Nebraska Career and Technical Education Conference 2026: Full Schedule

Tim is Founder of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. His work grew out of 20 years of serving alongside Dr. John C. Maxwell. Elmore has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology ... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 8:30am - 9:45am CDT
Crystal 2, 3, & 4

10:00am CDT

Nebraska Agriculture Education Association (NAEA) Business Session 2

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Diamond 9 & 10

NAEA Business Session 2

Speakers

Dana Hall

Agriculture Educator, McCool Junction

Dana Hall teaches Agricultural Education at McCool Junction. She is currently the NAEA President.

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Diamond 9 & 10

Agriculture Food & Natural Resources

10:00am CDT

Five Words Every Business Teacher Should Know

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Diamond 7

Speakers

Jennifer Stubblefield

Certiport

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Diamond 7

Business Marketing & Management Communication & Information Systems

10:00am CDT

Human Advantage: Preparing Students' Soft Skills in an AI World

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Diamond 6

Teaching is already a tough task, but in a world of artificial intelligence, how can educators help students prepare for what's next while still placing value on learning? This session will showcase opportunities to blend soft skill development with artificial intelligence in different learning experiences.

Speakers

Nick Schreck

Dean, School of Business, Midland University

Nick Schreck is the Dean of Business at Midland University and has a long history in preparing students for the ever-evolving workforce through hands-on learning, industry certifications, applied technology, and now, artificial intelligence.

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Diamond 6

Communication & Information Systems

10:00am CDT

Wait, Canva Can Do THAT? Integrating Canva Across Your CTE Curriculum

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Diamond 3

Speakers

Mary Breedlove

FCS Teacher/ Technology Coach, South High- Omaha Public Schools

Mary Breedlove is a Family and Consumer Sciences educator and technology coach at South High School in Omaha Nebraska. She leads a four-year Fashion Pathway that blends design, technology, and project-based learning, culminating in professional-scale fashion shows. With a Master’s... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Diamond 3

10:00am CDT

Deeper Dive: The Alpha Gen & Book Signing

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Diamond 4

Speakers

Dr. Tim Elmore

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Diamond 4

10:00am CDT

Easy Measuring, Monitoring, and Tracking of WBL

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Diamond 8

Learn how to effectively track, monitor, and report work-based learning outcomes to support true career readiness. This workshop explores the Academic Experience Tracker (AET), a student-driven, results-focused system designed to document meaningful learning experiences. You’ll see how to involve employers as supervisors in the WBL process, strengthen accountability, and help students grow through authentic, career-connected experiences.

Speakers

Ben Meyer

State Support Specialist, The AET

Supporting CTE teachers and states with efficient, usable SAE and WBL record keeping that is student led and easy for educators.

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Diamond 8

10:00am CDT

Beyond MyPlate: Teaching the New Pyramid in Today’s Classroom

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Ruby 7

Move beyond MyPlate and explore the New Pyramid as a modern approach to nutrition education. This session will introduce the New Pyramid while participants learn and share resources to help students better understand everyday nutrition and make informed food choices using current nutrition science. Have a resource you developed for the New Pyramid? Bring it along to share it with fellow educators.

Speakers

Miranda Bright

Human Sciences & Education Career Field Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Miranda Bright serves as a Human Sciences and Education Career Field Specialist at the Nebraska Department of Education, supporting Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Services, Education and Training, and Law and Public Safety programs. In this role, she leads the development and... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Ruby 7

Human Sciences & Education

10:00am CDT

Educators Rising National Conference Know Before You Go

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Ruby 6

Prepare for a successful Educators Rising National Conference experience! This session will provide essential insights and state updates to help you prepare for the conference. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned teacher leader, this session will ensure you are informed, organized, and ready to thrive at Nationals!

Speakers

Chelsey Greene

Human Sciences & Education Career Field Specialist, Nebraska FCCLA State Adviser, Nebraska Educators Rising State Advisor, Nebraska Department of Education

I’m a Career & Technical Education enthusiast with a passion for turning leadership potential into real-world impact - especially through Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) and Human Sciences & Education pathways. If there’s a way to make leadership development... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Ruby 6

Human Sciences & Education

10:00am CDT

SkillsUSA – How to Prep Yourself and Students for State

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Ruby 4

Preparing for the State Leadership & Skills Championships can be overwhelming. To ensure you are fully equipped, Andy Christensen (contest coordinator) and Aaron Jones (State Advisor) will break down specific strategies for advisors and competitors preparing for SLSC. Additionally, this abbreviated “Championship Workshop” offers a practical template for schools and local SkillsUSA chapters to use collaboratively.

