2025 NCE Conference: Full Schedule

1:00pm CDT

Building Foundations: Creating Data-Ready School Districts in CTE

Monday June 9, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs rely on high-quality data to drive decision making, enhance student outcomes, and meet reporting requirements. This session will explore key CTE data elements, including concentrator definitions, performance indicators, and program quality measures. Participants will also receive the latest updates and discover new resources to streamline data processes and support student success. Whether you're new to CTE data or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide practical insights for building a strong data foundation.

Speakers

Kevin Dahlman

Data, Research, and Evaluation Specialist, Nebraska Department of Education

Monday June 9, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Ruby 7

Administrators

1:00pm CDT

Mock Trial: Intro to Legal Learning

Monday June 9, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Ruby 4

This interactive session will introduce educators to the engaging and academically enriching world of mock trial. Participants will explore how this dynamic learning experience can be integrated into their curriculum to foster essential 21st-century skills in students. Mock trial, a simulated courtroom experience, offers a unique platform for students to develop critical thinking, public speaking, argumentation, and collaboration skills. It also provides an opportunity for journalists to practice their court reporting skills.

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.

Monday June 9, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Ruby 4

Human Sciences and Education (FCS) Administrators School Counselors

2:00pm CDT

Bridging Tradition and Transition: Advancing Systemic Career Development in Nebraska Educator Audience

Monday June 9, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Ruby 7

Explore how to strengthen career development and readiness in your 6th-12th grade classroom through Nebraska Career Connections. This session will emphasize the importance of self-awareness, career exploration, and career planning and management as core components of effective career development. Educators will discover how new features and essential tools—such as career assessments, career exploration resources, high school coursework planning aligned with CTE pathways, and work-based learning opportunities—can help students identify their strengths and interests, connect them to relevant careers in the current labor market, and build the necessary skills to manage and plan for their future career goals. Participants will leave with practical strategies for engaging students, tracking their progress, and leveraging powerful reporting features to enhance career development in the classroom.

Speakers

John Milroy

Vice President of Partner Solutions, Kuder

Sarah Wilson

Monday June 9, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Ruby 7

Cross Career Field Business Marketing and Management Agriculture Food and Natural Resources Communication and Information Systems Human Sciences and Education (FCS) Health Sciences Skilled and Technical Sciences School Counselors Administrators

2:00pm CDT

Law in the Classroom: NSBF

Monday June 9, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Ruby 4

This session presented by the Nebraska State Bar Foundation 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, information about Project Citizen, and much more!

Speakers

Lori Broady

Civic Education Consultant, Nebraska State Bar Foundation

Monday June 9, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Ruby 4

Human Sciences and Education (FCS) Administrators School Counselors

10:00am CDT

Elevating CTE: Storytelling & Advocacy Strategies

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Ruby 4

Discover effective strategies to highlight the value and impact of Career and Technical Education (CTE) through storytelling, community engagement, and program advocacy. This session will empower administrators, educators, and stakeholders to craft and share their unique CTE stories, inspiring others and elevating the profession’s visibility. Participants will also explore the benefits of active professional involvement in enhancing their expertise, building meaningful connections, and driving the advancement of CTE. Join us to learn how to effectively promote CTE and strengthen its role in shaping future-ready students.

Speakers

Rick Painter

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Ruby 4

Administrators School Counselors CTE Administrators Work-Based Learning Coordinators Postsecondary Instructors

10:00am CDT

Pathway to Energy Systems Technology

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Diamond 3

Omaha Northwest High spent the last four years transitioning from a traditional wood and metal shop to a co-taught dual enrolled Energy Systems Technology program with Metropolitan Community College. Learn about our journey, pitfalls, and successes as we built our programming.

Speakers

Teresa Bender

Curriculum Specialist, Omaha Public Schools

Todd Wesslund

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Diamond 3

Administrators Skilled and Technical Sciences CTE Administrators

10:00am CDT

Driving CTE Engagement in Nebraska: Honoring Tradition & Embracing Transition

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT

Ruby 5

In this session, educators will gain strategies to help 6th-12th grade students explore CTE pathways aligned with their career interests through Nebraska Career Connections. Participants will learn how to integrate work-based learning opportunities and hands-on CTE experiences to build relevant skills and prepare students for postsecondary careers. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped to guide students through a process that connects their academic learning to future career success using Nebraska Career Connections.

Speakers

John Milroy

Vice President of Partner Solutions, Kuder

Sarah Wilson

Tuesday June 10, 2025 10:00am - 10:45am CDT
Ruby 5

Administrators School Counselors CTE Administrators Work-Based Learning Coordinators

11:00am CDT

Prime Time for Pathways

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:45pm CDT

Diamond 4

Out of School Time hours are untapped goldmines for aligning education with workforce needs. Learn how to use this time to create programs that equip students with the skills employers demand.

Speakers

Dr. Joe DiCostanzo

Vice President, Education, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation

Dr. Joe DiCostanzo is a distinguished leader with extensive national and local experience in education, policy, and community engagement. Currently serving as the Vice President of Education at the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, Joe spearheads the "Together Better Initiative... Read More →

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:45pm CDT
Diamond 4

Administrators CTE Administrators Work-Based Learning Coordinators

11:00am CDT

Using Icing Images Edible Printer in a WBL Class

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:45pm CDT

Ruby 3

Come see how the students at a D2 school are incorporating an edible printing machine to gain WBL experiences. Meridian Public School (with a 7-12 population of 100 students) is the only school in Nebraska that has an Icing Images printing machine. Students are able to incorporate their baking skills and WBL skills by creating images and printing them on food items to sell in our school and community.

Speakers

Kim Peters

FCS Teacher, Meridian Public School ESU 5

Tuesday June 10, 2025 11:00am - 11:45pm CDT
Ruby 3

Human Sciences and Education (FCS) Administrators CTE Administrators Work-Based Learning Coordinators Postsecondary Instructors

1:00pm CDT

ProStart Nebraska

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT

Ruby 4

Discuss and show the benefits of using ProStart in the Classroom.

Speakers

Craig Casados

Michael Kosalka

Coordinator, ProStart Nebraska

Tuesday June 10, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm CDT
Ruby 4

Human Sciences and Education (FCS) CTE Administrators Administrators

2:00pm CDT

JAG Nebraska's Employer Engagement Model

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT

Ruby 4

Conference attendees are invited to learn about JAG Nebraska's tiered approach to employer engagement. Discover how employer partnerships are leveraged to create meaningful on- and off-campus engagement opportunities, helping students explore and define their career paths.

Speakers

Jessi Hedlund

Sr. Manager Strategic Partnerships, United Way of the Midlands- JAG Nebraska

Tuesday June 10, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm CDT
Ruby 4

Administrators School Counselors CTE Administrators Work-Based Learning Coordinators

9:00am CDT

The Trucking Industry for the Next Generation

Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Diamond 7

The NTA works with Nebraska schools to introduce careers in the trucking industry. Our outreach team brings innovative, hands-on tools to help students experience truck driving and diesel technology. We also pair our experiences with safety presentations, helping student drivers learn the safest ways to share the road with commercial vehicles. We work with educators to meet needs of our schools where they are. We can participate in career fairs or spend a day (or more) with trade classes to illustrate the impact and importance of trucking and safety to students. Our program is flexible enough to meet the needs of schools/classes at any time.

Speakers

Kent Grisham

President/CEO, Nebraska Trucking Association

Tracey Grisham

Wednesday June 11, 2025 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
Diamond 7

Skilled and Technical Sciences Administrators CTE Administrators