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

Practical Tech to Help MLL Success with Side-by-Side Text

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

Silver 12

Supporting multilingual learners effectively means providing scaffolds that enable all students to access grade-level content and meet high expectations—not simplifying or reducing the rigor of learning outcomes. Side-by-side texts are a powerful tool that allow educators to maintain grade-level standards while offering the necessary support for multilingual learners to succeed. Participants will see how to do this in Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace for EDU, and AI tools.

Speakers

Theren Hayes

Instructional Technology Specialist, Tukwila School District

I am a teacher on special assignment that supports the learning and application of technology tools to support instruction in classrooms. People should speak to me about products that support instruction for large group and small group work. People should speak to me about hardware... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 8:30am - 9:15am CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Elementary, Higher Education
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Assistive Technology, Google Suite, Microsoft Tools
Grade Level Elementary, Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

1:15pm CDT

Inclusive Education with UDL: Tech Tools and Techniques

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

Silver 12

Advancements in technology have drastically improved our ability to develop inclusive classrooms. This session will focus on tools that teachers can use to accommodate student learning through the UDL lens. Participants will walk away with a toolbox of ideas and strategies to scaffold learning and address variability to help all students move toward grade level standards.

Speakers

Justin Bray

Crystal Ernst

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

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

2:15pm CDT

Content Crushers: Students Creating for Your School’s Social Media

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

Silver 12

Learn how our student team turned our school's social media into a dynamic and engaging platform. We'll share simple strategies and tools to help your students become 'Content Crushers,' creating real and engaging content. This session will show you how to guide students from ideas to posts, highlighting the benefits of student-led content. Help your students take charge of your school's online presence effectively.

Speakers

Heather Callihan

Technology Integration Specialist, Northwest Public Schools

Heather Callihan is the Technology Integration Specialist for Northwest Public Schools in Grand Island, Ne. Heather is currently the NETA Board president (@YourNETA), Common Sense Certified Educator and Ambassador. Heather has a passion for integrating technology in education. She... Read More →

Noah Journey

Business Educator, Northwest Public Schools

Thursday May 1, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Business, Cross Curriculum, Digital Citizenship, Social Networks
Grade Level Middle, Secondary
Target Audience All

3:15pm CDT

You Want to Get Started with Canva?

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

Silver 12

So you want to get to know Canva, do you? Whether you’re designing posters, presentations, or social media graphics, this session is for you! No need to feel Grinchy if you’re new to Canva or unsure how to use tools like background removers. Being a beginner means endless possibilities, and we’re here to help you unlock your full creative potential. Let’s turn your ideas into visuals you’ll love so much more!

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Teacher/Tech Coach, Milford Jr/Sr High School

Thursday May 1, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information) Mini Session

Strands that Match Elementary, Teaching & Learning
Tags Canva, Career and Technical Education, Leadership, Staff Development
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience Intermediate

4:15pm CDT

Fantastic AI-Related Questions and Where to Discuss Them

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

Silver 12

If student over-reliance on AI in writing raises academic integrity concerns, is it ethical for teachers to use AI-generated feedback on that same writing? Should text-leveling tools be used for differentiation if students aren’t reading on grade level? Do you cite AI use, and if so, how? This session tackles these questions and more about AI’s role in education, providing resources, practical use-cases, and discussion time during the session for elevating your approach to AI integration.

Speakers

ESU Coordinating Council - Andrew Easton

Digital Learning Coordinator, ESU Coordinating Council

The Nebraska ESUCC was created in statute to coordinate the activities of Nebraska's 17 Educational Service Units. The ESUCC was created by LB 603 in 2007 and officially came into existence on July 1, 2008. The ESUCC shall work toward statewide coordination to provide the most cost-effective... Read More →

Thursday May 1, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Artificial Intelligence (AI), Conversation, Digital Citizenship, Staff Development
Grade Level All Levels
Target Audience All

7:15am CDT

How did I not Know this was Available?: EdTech Projects from the ESUCC

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

Silver 12

Discover how the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council (ESUCC) is impacting Nebraska education through a myriad of statewide technology initiatives and professional learning opportunities that you may not have known were available. This session highlights the ESUCC's comprehensive services that enhance digital learning, PD, cybersecurity, and resource accessibility. Participants will leave with new resources, new-to-you tools, knowledge of free professional learning, and more.

Speakers

ESU Coordinating Council - Andrew Easton

Digital Learning Coordinator, ESU Coordinating Council

Friday May 2, 2025 7:15am - 8:00am CDT
Silver 12

Concurrent Session (45 minutes where the presenter shares information)

Strands that Match Teaching & Learning, Tech Integration Specialist
Tags Administrative Planning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Leadership, Staff Development
Grade Level All Levels
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

Silver 12

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

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

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

Silver 12

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

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

1:15pm CDT

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

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

Silver 12

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

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