie Fisher's interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet (before anyone really called it... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Silver 6

Featured Speaker Session

1:15pm CDT

Brisk Teaching.Discovery and Deep Dive

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

Brisk Teaching is an AI assistant designed to work within Chrome. If you use YouTube, Chrome, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. this product will save you time and elevate your content. It needs to be seen to be believed and is one of my favorite things to show. It offers so much that I can easily fill an hour session with content. Even if you know Brisk Teaching I bet you will learn a new thing or two from this session.

Speakers

Leslie Fisher

Leslie Fisher's interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet (before anyone really called it... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 6

Featured Speaker Session

1:15pm CDT

Kids Deserve It

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

Kids Deserve It is a simple yet profound message and it’s time that we all join the conversation! Connect with kids, integrate innovative new technology practices into your curriculum that students will love!

• Rediscover the power of literacy and how it changes lives!

• We’ll come up with a plan to facilitate hands on learning that kids LOVE and will get your students ready for all the opportunities that are currently available in our world.

• And, remember why you got into this profession and also how important your own family is. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we’re not going to be any good for our school team.

No more excuses, it’s time to start making it happen for your students, staff, parents and entire community - I know you can do it and I can’t wait to help you make it happen!

Speakers

Adam Welcome

Adam has been a Teacher, AP, Principal and Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students. He's the author of four best selling books, has been podcasting for 10 years, and has run 30+ marathons. Adam loves working with schools, districts and organizations (400+ in 46... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Unleash AI Creativity with Adobe Express

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

Discover the exciting possibilities of AI-powered creativity with Adobe Express! This session will explore how teachers and students can use generative AI tools to enhance their projects. Learn how to generate unique visuals, design engaging presentations, and spark creativity in the classroom through hands-on demonstrations and practical examples.

Speakers

Amy Storer

Amy Storer, a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. Known for her exceptional teaching skills, Amy inspires... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 7

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

2:15pm CDT

Deep Dive

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

Education is hard, really hard. We’re going to dive deep, we’re going to get a little vulnerable, we’re going to grow and have fun while doing it.

We’ll talk about the differences of seeing the people you work with as a family, or as a team. How to have those conversations that might be making you a little bit uncomfortable, but are so necessary in order to move your organization forward. We’ll look inside each and every person and make a commitment to name your growth area, and come up with an action plan for success.

Don’t let small mundane problems keep you from doing the real work that you’re meant to be doing. Don’t think outside of the box – get rid of the box.

You have what it takes and I believe in you!

Speakers

Adam Welcome

Adam has been a Teacher, AP, Principal and Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students. He's the author of four best selling books, has been podcasting for 10 years, and has run 30+ marathons. Adam loves working with schools, districts and organizations (400+ in 46... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

2:15pm CDT

Gadgets

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

It's Gadgets time! Leslie has been presenting this topic for nearly three decades, and thank goodness she updates the content at least yearly. This session will explore some of the newest, fun, and most productive gadgets. Some might even be great for your role in education, but many will be fun for you, your home, and beyond. You might want to hide your wallet, but pack your funny bone and curiosity.

Speakers

Leslie Fisher

Leslie Fisher's interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet (before anyone really called it... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Silver 6

Featured Speaker Session

3:15pm CDT

Googling the Uncharted: Otterly Fabulous Google Goodies!

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

Join us for a thrilling adventure as we dive into uncharted territories with some otterly fabulous Google goodies! In this session, we'll embark on a virtual journey to discover hidden gems, uncover fascinating curiosities, and learn how to harness the power of Google. Get ready to navigate the vast sea of goodies with confidence and ease!

Speakers

Amy Storer

Amy Storer, a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. Known for her exceptional teaching skills, Amy inspires... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT
Silver 7

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

3:15pm CDT

Makerspaces and Hands-on Learning

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

They are all over the country and for good reason. You can build your Makerspace with high tech and low tech as well. We’ll talk about some must haves in a Makerspace and how to get started with whatever resources you have at your school. Kids love making and creating, and the skills they learn can translate to so many other areas.

Speakers

Adam Welcome

Adam has been a Teacher, AP, Principal and Director of Innovation for a district with 35,000 students. He's the author of four best selling books, has been podcasting for 10 years, and has run 30+ marathons. Adam loves working with schools, districts and organizations (400+ in 46... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

4:15pm CDT

Tips and Tricks for All My Chromies

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

Have you ever watched in awe as someone seamlessly navigated Google, swiftly duplicating objects, formatting text, and changing the appearance as quickly as a skilled magician? Join us for all the latest tips, tricks, shortcuts and hacks for Chrome.

