Podcasts about nebraska department

The Nebraska Department of Education and state K-12 schools have not yet responded to a federal directive to eliminate DEI programs. It's one of several things that NDE Commissioner Brian Maher said the state department is waiting for clarity on.

The Nebraska Department of Education is losing about $9 million left over from federal COVID-19 relief funds, Commissioner Brian Maher told the State Board of Education at its meeting Friday.

Joe Castelluccio and Matt Bisanz interview Mark Quandahl, the former Director of the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. They discuss his role in the implementation of the Nebraska Financial Innovation Act, including the establishment of the first Digital Asset Depository Institution.

National Ag Week is all about celebrating the farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals who work hard to feed, fuel and clothe the world. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture says it's the perfect time to thank Nebraska farmers, ranchers and others for providing food, feed and fuel and other products we depend on every day. This week the Nebraska Department of Agriculture will be posting trivia questions on their Facebook page and we'll share them with you here. A chance to learn about agriculture and play along for a chance to win some great prizes from Nebraska Commodity Boards. Commodity groups, support Nebraska producers and our agricultural industry all year and especially during National Ag Week. NDA has a list of all the organizations that they are thankful for on their Facebook page and of course you find that right through our page at Harvest USA Report.  Also, as mentioned earlier last week on the program, David Misener and several other custom harvesters will be in Washington DC during National Ag Week to discuss important issues and meet with representatives. Tune in tomorrow for more about National Ag Week.  That's going to do it for today's Harvest USA Report. Thanks again for listening and may God bless. I'm Brian Hale.  

The Nebraska Department of Education provided an update at Friday's State Board of Education meeting that national conversations have not yet impacted the state education department. NDE Commissioner Brian Maher also spoke about the state of mental health training funds that failed to be approved last month.

The Nebraska Department of Education provided an update at Friday's State Board of Education meeting that national conversations have not yet impacted the state education department. NDE Commissioner Brian Maher also spoke about the state of mental health training funds that failed to be approved last month.

More than 15,000 influenza cases have been reported this flu season, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

More than 15,000 influenza cases have been reported this flu season, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Navigating the educator certification process can feel overwhelming, but Nebraska's Educator Certification team is working to change that! In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we sit down with Katelyn Larsen, Director of Educator Certification, and Molly Barnett, Assistant Director, to discuss how their team at the Nebraska Department of Education is improving communication, streamlining processes, and enhancing support for teachers and school leaders across the state. Listen in to learn about key updates, resources, and proactive steps educators can take to ensure a smooth certification or renewal process. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or district leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into Nebraska's evolving approach to educator certification. Looking to learn more? Visit the NDE Educator Certification page at https://www.education.ne.gov/tcert/

Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher outlined the state's plan to improve K-12 literacy in schools. The State Board of Education will vote on the plan at its meeting Friday.

Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher outlined the state's plan to improve K-12 literacy in schools. The State Board of Education will vote on the plan at its meeting Friday.

Welcome Back! We are in Season 3 and on to a new Legislative Session in Nebraska. In this episode, we we first take a quick trip back to civics class as we review the checks and balances of the three branches of government, what they do, who does them, and how they get there. Then we talk about how the Nebraska system is modeled after the federal system, how it differs, and how the different branches can impact the work of Nebraska physicians.  Consider reviewing and applying for a position on a state board or commission: https://governor.nebraska.gov/boards-commissions-open-positions  https://governor.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/doc/BOARDS-COMMISSION-OPENINGS-JUNE-3-2024.pdf  More information and resources: Office of Governor Pillen - Cabinet: https://governor.nebraska.gov/cabinet  Nebraska Examiner primer on the Pillen administration's Nebraska Executive Branch:  https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2023/09/15/nebraska-executive-branch-whos-who-state-departments-and-governors-cabinet/ State Executive Branch overview from the Nebraska Legislature Blue Book (with organizational chart): https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/bluebook/407-431.pdf  STATE EXECUTIVE BRANCH Nebraska Court Structure: https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/sites/default/files/publication-report-files/courtflowchar2024.pdf  Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) organizational structure: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Organizational-Structure.aspx  NE DHHS leadership: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DHHS-Leadership.aspx  2022 Report on NE Boards and Commissions:https://nebraskalegislature.gov/pdf/reports/research/boards2022.pdf   We rely on your donations to keep producing this podcast content and to support physician advocacy in Nebraska. If you would like to support Nebraska Alliance for Physician Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) organization in Nebraska please click to DONATE NOW.    If you have questions or answers, please email us at contact@nebraskaallianceforphysicianadvocacy.org   Please check out our website at: Nebraska Alliance for Physician Advocacy   Follow on social media: @NEAllianceforPhysicianAdvocacy on Instagram

