Engaging Educators 2025: Full Schedule

9:00am CST

Welcome

Friday February 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am CST

TBA

Friday February 7, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am CST
TBA

General

9:15am CST

Why Come to Class?

Friday February 7, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CST

PAC

This session is a true kitchen sink full of my best use-cases and examples of classroom EdTech. I would consider it a "cream of the crop" scenario, where I pick my most engaging content from my weekly EdTech newsletter, teacher showcases, and other presentations.

Speakers

Brian Buffington

Brian Buffington loves helping teachers and leaders do more with technology. He’s passionate about using tech in creative, fun, and engaging ways. His background as a middle school teacher, musician, entrepreneur and youth minister gives him a unique perspective on K-12 education... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CST
PAC

Keynote

10:15am CST

Break

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am CST

TBA

Friday February 7, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am CST
TBA

General

10:30am CST

A Taste of Adaptive Schools

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 114 N

Every educator wants every meeting they attend to accomplish the maximum amount of work in the minimum amount of time with an actionable outcome that makes a difference for teachers and students. Learn how Adaptive Schools helps build your understanding and skills to collaborate, grow, and get things done effectively!

Speakers

Bess Scott

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 114 N

Session 1

10:30am CST

Academic Language: What's Good for Some is Good for All

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 326

This session is designed to share information about four practical concepts that enhance academic language for all students. By learning about these concepts, educators will learn how strategies that are essential for students learning English can be beneficial for all students in all classrooms. Educators will learn about a webinar series that provides research behind these concepts and strategies that can be used immediately to strengthen inclusive Tier 1 Core practices and support students in building academic language within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework.

Speakers

Anne Hubbell

Title III Assistant, English Learner Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 326

Session 1

10:30am CST

All things Computer Science: Updates from the NDE

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

CATS 015

Shaun Young from the Nebraska Department of Education will share information on the Computer Science and Technology Education Act, including administrative requirements and curricular resources. Also discussed will be new, upcoming professional development opportunities for CS teachers as well as new ways for CS teachers to earn monetary stipends.

Speakers

Shaun Young

Computer Science and Technology Education Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
CATS 015

Session 1

10:30am CST

Buff Nuggets: The EdTech Kitchen Sink

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

PAC

Get ready for a blast of Brian’s latest EdTech apps, tips, and classroom examples. You’ll definitely want to bring an appetite and a doggie bag for this fast-paced and jam-packed session. You’ll experience plenty of updates and magic in Canva, Google Apps, AI Tools, and lesser known tools that will make this session a true treasure chest for all attendees. Most importantly, attendees will see how this tech is being used to promote student creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Speakers

Brian Buffington

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
PAC

Session 1

10:30am CST

Building Meaningful Conversations with the Strive for Five Framework

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 304

In this interactive session, PK-1st grade teachers will explore Tricia Zucker and Sonia Cabell’s Strive for Five Conversations, a powerful framework for fostering meaningful, extended conversations with young children. Participants will gain insights into the five-step model, designed to encourage back-and-forth exchanges that support children’s language and cognitive development. Through guided practice and real-world examples, teachers will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of each element and learn practical ways to integrate these techniques into daily classroom interactions. By the end of the session, participants will feel equipped and inspired to implement the Strive for Five approach, enhancing the quality of their conversations with students and promoting a language-rich classroom environment.