Speakers

Amy Storer

Amy Storer, a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. Known for her exceptional teaching skills, Amy inspires... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Silver 7

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

7:15am CDT

Chromebooks Can Do That?!

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

Chromebooks have become a common tool in schools, but are you and your students getting the most out of them? In this session we will explore powerful Chromebook features including screen capture, screen recording, and screencasting, using the camera for photos, videos, and scanning documents, helpful keyboard shortcuts, using multiple profiles, managing multiple desks, extending your capabilities with Android apps and Linux apps, offline access for Drive, Gmail, and Calendar, built-in accessibility tools, and more! For more details see: bit.ly/curts-cbtips

Speakers

Eric Curts

Eric has been in education for 32 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences all across the country. Eric's areas... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CDT
Silver 1

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

7:15am CDT

Tools You Can Use Tomorrow

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

This session highlights tips, tricks, new features, and "Did you know" about some of the easiest-to-use, popular solutions used in EdTech today and introduces you to some new solutions as well. This session is ever-changing, and you are guaranteed to see new features from some of your favorite solutions and hopefully learn about an all-new solution. The focus will be on online solutions (many also have apps) that can be used in various grade levels and focuses. The goal is to show you useful solutions that are easy to use and can be used immediately.

Speakers

Leslie Fisher

Leslie Fisher's interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet (before anyone really called it... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CDT
Silver 6

Featured Speaker Session

10:15am CDT

Active Learning with Google Tools

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

TBD

Speakers

Eric Curts

Eric has been in education for 32 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences all across the country. Eric's areas... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

10:15am CDT

Greatest H.I.T.S. - High Impact Teaching Strategies

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

In this hands-on session, we will explore a variety of high-impact teaching strategies and discover research-based practices that can be used to improve student learning outcomes and engagement. We will also take a look at how you can integrate them into any content area as well as how technology can help them become a greatest HIT!

Speakers

Amy Storer

Amy Storer, a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. Known for her exceptional teaching skills, Amy inspires... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 7

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

10:15am CDT

Lesson-Palooza: Over 264 Ways to Rock Your Elementary Library

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

Discover how one librarian partnered with school librarians district-wide to create a comprehensive elementary library curriculum. The curriculum includes 44 lessons per grade level with teaching slides, lesson summaries, and materials to enhance student learning. Lessons feature story connections or read-alouds, plus resource fliers to help families extend learning beyond the classroom.

Speakers

Betsy Thomas

Sponsored by NSLA

Betsy Thomas is a nationally recognized school librarian celebrated for her creativity, dedication, and leadership in education. In 2020, she brought stories to life by producing engaging read-aloud videos of picture books. Using a green screen set up in her basement, Betsy transported... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 5

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Library Media
Tags Library Media
Grade Level Elementary
Target Audience All

10:15am CDT

School of Rock - Amplifying Learning and Engagement Through the Power of Music

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

Unleash the transformative power of music to boost student engagement, creativity, and
retention in your classroom! In "School of Rock - Amplifying Learning and Engagement
Through the Power of Music," you'll discover how incorporating music into lessons can
enhance focus, deepen understanding, and create a more dynamic learning
environment. Join us to explore practical techniques and leave inspired to make your
classroom a hit!

Speakers

Scott Phillips

Scott Phillips is a dedicated 7th grade math teacher at Aurora Middle School in Aurora, Nebraska, where he has taught for the past 15 years. Recently, Scott was honored as the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, a recognition that speaks to his unwavering commitment to his students... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Silver 12

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

11:15am CDT

Digital Curation for Year Round Library Success

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

Discover how digital curation can transform your library into a dynamic, year-round resource for your school community. Attendees will explore practical tools and strategies to keep libraries accessible and relevant throughout the year.

Speakers

Betsy Thomas

Sponsored by NSLA

Betsy Thomas is a nationally recognized school librarian celebrated for her creativity, dedication, and leadership in education. In 2020, she brought stories to life by producing engaging read-aloud videos of picture books. Using a green screen set up in her basement, Betsy transported... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 5

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Library Media
Tags Library Media
Grade Level Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

11:15am CDT

Hipster Google - Tools You Probably Never Heard Of

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

TBD

Speakers

Eric Curts

Eric has been in education for 32 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences all across the country. Eric's areas... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

11:15am CDT

Lessons from Late Night: A Teaching Workshop Inspired by Jimmy Fallon

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

Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop where we delve into the world of
late-night television and extract valuable lessons that can be applied to the art of
teaching! Inspired by the charismatic and innovative style of Jimmy Fallon, this
interactive workshop will explore how his techniques and approaches can enhance your
effectiveness as an educator.