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health works with clinics to offer same day scheduling and walk-in appointments. There are multiple providers available in each of the state's six behavioral health regions. A list of providers can be found on the DHHS Same Day webpage.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Division of Behavioral Health works with clinics to offer same day scheduling and walk-in appointments. There are multiple providers available in each of the state's six behavioral health regions. A list of providers can be found on the DHHS Same Day webpage.

Governor Jim Pillen announced the winners of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development grants Friday. Each of the grants were worth two hundred thousand dollars. The Southeast Nebraska Development District received funds to inventory the region's water and wastewater infrastructure. The SPARK Developer Academy in Omaha and Central Nebraska Development District each won grants aimed at solving the affordable housing crisis. The grants are part of the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative, which launched earlier this year. The initiative was created to fund economic development projects in each of the state's six community college districts.

Governor Jim Pillen announced the winners of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development grants Friday. Each of the grants were worth two hundred thousand dollars. The Southeast Nebraska Development District received funds to inventory the region's water and wastewater infrastructure. The SPARK Developer Academy in Omaha and Central Nebraska Development District each won grants aimed at solving the affordable housing crisis. The grants are part of the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative, which launched earlier this year. The initiative was created to fund economic development projects in each of the state's six community college districts.

Nebraska Department of Education officials encourage school districts to employ what's called the inclusion method for students with disabilities. In theory, it would address teacher shortages and benefit students in the long run. But this method works only when all the supports are there.

Omaha's car-related pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities this year has over doubled according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. The City of Omaha Vision Zero crash dashboard shows there were 6 fatalities reported in 2023, while as of October 2024, 14 fatalities were reported.

Health professionals are sharing resources for people coping with the stress election season can bring. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said the 988 suicide prevention hotline can help.

The Nebraska Department of Education will expand the state's teacher apprenticeship program to eight colleges and 19 school districts across the state with help from $6 million in federal funding.

The Nebraska Department of Education will expand the state's teacher apprenticeship program to eight colleges and 19 school districts across the state with help from $6 million in federal funding.

In this episode, we take on the critical issue of school safety, featuring insights from Jay Martin, School Safety and Security Director at the Nebraska Department of Education, and Dr. Mike Lucas, Superintendent at Westside Community Schools. Together, we explore how Nebraska schools are enhancing safety through practical measures like secure vestibules and advanced technologies such as ZeroEyes, an AI-based weapon detection system. From prevention and preparedness to response and recovery, this episode breaks down the key elements driving school safety initiatives across the state. To access the NDE page on School Safety and Security, visit www.education.ne.gov/safety To access the NDE School Safety and Security Playlist on YouTube, visit https://www.youtube.com/@ndeschoolsafety9410 To learn more about ZeroEyes AI security, visit https://zeroeyes.com/ To learn more about the I Love You Guys Foundation, visit https://iloveuguys.org/

In this episode of The Good Life EDU Podcast, we dive into how Elm Creek Elementary is using High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) to transform the learning experience in science for their students. Elm Creek Elementary principal Terah Williams and 4th-6th grade science teacher Katie Holland join Dianah Steinbrink of ESU 10 to share their journey with implementing PhD Science. Throughout the episode, listeners will learn how hands-on learning, inquiry-based models, and innovative teaching practices are engaging students in authentic scientific thinking. Whether you're an educator looking to enhance your science instruction or are simply curious about new teaching methods, this episode is packed with insights and practical takeaways. To learn more about PhD Science, visit https://greatminds.org/science/phdscience To access the Nebraska Department of Education's repository of formative tasks for grades 5-8, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/science-classroom-formative-task-repository-for-grades-5-8/ and contact NDE. To learn more about the science support and upcoming science-related events hosted by ESU 10, reach out to Dianah Steinbrink https://esu10.org/about/staff-directory