Speakers

Heidi Farmer

Regional Support Lead, NeMTSS

Amy Colwell-Williams

Early Childhood NeMTSS Implementation Facilitator - Region 1, NeMTSS - ESU6

Mary Jo McElhose

NeMTSS Systems Consultant, NeMTSS Systems Consultant

I am passionate about early Literacy instruction based on the decades of research that compiles the Science of Reading. It is a goal of mine to help bridge this important research to practice, and empower teachers with the application of this knowledge to the multitude of instructional... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 304

Session 1

10:30am CST

Creating an Indestructible Classroom Environment

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 325

Discover your superpower to create an indestructible classroom environment. Learn about six basic, yet “super” powerful practices designed to set students up for behavioral and academic success. This session will define and model what powerful practices look and sound like in the classroom environment. These powerful practices include setting up classroom expectations, routines, and procedures, creating engagement and opportunities to respond, encouraging appropriate behavior, using active supervision, creating a welcoming physical environment, and following a continuum of behavioral response. By embedding these practices into everyday teaching, you can cultivate an educational universe where everyone's a hero within the classroom community.

Speakers

Scott Eckman

SPDG Coordinator, ESU 6

Mackenzie Riedel

SEBL Specialist, NeMTSS Region 1 Team

Social Emotional Behavioral Learning Specialist with NeMTSS. I serve schools in ESU 4, 5, 6 & 18. I'm a School Psychologist by trade!

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 325

Session 1

10:30am CST

Empowering Paraeducators: Building Behavior Support Skills

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 302

This professional development session is designed to empower paraeducators with foundational skills in supporting student behavior within the classroom. Participants will explore essential concepts such as understanding behavior expectations, monitoring and documenting student behavior, and reinforcing positive behavior. Through structured guidance, paraeducators will learn proactive strategies to prevent non-compliance and respond effectively to challenging behaviors. Additionally, the session will introduce data-driven decision-making, enabling paraeducators to use behavior information to support individualized interventions and promote a positive learning environment. This training is ideal for paraeducators seeking practical tools to enhance their effectiveness and contribute to a supportive, structured educational experience for students.

Speakers

Wendy Craig

Director of Special Education, ESU4

Dani Niss

Special Education Coordinator, Educational Service Unit 4

Dani is the Special Education Coordinator at ESU 4 in Auburn, Nebraska, which includes classroom behavior coaching and inclusion coaching, among other things. Throughout her role at ESU 4, Dani has also spent time as the principal of B-FIT, a level 3 behavior placement.

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 302

Session 1

10:30am CST

Get Your Think On: Exploring Tasks in a Thinking Classroom

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 230

We will be presenting on thinking tasks that are "low floor, high ceiling" tasks that allows students of all levels to work together and challenge all ability levels. Thin slicing tasks will be presented showing how you start at the most basic level and increase difficulty as the tasks progress.

Speakers

Whitley Albury

Megan Howe

Secondary Math Teacher, HTRS

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 230

Session 1

10:30am CST

HAL Hacks: Resources for Supporting HAL Students and Families

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 301

Join this interactive session to pick up quick, practical strategies for working with high ability learners and partnering with their families. We’ll share easy ways to boost engagement, simple enrichment ideas, and tips for keeping communication with families smooth and effective. You’ll leave with useful tools and resources you can start using right away to make a big impact!

Speakers

Sheyanne Smith

High Ability Learning, Nebraska Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 301

Session 1

10:30am CST

Health and Physical Education Collaboration

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

CATS 209

This session will allow for health and PE teacher collaboration and discussion of resources for the classroom.

Speakers

Shayla Ruth

Health and PE Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Shayla Ruth has recently joined the NDE’s Teaching, Learning & Assessment Team as the Health and Physical Education Specialist. Shayla has a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Science in Organizational Management... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
CATS 209

Session 1

10:30am CST

Nebraska State Bar Foundation - It's more than Social Studies

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 203

This session will highlight the various resources that the Nebraska State Bar Foundation offers including Mock Trial Competition, Mock Trial Journalist Competition, Law Day, the Age of Majority resources, exciting information about Project Citizen, and much more!

Speakers

Lori Broady

Civic Education Consultant, Nebraska State Bar Foundation

After teaching Social Studies at Johnson-Brock for 23 years, Lori worked at ESU4 as a teaching and learning specialist. Upon retirement, she now works part-time for the NSBF supporting civic education across the state of Nebraska.

