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

The Case for Personal Device-Free Schools

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

Silver 1

The U.S. Surgeon General highlights a youth mental health crisis, with rising rates of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Removing personal devices from schools offers a low-cost solution to improve student well-being, focus, and connection. This session explores research, implementation strategies, and the importance of engaging students, staff, and families in decision-making. Join us to discuss creating healthier, device-free learning environments.

Speakers

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 →

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

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Tech Coordinators
Tags Administrative Planning, Digital Citizenship, Leadership, Secondary (9th-12th)
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

11:30am CDT

AI in Education: Is this Making us more Creative or Less?

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

Silver 1

Dive into this interactive panel debate! In this session, participants will debate the question of AI's role in education. Through thought-provoking spider-web discussion, we'll look at the complexities surrounding AI's role in the classroom. By the end of this session, participants will grow in their understanding of both the benefits and considerations of incorporating AI into teaching practices and have thought more deeply about this complex issue.

Speakers

Evi Wusk

Assistant Professor of Educational Technology, Peru State College

Dr. Evi Wusk, Assistant Professor of Educational Technology at Peru State College, draws from over 17 years of classroom experience. Her roles include High Ability Learning Coordinator, 7-12 Language Arts and Journalism Teacher, fifth-grade classroom teacher, and certified PK-12 Librarian... Read More →

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

Mini Session

Strands that Match Higher Education, Teaching & Learning
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Conversation, Higher Education, Leadership
Grade Level Higher Education
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Kids Deserve It

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

Silver 1

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

2:15pm CDT

Deep Dive

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

Silver 1

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

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

3:15pm CDT

Makerspaces and Hands-on Learning

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

Silver 1

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

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

7:15am CDT

Chromebooks Can Do That?!

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

Silver 1

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

10:15am CDT

Active Learning with Google Tools

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

Silver 1

TBD

Speakers

Eric Curts

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

11:15am CDT

Hipster Google - Tools You Probably Never Heard Of

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

Silver 1

TBD

Speakers

Eric Curts

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

1:15pm CDT

The AI Toolbox: Best AI Tools for Schools

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

Silver 1

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

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

2:00pm CDT

Closing Session - Prizes

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

Silver 1

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

Closing Session - Prizes