Mindy Rush Chipman, the Executive Director of the ACLU of Nebraska, talks about difficult experiences in her early life and shares her personal story of seeking an abortion. She talks too about the stigma and the difficulties of telling that story. We'll also hear Rush Chipman on the work of the ACLU and her path from working at a correctional facility library to legal practice.The ACLU of Nebraska's advocacy and legal work regularly includes a range of impactful civil rights issues, featuring everything from police practices to LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights. Rush Chipman came to the ACLU of Nebraska after a 3-year tenure as the director of the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights, prior to which she represented Nebraskans through her roles at the Immigrant Legal Center and Legal Aid of Nebraska, as well as in her private legal practice in rural Nebraska. One of her first jobs out of high school was at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services where, while working in the prison library, her eyes were opened to the many issues faced by incarcerated Nebraskans. Rush Chipman's keen advocacy for everyone's human and civil rights started early in life with her personal experience needing legal support from a pro-bono attorney to access reproductive health care. Rush Chipman and her spouse live on a small farmstead and are the proud parents of four independent children.

EPISODE 45 DETAILS Nebraska Launches Battle Against Cultivated Meat Nebraska Poised to Fight Cultivated Meat Nebraska Executive Order Enacted By Governor Nebraska is poised to become the fourth U.S. state to formally institute laws that restrict the sale of cultivated meat, now that Gov. Jim Pillen has signed an executive order prohibiting state agencies and contractors from buying cultivated meat products starting in 2025. Pillen is working with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) to develop new guidelines to “protect the state's agriculture industry as well as consumers, from lab-grown meat.   Pillen also is calling on the NDA to begin developing a rulemaking process to ensure that any cultivated meat products sold in stores in Nebraska are “properly labeled and are not marketed next to natural meat on the same shelves.” Plans also call for the Nebraska state legislature to begin drafting a law to ban lab-grown meat in the Cornhusker State that could go into effect next year, the announcement said. Florida became the first state to enact a cultivated meat ban criminalizing the manufacture and sale of cell-cultured meat that went into effect July 1 and prompted an outcry from investors in biotech and food companies, in addition to sparking a lawsuit by alternative protein company Upside Foods. Similar legislation was introduced In Alabama and Ohio soon after the initial move on cultivated meat by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in May.   SPONSORS Trans Ova Genetics https://transova.com/ @TransOvaGenetics American Gelbvieh Association https://gelbvieh.org/ @AmericanGelbvieh Allied Genetic Resources https://alliedgeneticresources.com/ @AlliedGeneticResources Axiota Animal Health https://axiota.com/ @MultiminUSA Jorgensen Land & Cattle https://jorgensenfarms.com/ @JorLandCat Ranch Channel https://ranchchannel.com/ @RanchChannel   Questions & Concerns From The Field? Call or Text your questions, or comments to 707-RANCH20 or 707-726-2420 Or email RanchItUpShow@gmail.com FOLLOW Facebook/Instagram: @RanchItUpShow SUBSCRIBE to the Ranch It Up YouTube Channel: @ranchitup Website: RanchItUpShow.com https://ranchitupshow.com/ The Ranch It Up Podcast is available on ALL podcasting apps. https://ranchitup.podbean.com/   Rural America is center-stage on this outfit. AND how is that? Because of Tigger & BEC... Live This Western Lifestyle. Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner. Learn more about Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com https://tiggerandbec.com/ #RanchItUp #StayRanchy #TiggerApproved #tiggerandbec #rodeo #ranching #farming REFERENCES https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/115885

The Nebraska Department of Education was awarded an almost $55 million grant to be used over the next five years to create a comprehensive literacy program. Nebraska is one of 23 states to receive the grant from the federal government.

