Educators Rising Member Hergert Qualifies for Nationals at State Leadership Conference
Plainview Educators Rising Members Landon Hergert and Ashlyn Forbes returned from the Educators Rising State Leadership Conference with several chapter awards and with Hergert qualifying for nationals and earning several individual awards. The 2026 Educators Rising State Leadership Conference themed “Beyond the Horizon” was held in Kearney on February 23-24.
During the conference Landon and Ashlyn participated in Competitive Events. Landon competed in two events. In Interactive Bulletin Board Elementary Classroom Varsity Division, he received a White Ribbon (90-93%). In Exploring Non-Core Subject Teaching Careers, he placed 4th and received a Green Ribbon. With his scores and placings, he qualified for national competition which will be held in Portland, OR, June 20-23. Ashlyn competed in Job Interview Varsity Division receiving Participation. The Recognition General Session began with a Parade of Chapters. Ashlyn proudly displayed the Plainview Pirates Flag as she walked across the stage with other chapter throughout the state. A keynote address was heard from 2026 Nebraska Teacher of the Year - Sarah Hardin.
The Plainview Chapter received several awards during the recognition session. They received the Gold Chapter Award. The Chapter Award gives Educators Rising chapters the opportunity to showcase and receive recognition for their exceptional work in Membership, Leadership, Promoting Educators Rising, and Competitive Events and Programs.
The Chapter also was awarded the Feed Nebraska Award. Chapter members are encouraged to work with other CTSOs and community organizations to address food insecurity in their school and/or community.
Blue and White Chapter Affiliation Award was awarded to the Plainview Chapter for having 100% of members in Education and Training classes. This award is designed to encourage Educators Rising members and Teacher Leaders to recruit Educators Rising members from their Education & Training classes. These students often have background knowledge of Ed & Training and have the opportunity to learn about and interact with Educators Rising within the classroom on a regular basis.
The Chapter also received the Community Literacy and Impact Participation Certificate for the work they did in assisting with Reading Night. Teacher Leader Mrs. Jacobsen received the Teacher Leader Rise Award. This award recognizes teacher leaders who go above and beyond to support the needs of their chapter with student leadership, professional growth, chapter engagement, and advocacy.
Members also had the opportunity to take Education & Training Challenge Tests. These academic knowledge tests cover a wide range of subjects aligned with state Education & Training standards, allowing participants to showcase the skills and knowledge gained from their Education & Training courses and involvement in Educators Rising. The Education & Training Challenge Tests are designed to evaluate participants' abilities through a rigorous exam, with test questions developed from current course standards and a variety of curricular resources, so participants are tested on relevant and up-to-date information.
Landon and Ashlyn participated in several Challenge Tests-Varsity Level. Landon received first place in Lifespan Development, 2nd in Child Development and 3rd in Education & Training I (aligned to Teaching as a Profession).
Breakout sessions were also available to attend. Favorite sessions attended were the Opportunity Fair, Youth Networking, Public Library Resources for Educators, Pros vs Cons: Should I Become a Special Education Teacher, Assistive Technology in Special Education: Supporting Student Access and Success, and Adventures in Fiction Writing: Craft Your Story Today.
Hergert and Forbes also served as the chapter’s Voting Delegates listening to State Officer Candidate speeches and then casting votes for next year’s State Officers.
Educators Rising is cultivating a new generation of highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path from high school through college and into their teaching careers. By working with aspiring educators who reflect the demographics of their communities and who are passionate about serving those communities through public education, Educators Rising is changing the face of teaching.