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.

9:30am CDT

The Time is Now

Thursday May 1, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Gold Ballroom

Stop talking about what you want to do and start doing what you want to do, the time is now. We’re going to dive deep, we’re going to get personal, we’re going to make some changes. You’re going to walk away with strategies that will help you focus on what’s most important, and a plan to implement those strategies with your team for bigger results! You’re going to laugh, you’re going to think, you’re going to be challenged, you’re going to realize that you have what it takes, who’s ready!

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 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Keynote

10:30am CDT

Break - Visit the Exhibitors in the Gold Ballroom

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT

Gold Ballroom

Break - Visit the Exhibitors in the Gold Ballroom

Thursday May 1, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Break - Visit the Exhibitors in the Gold Ballroom

12:00pm CDT

Lunch

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

Gold Ballroom

Lunch

Thursday May 1, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
Gold Ballroom

Lunch

8:30am CDT

Beyond the Whiteboard

Friday May 2, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT

Gold Ballroom

My story is just like many of yours… Day to day the grind hits hard with the expectations and standards high. If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent countless hours pouring over lesson plans, striving for perfect data, chasing every metric to make a difference in your students’ lives. But what if I told you that the most profound impact we can have as educators isn’t tied to the numbers or even the lessons we teach on paper? This session recognizes the importance of the academic standards we strive to measure while diving deep into the impact we have that happens beyond the whiteboard.

Speakers

Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith from Sumner-Eddyville-Miller (SEM) Public School was named the 2021 Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) Elementary Teacher of the Year and the 2021 National Rural Teacher of the Year. The fourth-grade teacher from Sumner, Nebraska, received the award... Read More →

Friday May 2, 2025 8:30am - 9:00am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Keynote

9:00am CDT

I May Never Teach an Astronaut

Friday May 2, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CDT

Gold Ballroom

The keynote presentation, "I May Never Teach an Astronaut," reflects on my incredible
journey of mentoring, teaching, and leading a diverse group of students throughout my
teaching career. From guiding an NBA basketball player and a skilled pilot to inspiring
future teachers, I've had the privilege of seeing my students reach extraordinary heights.
This keynote emphasizes the profound impact teachers can have on their students, no
matter their future paths. Through mentorship, educators shape lives, careers, and
futures in ways they may never fully realize. All teachers hold the power to leave a lasting
legacy by believing in the potential of every student.

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 9:00am - 9:30am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Keynote

9:30am CDT

Break - Visit the Exhibitors in the Gold Ballroom

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT

Gold Ballroom

Break - Visit the Exhibitors in the Gold Ballroom

Friday May 2, 2025 9:30am - 10:15am CDT
Gold Ballroom

Break - Visit the Exhibitors in the Gold Ballroom

11:00am CDT

Live Esports Tournament

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

Gold Ballroom

Get ready for an electrifying Super Smash Bros. Tournament at NETA, where high school gamers from around the state will battle for the ultimate championship! This action-packed event showcases high-level gameplay, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're competing or cheering from the sidelines, come experience the thrill of esports and see who will rise as the champion.

Friday May 2, 2025 11:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Gold Ballroom

Esports Tournament