Drs. Stephanie Hartman and Abigail Drucker sit down with Dr. Anne O'Keefe to get an overview of Nebraska public health. Find out more about the structure of public health in the state, how funding happens and what are some current and ongoing concerns. To subscribe to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) Health Alert Network (HAN) click on the link to "Subscribe for Updates." To find your Local Health Department click here. We rely on your donations to keep producing this podcast content and to support physician advocacy in Nebraska. If you would like to support Nebraska Alliance for Physician Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) organization in Nebraska please click to DONATE NOW.    If you have questions or answers, please email us at contact@nebraskaallianceforphysicianadvocacy.org   Please check out our website at: Nebraska Alliance for Physician Advocacy Follow on social media: @NEAllianceforPhysicianAdvocacy on Instagram

A program to make it easier for Nebraska communities to apply for federal transportation grants recently launched. Jodi Gibson with the Nebraska Department of Transportation said the Nebraska Infrastructure Hub was developed to help local and state agencies apply for money from the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act. The Hub includes a grant pairing portal and two full-time staff members to assist communities with grant applications.

Nebraska's Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly led a ten-day trade mission of the state's business and agriculture leaders to Indonesia in late July. The delegation met with Indonesian chefs, business executives and university researchers to market Nebraska products and build stronger trading ties. Sherry Vinton, the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, called the trip a "rousing success."

Rob Jeffreys discusses the impact a new prison may have on the department, and the current state of corrections.

Doug is joined by Bill Kovarik, the Highway Safety Administrator with the Nebraska Department of Transportation, to talk about the Teen Pro-Active Driving School July 20th & 21st. Car crashes are the leading causes of death among teens. Graduates of this program are 64 percent less likely to get into a crash within their first three years after completing it. Plus, they discuss the increase in fatalities for Nebraska this year - 21% above 2023 stats. https://putonthebrakes.org/curriculum

This week, Jamie and Jerri welcome special guests Kristina Ishmael and Greg Bagby to the pod to delve into the evolution of the National Education Technology Plan. Together, we'll discover how to move forward in the age of digital learning. Tune in to learn how this plan has transformed over time to meet the unique needs of today's learners. Kristina and Greg share their strategies for effectively implementing more professional development opportunities in education to help with the digital access, use, and design divide. From fostering digital citizenship to boosting digital literacy skills among students, this episode is filled with practical strategies and insights you don't want to miss! --- ABOUT OUR GUESTS Kristina Ishmael is an educator, learner, advocate, and agent of change. She leads the Office of Ed Tech and develops national edtech policy to enable all-the-time learning and support digital equity. Ishmael has worked at federal, state, and school levels and has a unique perspective on policy and practice. She advised on inclusive technology portfolios at New America, was the Digital Learning Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education and started her education career as an early childhood teacher to emerging bilingual learners. Listed as one of EdTech Magazine's K-12 IT influencers for 2020, Greg Bagby is currently the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for the Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has been a presenter at Google Summits, state and national technology conferences, as well as at EdCamp encore events. He is one of the co-founders of EdCampGigCity and a co-moderator for #EdTechChat and #TnEdChat. --- SUBSCRIBE TO THE SERIES: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube Music | Overcast | RadioPublic FOLLOW US: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn POWERED BY CLASSLINK: ClassLink provides one-click single sign-on into web and Windows applications, and instant access to files at school and in the cloud. Accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives. Learn more at classlink.com.

Dead Timber State Recreation Area is set to receive more than a half million dollars for a redevelopment project. The park north of Scribner received a $589,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

This week on The Good Life EDU Podcast, we explore how recent legislative support has paved the way for an elevated commitment to computer science education. Special guests Shaun Young, Computer Science and Technology Specialist from the Nebraska Department of Education, and Jeremy Keeshin, CEO of CodeHS, share insights on the new standards, available resources, and the future of computer science in Nebraska. Listen in to learn how these efforts are set to empower educators and heighten student interest and access to computer science. To learn more about Computer Science in Nebraska, visit https://www.education.ne.gov/nce/cis/ To learn more about CodeHS, visit https://codehs.com/ To access the CodeHS's Nebraska resources, go to https://codehs.com/states/NE If you are interested in receiving educator training from CodeHS, contact hello@CodeHS.com

The Nebraska Department of Education launched the Teacher Apprenticeship Program to help train teachers with more in-classroom experiences. The state Legislature passed the Teacher Apprenticeship Program last year with $1 million slated for the initiative in the first year. The program is starting with three grow-your-own initiatives that were already in effect.