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 203

Session 1

10:30am CST

Playful Printmaking

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

AV 101

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the colorful world of printmaking. In this hands-on session, we’ll explore two super techniques that you can bring back to your classroom. First, we’ll use Gelli plates and layer colors and textures to create one-of-a-kind prints. Then, we’ll switch things up with aluminum foil and water-based markers to make vibrant designs. Whether you’re a printmaking pro or just looking to try something new, this session is all about experimenting, having fun, and discovering fresh ideas to spark your students’ creativity.

Speakers

Cody Talarico

Arts Education Specialist, NDE

Cody Talarico, is a musician and supporter of arts education. Cody taught music in the Bellevue (NE) Public Schools and is currently serving Nebraska as the Arts Education Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Education where he leads and supports visual arts, media arts, dance... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
AV 101

Session 1

10:30am CST

Superintendents' Discussion

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

CATS 107

This session is for superintendents or their specific designees only for their discussion topics.

Speakers

Gregg Robke

Administrator, ESU 4

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
CATS 107

Session 1

10:30am CST

Teaching Writing With AI: Painting the Gray

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 114 S

This session moves beyond the binary debate of "to ban or not to ban" AI in writing instruction, delving into the nuanced interplay between human and artificial intelligence in the writing process. Participants will receive a comprehensive multi-modal resource that includes videos and practical strategies designed to help educators thoughtfully integrate AI into their teaching. Together, we will engage with innovative tools, philosophies, and approaches that promote inquiry and critical thinking about the role of AI in the classroom.

(Session repeated at 12:15)

Speakers

Andrew Easton

Digital Learning Coordinator, ESU Coordinating Council

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 →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 114 S

Session 1

10:30am CST

Understanding Your Retirement Plan + Q&A

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

CATS 201

A brief overview of your amazing defined benefit retirement plan and an opportunity to ask your NPERS experts those burning questions you want to know!

This content will be repeated at 12:15, though the 10:30 session will likely include more detail.

Speakers

Heather Critchfield-Smith

Cathy Maestas Graham

Training Specialist, NPERS-Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems

Naomi Stroup

Training Specialist, Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
CATS 201

Session 1

10:30am CST

What Can 4-H Bring to Your Classroom?

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 228

Learn about the core programs that Nebraska 4-H will offer to ALL Nebraska schools beginning in the 2025-26 school year!

Speakers

Stephanie Bartels

UNL Nebraska Extension Office

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 228

Session 1

10:30am CST

Demystifying Poetry in the Classroom.

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST

TJ 104

In the early 20th Century, poetry became something which needed to be explained to readers rather than something to be read and enjoyed, with critics and gatekeepers deciding what poetry mattered. This workshop will demystify teaching poetry by focusing on excitement and energy surrounding poems and finding ways to incorporate poems into class in ways which are not stressful. After taking this workshop, a teacher should feel more confident about handling poetry with their students and be able to pull more energy from the subject.

Speakers

Matt Mason

Nebraska State Poet, 2019-2024

Matt Mason served as the Nebraska State Poet from 2019-2024 and has run poetry workshops in Botswana, Romania, Nepal, and Belarus for the U.S. State Department. His poetry has appeared in The New York Times and Matt has received a Pushcart Prize as well as fellowships from the Academy... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am CST
TJ 104

Session 3

11:30am CST

Lunch

Friday February 7, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm CST

General

12:15pm CST

"Be Amazing" in your role in 2025!

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 230

Join us for this uplifting session as we explore "Be Amazing: Tools for Living Inspired", by Erin Ramsey. Receive a complimentary book which will help you stay on course in living well and making amazing contributions for yourself and for others through living inspired.

