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

Leveraging Generative AI for Innovative Course Design

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

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This presentation explores how generative AI can revolutionize lesson design across all education levels, for novice to expert teachers. The presentation will demonstrate how AI can be ethically and effectively integrated into designing sequential lessons. The presenter will demonstrate how to embed educational best practices in course design, format, and assessment creation while addressing critical considerations of differentiating instruction, accessibility, and pedagogical best practices.

Speakers

Cheryl Couch

Director of Masters of Arts in Education, York University

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
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Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Assessment, Cross Curriculum, Distance/Online Learning
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience Novice

11:30am CDT

Maximizing conneCTION: A Comprehensive Workshop for Teachers on Digital Lesson Management and Sharing Strategies

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

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Last spring, conneCTION debuted at NETA as an online platform for Computer Science
educators. Led by developer Ian Kollipara, this workshop oJers an in-depth exploration of
the platform. Learn to create compelling lessons, master advanced resource discovery,
engage with a statewide educator network, and seamlessly integrate conneCTION into your
classroom. Perfect for CS instructors at every experience level seeking to elevate their
teaching resources and connectivity.

Speakers

Ian Kollipara

Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Leen-Kiat Soh

Charles Bessey Professor, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

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

Strands that Match Computer Science, Teaching & Learning
Tags Career and Technical Education, Distance/Online Learning, Leadership, Social Networks
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Clasroom Design in the Age of AI

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

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The coming AI era demands learning spaces that blend technology with human connection and flexibility with focus. Educators can reimagine classrooms through thoughtful observation and iterative design - from flexible seating to learning zones that support different modes of engagement. By integrating technology meaningfully and co-creating with students, we can build environments that inspire curiosity and foster community. What one change will you make to your learning space this week?

Speakers

Kimberly D'Adamo

Lecturer, University of Nebraska Lincoln

Ryan Margheim

Megan Pitrat

University of Nebraska Lincoln - ArtTeams

Special Education Teacher at Syracuse Middle SchoolTeacher-Researcher with UNL ArtTeamsMTSS-SELBEmbedding AI in a Constructivist Special Education Setting Creative Inquiry and Emerging Media ArtsTrauma-Responsive Pedagogy Universal Design for Learning

University of Nebraska - Lincoln - Guy Trainin

Professor of Education, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

UNL Tech EDGE MissionTo create a generation of teachers who are effective and confident using new technologies to prepare the students of Nebraska to participate and lead in tomorrow’s global society. Necessary technology integration skills suggested by skilled practitioners along... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CDT
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Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Creation/Design Tools, Learning Spaces, Maker/Makerspace
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience Intermediate

2:15pm CDT

The Great Escape: Designing Digital Escape Rooms to Boost Engagement

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

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In this hands-on session, participants will learn the basics of using Genially, storyboard their games, experiment with various puzzle styles, and test engaging examples. Attendees will leave with a rough draft of their own escape room concept, practical resources, and the confidence to enhance student engagement through digital escape rooms.

Speakers

Trina Popple

Gretna Public Schools

Thursday May 1, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
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Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Creation/Design Tools, Middle Grades (6th-8th), Secondary (9th-12th), Staff Development
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
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

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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
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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

STEM in a Minute-Paper Only

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

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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

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 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
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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

10:15am CDT

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in the Digital Age

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

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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
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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

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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
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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

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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
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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