Speakers

Andy Christensen

Aaron Jones

Board of Directors, SkillsUSA Nebraska

Wednesday June 10, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Ruby 4

Skilled & Technical Sciences

11:00am CDT

From Learning to Earning: Using FFA Alumni & Supporters to Strengthen Student Success

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Diamond 9 & 10

This session will explore practical, proven ways FFA Advisors can engage their local FFA Alumni & Supporters chapters to enhance student learning, leadership development, and career readiness. Participants will discover how alumni and community supporters can serve as a vital bridge between classroom learning and real-world earning opportunities through mentorship, career exploration, fundraising support, advocacy, and hands-on experiences. Whether an advisor has an active alumni chapter or is just getting started, this session will provide ideas to strengthen collaboration and impact.

Speakers

Jill Goedeken

Council Member, Nebraska FFA Alumni and Supporters

Jill Goedeken is a member of the Nebraska FFA Alumni and Supporters Council and has recently been appointed to the National FFA Alumni and Supporters Advisory Committee. She and her fellow NE FFA Alumni and Supporters Council members will present ideas to engage your FFA Alumni and... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Diamond 9 & 10

Agriculture Food & Natural Resources

11:00am CDT

Business Panel Discussion – Focused on Generations in the Nebraska Workforce

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Diamond 7

Speakers

Shaun Young

Computer Science and Technology Education Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Diamond 7

Business Marketing & Management Communication & Information Systems

11:00am CDT

Teaching Today’s Student Entrepreneurs

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Diamond 3

Speakers

Shelly Mowinkel

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Diamond 3

11:00am CDT

Work-Based Learning Highlights and Successes

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Ruby 2

Speakers

Jessica Lindhurst

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Ruby 2

11:00am CDT

Easy Measuring, Monitoring, and Tracking of WBL

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Diamond 8

Speakers

Ben Meyer

State Support Specialist, The AET

Supporting CTE teachers and states with efficient, usable SAE and WBL record keeping that is student led and easy for educators.

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Diamond 8

11:00am CDT

Marching Off the Map: How to Be an Innovative Educator

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Diamond 4

When Alexander the Great assembled three armies and began his campaign, he marched his soldiers off the current, familiar maps and into new, uncharted territory. They had to draw new maps as they marched. This is our reality today. Leaders cannot merely repeat what they’ve always done. It’s important to “read the need, before they lead”. Student success must be about more than academic scores. Effective leaders discover what’s new while also holding on to timeless values. This session sets up discussion on how to march into new territory, prepare for the future and set the pace for other schools.

Speakers

Dr. Tim Elmore

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Diamond 4

11:00am CDT

Athletic Training as a Profession: Education and Work Settings

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Ruby 4

The session explores athletic training as a dynamic healthcare profession, highlighting educational pathways, certification requirements, and diverse employment settings. Participants will examine the roles and responsibilities of athletic trainers across secondary schools, colleges, professional sports, healthcare systems, and emerging practice areas. Key learning outcomes include understanding professional standards and scope of practice, identifying career opportunities and work environments, and recognizing the skills needed for success in athletic training. Attendees will gain practical insight to support informed academic, career, or advising decisions within the profession.

Speakers

Doug Long PhD, LAT, ACT

District Representative from Nebraska to the Mid-America Athletic Trainers' Association, Nebraska State Athletic Trainers' Association

Dr. Doug Long is a health sciences educator, athletic trainer, and exercise science professional with more than four decades of experience spanning education, clinical practice, and professional leadership. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Education and Nutrition Studies... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Ruby 4

Health Sciences

11:00am CDT

FCCLA NLC Know Before You Go

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Ruby 6

Get ready to make the most of your FCCLA National Leadership Conference experience! This session will provide essential insights and state updates to help you prepare for NLC. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned adviser, this session will ensure you are informed, organized, and ready to thrive at NLC!
Check out the NLC Know Before You Go for all the information you need to know prior to NLC!

Speakers

Chelsey Greene

Human Sciences & Education Career Field Specialist, Nebraska FCCLA State Adviser, Nebraska Educators Rising State Advisor, Nebraska Department of Education

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Ruby 6

Human Sciences & Education

11:00am CDT

Mastering 45 Minute Culinary Labs for Workforce Readiness

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Ruby 7

Whether you are teaching introductory knife skills or advanced sauce-work, the 45-minute class period is often the biggest hurdle for high school culinary educators. However, in the professional world, efficiency is the skill. This session provides a comprehensive blueprint for transforming the short-block lab into a high-energy, workforce-ready environment.We will move beyond "just making a snack" to explore how any high school recipe can be engineered for a 45-minute window without sacrificing rigor or sanitation. We will share a versatile portfolio of recipes—ranging from foundational pantry basics to modern global flavors—that fit perfectly into a single period. Participants will leave with the strategies and templates needed to turn their classrooms into efficient, professional training grounds that prepare every student for the pace of tomorrow’s workforce.