Speakers

Cara Small

Southeast Early Learning Connection Coordinator

Gina DeFreece

Southeast ELC Coach Consultant

Jodi Mootz

Southeast Early Learning Connection Assistant Coordinator

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 230

Session 2

12:15pm CST

A Brief Introduction to AQuESTT, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

CATS 107

This session will provide a brief introduction to AQuESTT and illustrate the connections between school accountability and continuous improvement. SPOILER ALERT: AQuESTT is at the center of both!

Speakers

Derek Ippensen

Assistant Administrator, Office of Coordinated School and District Support; Director of Accountability, Nebraska Department of Education

Dr. Derek Ippensen is the Assistant Administrator in the Office of Coordinated School and District Support and serves as the Director of Accountability for the Nebraska Department of Education. He is a sixteen-year educator with four years in the science classroom and twelve years... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
CATS 107

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Addressing Reading Deficiencies in K-3: Guidance and Resources Under the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 302

Supporting early literacy is critical for student success. This session will help K-3 teachers navigate the Nebraska Reading Improvement Act by focusing on understanding common reading challenges and utilizing approved screeners to identify students in need of support. Participants will also explore tools and resources aligned with the Act to guide intervention planning. Additionally, the session will highlight practical strategies for collaborating with families, empowering them to reinforce reading growth at home.

Speakers

Olivia Alberts

Reading Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 302

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Buff Nuggets: Using AI to Create Interactive & Collaborative Learning Experiences

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

PAC

Want to take your AI game to another level? With creative AI prompting and scenarios, Brian will show educators how to develop engaging, student-centered activities that get more people involved!

Speakers

Brian Buffington

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
PAC

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Connecting with the Healthcare Industry to Enhance Health Science Courses

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

CATS 209

Connections with healthcare professionals and facilities can lead to enhanced student understanding of the available careers in their local community and the education and skills required to enter the careers. Additionally, healthcare professionals WANT to connect with students interested in a healthcare career, as well as their teachers. Learn how to establish new partnerships and enhance existing ones in this session.

Speakers

Jami Denny

Health Science Specialist & HOSA State Advisor, NDE

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
CATS 209

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Doane Graduate Leadership Programs

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 228

The presentation will include an overview of the Doane graduate studies programs for Educational Leadership, Educational Specialist, and the Doctoral Program.

Speakers

Teresa Perkins, Ed.D.

DIrector M.Ed. Leadership, Dept. Chair COE grad studies, Assistant Professor, Doane University

Teresa Perkins, Ed.D.Assistant Professor, Director M.Ed Leadership and EDSC Department Chair, Doane University.Dr. Perkins's commitment in education includes culturally proficient leadership with research and writing focusing on gender, race/ethnicity/culture with emphasis on courage... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 228

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Essential Reports for Teachers – MAP Growth

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

CATS 015

• Access, interpret, and apply key MAP Growth reports—including the Class and Student Profile—that teachers and instructional coaches use for planning
• Meet individual student needs by identifying targeted instructional groups based on MAP Growth goal-area performance data
• Boost differentiation efforts by connecting groups of students to skills in the Learning Continuum

Speakers

Aly Martinez Wilkinson

NWEA

Cassie Seiboldt

Assistant Director of Statewide Assessment, NDE

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
CATS 015

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Helping Every Educator Support Students with Significant Disabilities: Aligning Instruction with State Standards

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 301

Providing meaningful and high-quality instruction for students with significant disabilities in a general education classroom can be challenging. This session offers a practical introduction for educators and teams unfamiliar with the NSCAS Alternative Assessment and extended indicators. Participants will learn:
* Who qualifies for the NSCAS Alternative Assessment and the process for determining eligibility.
* What extended indicators are and how they align with grade-level standards to create accessible learning targets for students.
* How to use instructional support documents to design activities and lessons that align with extended indicators and support student progress.