Nebraska's chief medical officer, Dr. Timothy Tesmer, was scheduled to provide clarification on the state's gender affirming care regulations for minors at a briefing Thursday afternoon. However, he and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services declined to attend. Last week, the Health and Human Services Committee requested a briefing from Tesmer to clarify the final rules and regulations of LB574, which was passed by the legislature last year.

Leading up to the death of Kevin Carter at the Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, Angelo Bol allegedly threatened his cellmate's life. They remained in the same cell. That's among the many accusations filed in federal court this month alleging negligence by former and current Nebraska Department of Correctional Services employees. Former director of the NDCS, Scott Frakes, and warden Michele Wilhelm are included in the total of 12 employees listed in the lawsuit.

Ron Poe from the Nebraska Department of Transportation joins us to talk about NDOT's goals for creating a "Nebraska" landscape along our state highways. He answers our questions about pollinator habitat, erosion control, tree planting, mowing practices and more.A little light reading for those who are interested: NDOT's Vegetation Manual.Send us your questions at growingwithbloombox@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail.Bloom Box: Growing Deeper: https://plantnebraska.org/podcastFollow us @NEBloomBox on Facebook and InstagramFollow us @growingwithbloombox on PinterestLearn more about Bloom Box: https://plantnebraska.org/bloom-boxLearn more about the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum: https://plantnebraska.org

Earlier this week, the Nebraska State Board of Health voted to approve temporary regulations on gender affirming care for minor, bringing them one step closer to becoming permanent. The regulations included no significant changes to the regulations state Chief Medical Officer Doctor Timothy Tesmer (TEZ-muhr) approved in October. But on Wednesday, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services says it was notified that some comments submitted at a public hearing were not included in the hearing summary.

Newly released state assessment scores show Nebraska's schools improved this past school year. Across the state, 58% of students were proficient in English Language Arts, 61% in math and 70% in science. These numbers are higher than before the pandemic. “Hopefully we can build on this momentum and work with our schools to really address issues of high quality materials that we're seeing have an impact in our classrooms, quality instruction, and really continue to help teachers teach because as everybody truly knows, that's where the magic happens in education,” Nebraska Department of Education Commissioner Brian Maher said.

Over the last two decades, states have played an important and increasing role in federal policymaking through state-led litigation. Unsurprisingly, a state’s Article III standing is often a hotly contested question—with increasing attention from the Supreme Court and what some might argue are scattershot results. Are states subject to traditional standing analysis, as the Court said in Biden v. Nebraska (2023)? Do they get “special solicitude,” as the Court observed in Massachusetts v. EPA (2007)? Or are there concrete injuries that the Court simply will not remedy, as in United States v. Texas (2023)? Is there a common thread to the Court’s standing analysis and—more importantly—what does the original public meaning of Article III have to say about state-led litigation?Featuring:Mr. Kyle George, Principal, Kyle George Law Group; Former First Assistant Attorney General, State of NevadaMr. Eric Hamilton, Solicitor General, Nebraska Department of JusticeProf. Christopher J. Walker, Professor of Law, University of Michigan Law SchoolModerator: Hon. Jennifer Walker Elrod, United States Court of Appeals, Fifth CircuitOverflow: Cabinet & Senate Rooms

This week The Good Life EDU Podcast features the work of five Nebraska ESUs that received an Educator Pipeline Grant from the Nebraska Department of Education. John Skretta, Molly Aschoff, and Drew Harris join the pod to speak to the unique models that each ESU designed as a way to meet the specific local needs of the districts that they respectively serve. The conversation spans opportunities for education administrators, new-to-the-profession classroom practitioner support, Educator Rising pipeline efforts, fostering substitute teacher pools, and more. For more information on the ESU in your area of Nebraska, visit https://www.esucc.org/esu-coordinating-council/