Speakers

Bethanie Miller

Teacher, Norfolk High School

Bethanie Miller is a Culinary Arts teacher at Norfolk High School, where she spent the past 13 years inspiring students to build confidence and skill in the kitchen. She earned her bachelor's degree in Education from Wayne State College and later completed a Master's in Curriculum... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Ruby 7

Human Sciences & Education

11:00am CDT

Building the Future: Empowering High School Students Through Early Childhood Education Certifications

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Ruby 5

Explore how early childhood education (ECE) pathways can be incorporated into high school Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, whether you’re already familiar with the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or just getting started. This session will provide an overview of key concepts, available supports, and considerations for integrating ECE training into your classroom in ways that fit your context. Educators will leave with greater awareness of options and ideas for supporting students as they explore careers in early childhood.

Speakers

Jene Chapman

Program Specialist and Career Education Specialist, NDE Office of Early Childhood Training Center

Cameron Aniol

Aimee Hoes

Nebraska CDA Navigator, ESU3

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Ruby 5

Human Sciences & Education Administrators School Counselors WBL Coordinators

11:00am CDT

Nebraska Skilled & Technical Sciences (NSTS) Annual Meeting

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

Diamond 5

Speakers

Kristen Page

Skilled and Technical Science Teacher, Lincoln Public Schools

Brian Helmberger

Journeyman Electrician/ Instructor, OPS Career Center

Hello everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read the following! My name is Brian Helmberger. I am a journeyman electrician and a STS teacher in the state of Nebraska. I graduated from Omaha South high school in 1994. I was accepted into the IBEW local 22 apprenticeship program in 1995, became... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
Diamond 5

Skilled & Technical Sciences

12:00pm CDT

Nebraska Agriculture Education Association (NAEA) Luncheon

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Crystal 3 & 4

Speakers

Dana Hall

Agriculture Educator, McCool Junction

Dana Hall teaches Agricultural Education at McCool Junction. She is currently the NAEA President.

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Crystal 3 & 4

Agriculture Food & Natural Resources

12:00pm CDT

BMIT Luncheon and NSBEA Awards – Celebrating Excellence in Business Education

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Crystal 2

Speakers

Deb Stroh

Marketing Committee, NE FBLA Board of Directors, Nebraska FBLA Foundation

Jacqui Garrison

Career Field Specialist | FBLA State Adviser, Nebraska Department of Education

Jacqui is the Career Field Specialist for Communication and Information Systems and the Nebraska FBLA State Adviser. With 10 years of service at the Nebraska Department of Education, Jacqui brings a decade of experience supporting educators and students in career and technical education... Read More →

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Crystal 2

Business Marketing & Management Communication & Information Systems

12:00pm CDT

General Luncheon

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Diamond 1 & 2

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Diamond 1 & 2

Cross Career Field Administrators School Counselors WBL Coordinators

12:00pm CDT

Human Sciences and Education & Health Sciences Career Field Luncheon

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Crystal 1

This session will feature exciting updates from the Human Sciences and Education and Health Sciences career fields, along with a LifeSmarts competition!

Speakers

Chelsey Greene

Human Sciences & Education Career Field Specialist, Nebraska FCCLA State Adviser, Nebraska Educators Rising State Advisor, Nebraska Department of Education

Miranda Bright

Human Sciences & Education Career Field Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Jamelyn Denny

Health Sciences Education Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Health Sciences Education Specialist & Nebraska HOSA State Advisor

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Crystal 1

Human Sciences & Education Health Sciences

12:00pm CDT

Nebraska Skilled & Technical Sciences (NSTS) Awards Luncheon

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Diamond 5

Speakers

Brian Helmberger

CTE Instructor and Journeyman Electrican, IBEW Local 22

Brian Helmberger is an certified STS instructor with 8 years of teaching experience and a 27- year journeyman electrician with the IBEW. Across both careers, his focus has always been on quality work, continuous learning, and learning from his passion and hobbies. A life long love... Read More →

Kristen Page

Skilled and Technical Science Teacher, Lincoln Public Schools

Wednesday June 10, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Diamond 5

Skilled & Technical Sciences

2:00pm CDT

Chapter Management through AET

Wednesday June 10, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Diamond 9 & 10

Discover how AET can simplify and strengthen the management of your FFA chapter. In this workshop, you’ll explore the full range of AET tools designed to save time and improve organization, from participation records that automatically connect to student journal entries, to the chapter meeting manager, budgeting tools, and chapter-wide goal setting. Whether you’re streamlining records or planning for the year ahead, you’ll leave with practical strategies you can use right away.

Speakers