(session repeated at 1:15 pm)

Speakers

Jen Quaranta

Regional Coordinator, ESU 6

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 301

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Literacy across content areas

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 326

Discipline-specific literacy ensures opportunities for students to engage in learning that uses reading and writing skills specific to each field’s content knowledge whereby students demonstrate and publish their learnings. This session will support educators across ELA, science, and social studies ground their students in complex, grade-level texts. Join us to explore high-quality instruction that will place productive struggle squarely on the students’ shoulders.
Becky Michael, Sarah Shaffer, and Bre Wilton are the Nebraska Department of Education’s Education Specialists in the areas of ELA, science, and social studies, respectively. Please join us for Part A and Part B sessions as we’re excited to visit with you about disciplinary literacy!

Speakers

Sarah Shaffer

Bre Wilton

NDE

Becky Michael

ELA Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Becky Michael is the K-12 ELA Education Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education. Her focus is to support educators and administrators with the four instructional shifts in ELA: Foundational Literacy, Text Complexity and Expectations of Grade-Level Exposure, A Balanced... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 326

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Mapping Success: Enhancing Collective Efficacy and Student Achievement through Curriculum and Unit Planning

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 104

Over the past three years, our district has transformed its approach to curriculum and unit planning, focusing on creating a sustainable system that enhances collective teacher efficacy and elevates student achievement. In this session, participants will explore the steps our district took to develop and implement a district-wide curriculum mapping and unit planning process. Attendees will gain insights into the tools and strategies used to empower teachers to collaborate, support one another, and align their instructional practices for greater impact. This session will include practical examples, lessons learned, and actionable steps for districts at any stage of their curriculum journey. Join us to see how providing teachers with the right tools and fostering a culture of collective effort can lead to significant student success.

Speakers

Kate Sherwin

Coordinator of Engagement, Curriculum & Instruction, HAL, Nebraska City Public Schools

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 104

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Putting the 'you' in UDL

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 325

NeMTSS Region 1 team will review the three Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines and discuss how you can take steps forward to creating a universally designed learning environment. Come ready to gain new knowledge and resources!

Speakers

Mackenzie Riedel

SEBL Specialist, NeMTSS Region 1 Team

Social Emotional Behavioral Learning Specialist with NeMTSS. I serve schools in ESU 4, 5, 6 & 18. I'm a School Psychologist by trade!

Heidi Farmer

Regional Support Lead, NeMTSS

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 325

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Starting Your Own Level III Program (This is how Nebraska City did it)

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 304

How do you start a Level III program in your district? In this session I will discuss the steps that Nebraska City took to start our Level III program and share what we are currently doing to support our students.

Speakers

Jason Hippen

Nebraska City Public Schools

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 304

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Stop Cussing and Start Discussing

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 203

This session will equip K-12 educators with practical strategies to cultivate civil discourse in their classrooms, regardless of subject area. Participants will explore the importance of respectful communication, active listening, and critical thinking in creating inclusive and engaging learning environments.

Speakers

Lori Broady

Civic Education Consultant, Nebraska State Bar Foundation

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 203

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Strengthening the Arts in Schools and Communities: Vision and Action

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

AV 114

Dig and begin crafting your vision and action plan for your arts education program. In the workshop Strengthening the Arts: Vision and Action, we'll drive into how arts educators can promote their programs in schools and communities. Arts educators will walk through steps to clearly define their vision and goals while also considering practical, actionable steps to achieving those goals and gaining assets. We'll focus on recognizing the strengths you already have as assets, and using these assets to promote your vision to school and community stakeholders in order to procure support, funding, and/or recognition. This special workshop format will allow participants to talk with colleagues and other participants as they craft their mission, vision, goals, and action plan to elevate your program in your school and beyond! This workshop has been created by the Arts Education Committee of Nebraskans for the Arts.

Speakers

Cody Talarico

Arts Education Specialist, NDE

Danielle Laurion

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
AV 114

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Teachers as Facilitators

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 114 N

Leading your peers can be challenging. Become aware of Five Mindsets that, when embraced, change how you lead and facilitate. Increase your impact for the good of students and colleagues.