Charity Menefee, Lieutenant Colonel and Public Health Officer in the Tennessee Air National Guard and the Director of the Division of Public Health at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, highlights the connections between her public health and military service; Alex Wheatley, Assistant Director of the Island Support Team, examines an ASTHO report that looks to help Island areas address challenges with indirect cost rates; and an ASTHO blog article discusses disability inclusion in the public health workforce. CDC Foundation Webpage: Building Evaluation Capacity to Reduce Veteran Suicide Rates CDC Webpage: Arthritis Among Veterans CDC Webpage: Military Service Members and Veterans ASTHO Report: Improving Indirect Cost Rate Use in Island Jurisdictions ASTHO Blog Article: Taking Action to Include a Disability Perspective in the Public Health Workforce  

Tonight's show is the idea of friend of the podcast Jeremy Bower.  Tonight's Guest Panelist has appeared on several previous WeatherBrains episodes and is an accomplished photographer.  He won 2nd place in the 2022 AMS Weatherband Photo Contest.  He owns JRB Storm Photography and is employed by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources.  Jeremy Bower, welcome back.  Tonight's Guest WeatherBrain is the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the NWS Omaha since 1988.  He worked directly under the legendary Dr. Ted Fujita as a graduate student at the University of Chicago.  He's celebrating his upcoming retirement at the end of this month.  Brian Smith, welcome to WeatherBrains.

The Nebraska Department of Education announced a $2 million commitment to Nebraska Growing Readers, which will distribute books to early childhood centers across the state. Mary Jo Pankoke is the CEO of the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation which is partnering with the state. She said one of the goals of the program is to address book deserts. The book distribution began at Educare Indian Hill in Omaha, and will expand to 18 other sites statewide.

Lincoln Flood Plain Text Amendment Headed to the City Council ** LIBA Luncheon review - Acting LPD Chief Michon Morrow ** LIBA Calendar ** DEEP DIVE: Carter Thiele and Phil Young share details of a Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy webinar

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services is still having trouble finding enough employees, according to a recent report. Doug Koebernick, the state's Inspector General of Corrections, says that as of June 2023, NDCS had 377 vacancies out of more than 2500 total positions.

Kristina Ishmael is the Deputy Director at the US Office of Educational Technology (which we'll call the Office of Edtech, or the OET), part of the US DOE. She is an educator, learner, advocate, and agent of change. As the leader of the Office of Ed Tech, she executes the office mission of developing national edtech policy that enables everywhere, all-the-time learning and supports digital equity and opportunity.Before the OET, Kristina was the Sr. Research Fellow on New America's Teaching, Learning, & Tech team where she advised on the inclusive technology portfolio and incorporated digital equity and culturally responsive and sustaining education.Kristina was also the Digital Learning Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education where she led professional learning and advocated for school librarians. This experience granted her a unique perspective on leveraging educational technology in urban, suburban, and rural school systems. Kristina started as an early childhood and elementary teacher of emerging bilingual students in Omaha, Nebraska.Recommended Resources:Office of Edtech (OET) official websiteEdTech Evidence Toolkit by OETAI Report by OETNational Educational Technology Plan by OET

Over 700 teaching positions were vacant or filled with an unqualified individual last year, according to the Nebraska Department of Education. Other issues, like burnout and low teacher pay, are making it hard for teachers to stay in the classroom. An organization called Educators Rising is trying to help fill those positions by encouraging students to overcome these issues and become teachers.

Erika Akers, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Equity Corps Fellow, says the fellowship helped develop a health equity lens that she brings into her career; Wilma Alvarado-Little, New York State Health Department Associate Commissioner, takes part in an ASTHO academy about eliminating structural racism; Kimberlee Wyche Etheridge, ASTHO Senior Vice President of Health Equity and Diversity Initiatives, writes a blog about ASTHO's Health Equity Summit; and registration to attend ASTHO's TechXpo and Futures Forum online is still open.   New York State Department of Health Webpage: Greetings from the Director ASTHO Blog Article: The World That Should Be -- Closing Remarks from ASTHO's 2023 Health Equity Summit ASTHO Webpage: Public Health TechXpo and Futures Forum