Speakers

Scott Phillips

Scott Phillips is a dedicated 7th grade math teacher at Aurora Middle School in Aurora, Nebraska, where he has taught for the past 15 years. Recently, Scott was honored as the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, a recognition that speaks to his unwavering commitment to his students... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

11:15am CDT

Vocab Vibes

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

Let's catch a vibe - a VOCAB vibe- and learn about some extra special tools that can support vocabulary development in student learning. Whether your students are emerging readers, language learners, or just need a little extra reading support, this session is perfect for you! Join me for an overview and to get started right away helping your students engage with their vocabulary during lessons and digital activities.

Speakers

Amy Storer

Amy Storer, a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. Known for her exceptional teaching skills, Amy inspires... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Silver 7

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

friEd's Hall of F.A.M.E. - Favorite App Mashups & Extensions

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

Welcome to friEd's Hall of F.A.M.E. - Favorite App Mashups and Extensions! Participants will have the opportunity to learn about some of our favorite apps and extensions that have achieved FAME status and discover practical ways to use them to enhance student learning, engagement and educator productivity!

Speakers

Amy Storer

Amy Storer, a Lead Learning Guide at friEdTech, is a Google Certified Educator and Trainer, Microsoft Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer, and a Microsoft Global Mentor. Known for her exceptional teaching skills, Amy inspires... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 7

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Leading with Purpose: Applying the Wisdom of the Bullfrog in Education

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

In this presentation for educators, we’ll explore the leadership principles found in
Admiral William H. McRaven’s The Wisdom of the Bullfrog, where he shares lessons
gleaned from his 37 years as a Navy SEAL and his leadership role as Chancellor of the
University of Texas System. Drawing from his vast experience in high-stakes military
operations, including the capture of Saddam Hussein and the raid on Osama bin Laden,
McRaven offers powerful insights on leadership, adaptability, resilience, and ethical
decision-making. Educators will learn how to apply key lessons like “Shepards should
smell like their sheep,” “Who Dares, Wins,” and “No Plan Survives First Contact” to
create more effective leadership in their classrooms, schools, and communities,
fostering environments where both educators and students thrive.

Speakers

Scott Phillips

Scott Phillips is a dedicated 7th grade math teacher at Aurora Middle School in Aurora, Nebraska, where he has taught for the past 15 years. Recently, Scott was honored as the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year, a recognition that speaks to his unwavering commitment to his students... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Leftovers with Leslie

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

Designed to be delivered as Leslie's last session of the conference, we will cover various gadgets, apps, and websites that Leslie couldn't overview in her previous sessions due to time constraints. Consider it as the island of Leslie's significant yet overlooked content.

Speakers

Leslie Fisher

Leslie Fisher's interest in technology began while studying music at the University of Southern California. She quickly realized the value of utilizing computers for music mixing and recording. She grabbed her 300 baud modem, jumped on the Internet (before anyone really called it... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
Silver 6

Featured Speaker Session

1:15pm CDT

Parent Power Up: Creative Ways to Communicate with Families

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

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

Betsy Thomas

Sponsored by NSLA

Betsy Thomas is a nationally recognized school librarian celebrated for her creativity, dedication, and leadership in education. In 2020, she brought stories to life by producing engaging read-aloud videos of picture books. Using a green screen set up in her basement, Betsy transported... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

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

1:15pm CDT

The AI Toolbox: Best AI Tools for Schools

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

AI is constantly evolving with new tools and features every week. What are the best tools for schools to use? In this session we will do a deep dive in my current list of favorite AI tools for educators and students. We will try out the tools hands-on and see how they can impact all aspects of education. Sample tools may include ChatGPT, Gemini, MagicSchool AI, Khanmigo, TeacherServer, SchoolAI, EnlightenAI, Snorkl, Diffit, Class Companion, NotebookLM, Brisk Teaching, Ideogram, Udio and more.

Speakers

Eric Curts

Eric has been in education for 32 years, and currently serves as a Technology Integration Specialist for SPARCC in North Canton, Ohio. He also provides keynotes, professional development, and consulting for schools, organizations, and conferences all across the country. Eric's areas... Read More →

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

Featured Speaker Session

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All