Speakers

Bess Scott

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 114 N

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Teaching Writing With AI: Painting the Gray

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

TJ 114 S

Speakers

Andrew Easton

Digital Learning Coordinator, ESU Coordinating Council

Evi Wusk

Assistant Professor of Educational Technology, Peru State College

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
TJ 114 S

Session 2

12:15pm CST

Understanding Your Retirement Plan + Q&A

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST

CATS 201

A brief overview of your amazing defined benefit retirement plan and an opportunity to ask your NPERS experts those burning questions you want to know!

This content is repeated from the 10:30 session.

Speakers

Heather Critchfield-Smith

Cathy Maestas Graham

Training Specialist, NPERS-Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems

Naomi Stroup

Training Specialist, Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems

Friday February 7, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CST
CATS 201

Session 2

1:00pm CST

Break

Friday February 7, 2025 1:00pm - 1:15pm CST

General

1:15pm CST

Building Connection and Community through use of the Three Inclusive Practices

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 325

This session will focus on exploring the three inclusive practices throughout the day, every day, as a regular part of planning and facilitating lessons, meetings, and professional learning. The three inclusive practices include welcoming inclusion, engagement strategies, and optimistic closure. These practices can be part of integrating a systematic approach to SEBL. They help us build and practice social, emotional and behavioral learning skills all while establishing safety, predictability, connection, and supporting the contribution of all voices.

Speakers

Mackenzie Riedel

SEBL Specialist, NeMTSS Region 1 Team

Social Emotional Behavioral Learning Specialist with NeMTSS. I serve schools in ESU 4, 5, 6 & 18. I'm a School Psychologist by trade!

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 325

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Business Teachers' Roundtable

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

CATS 209

Join your fellow business teacher colleagues to discuss participant-driven topics. Bring your ideas and questions!

Speakers

Maranda Gerdes

Auburn Public Schools

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
CATS 209

Session 3

1:15pm CST

De-Escalation 101

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 302

In this breakout session, participants will explore the stages of the crisis cycle and the profound impact of trauma on the brain and subsequent behavior. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the dynamics of crisis situations within educational settings.
Utilizing the "hand model of the brain," participants will visualize the brain's complex structures and how they relate to emotional regulation. By dissecting the brain's response to various stimuli, attendees will uncover the root causes of behavioral manifestations during crises, fostering a deeper comprehension of student reactions.
Furthermore, the session will equip attendees with practical strategies to effectively intervene during crisis moments, aiming to restore students to a state of calm and stability. From de-escalation tactics to trauma-informed practices, attendees will access strategies to address crisis behaviors proactively and constructively. Armed with this knowledge, educators will be empowered to foster safer and more supportive learning environments conducive to student well-being and academic success.

Speakers

Dani Niss

Special Education Coordinator, Educational Service Unit 4

Cassie Houser

Behavior Consultant, ESU 4

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 302

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Disciplinary Literacy in ELA (Part B)

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 326

Join Becky Michael for Part B of Literacy Across Content Areas where we will specifically look at the expert content within ELA. We will also visit Nebraska's ACT data and some ways we can improve our students' performances.

Speakers

Becky Michael

ELA Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 326

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Disciplinary Literacy in Secondary Social Studies

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 203

In this session, we will explore the importance of disciplinary literacy in social studies education and how it supports students in becoming critical thinkers and engaged citizens. Disciplinary literacy focuses on the unique ways of reading, writing, and thinking that are specific to the social studies disciplines, such as history, geography, and economics. Through discussion and an example activity, we will explore ways to develop students’ ability to read and think like social scientists, helping them build essential skills for both academic success and active, informed citizenship.

Speakers

Bre Wilton

NDE

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 203

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): What Are My Benefits?

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

CATS 201

Deep Diving into the Employee Assistance Program in which the staff have access, that covers a broad range of topics and resources

Speakers

Erin Eby

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
CATS 201

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Empowered By AI to Choose: A Tech-Forward Approach to UDL

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 114 S

Are you looking to leverage AI in ways that move beyond design efficiencies and into a true transformation of the learning experience? Then join us for a session grounded in a practical approach to student-driven learning and UDL principles that provides structure and clarity for how, when, and where AI can be utilized to empower learners and personalize their education.

Speakers

Andrew Easton

Digital Learning Coordinator, ESU Coordinating Council

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 114 S

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Enhancing Literacy Learning Through Effective Small Group Instruction

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 304

This session will delve into the power of small group literacy instruction as a strategic approach to address the diverse needs of learners. Participants will explore evidence-based practices to create targeted, differentiated instruction based on data that maximizes student growth. Practical intensification strategies and resources will also be shared.

Speakers

Mary Jo McElhose

NeMTSS Systems Consultant, NeMTSS Systems Consultant

Heidi Farmer

Regional Support Lead, NeMTSS

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 304

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Helping Every Educator Support Students with Significant Disabilities: Aligning Instruction with State Standards

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 301

Speakers

Jen Quaranta

Regional Coordinator, ESU 6

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 301

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Improving Instruction through Simple Data Analysis: Finding Patterns and Trends

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

CATS 107

Data analysis doesn’t have to be hard or intimidating. You just have to be willing to ask the right questions.

Speakers

Derek Ippensen

Assistant Administrator, Office of Coordinated School and District Support; Director of Accountability, Nebraska Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
CATS 107

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Intro to Reports for NSCAS Growth

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

CATS 015

Intro to Reports for NSCAS Growth, participants explore their NSCAS Growth data using various reports. Key metrics, including scale score, achievement level categories, and RIT scores, are identified and defined. Participants consider how they might use the data to form equitable instructional groups of students to support student needs.
Participants will leave with the following:
• A greater understanding of NSCAS Growth scores and reports
• Strategies for using assessment data to support equitable instructional practices, including flexible grouping
•Exploration of the Achievement Level Explorer Tool

Speakers

Aly Martinez Wilkinson

NWEA

Cassie Seiboldt

Assistant Director of Statewide Assessment, NDE

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
CATS 015

Session 3

1:15pm CST

NE Math Atlas: A Dynamic Tool for Understanding Our Standards Across the Learning Progression

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 230

Participants will explore the NE CCR Math Standards by going beyond the borders of their grade-level standards and analyze the math learning progression with the NE Math Atlas. Participants will select an upcoming unit and plan how instruction will address the standards from the lens of the learning progression.

Speakers

Dr. Bridgette Stevens

Mathematics Education Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 230

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Part B: Disciplinary Literacy in the Science Classroom

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 228

Building on the foundations established in Part A, this session delves deeper into disciplinary literacy practices within the science classroom. Participants will explore how literacy skills are intrinsically woven into three-dimensional science learning. Through interactive activities and collaborative discussions, educators will discover practical strategies to integrate these literacy practices into their science instruction. This session will highlight how disciplinary literacy not only enhances students' understanding of scientific concepts but also develops their ability to think, communicate, and work like real scientists.

Speakers

Sarah Shaffer

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 228

Session 3

1:15pm CST

Person-Centered Planning

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 104

Person-Centered Planning is a strategy used to assist students with disabilities to develop a positive future for themselves and their family. This process is helpful for transition planning and writing measurable post-secondary goals.

Speakers

Tanya Armstrong

Audrey Graves

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 104

Session 3

1:15pm CST

The Trifecta: Improving Communication with Colleagues, Students, and Parents

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST

TJ 114 N

Words matter! Want to be understood? Want to understand others better? Leave some conversations confused and frustrated? Learn how skillful pausing, paraphrasing, and posing questions can change how you communicate and what you accomplish.

Speakers

Bess Scott

Friday February 7, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm CST
TJ 114 N

Session 3