VAASL 2024 Annual Conference: Full Schedule

Welcome to the VAASL 2024 Fall Conference App!
Telling Our Story through an incredible program of sessions and events.

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1:00pm EST

Critical Thinkers are Mini-Makers

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont B

Learn to utilize mini-maker projects with written story problems that require students to analyze a situation and decide on a solution. Then, each student creates the Mini-Maker solution with the provided materials. After completing the project, students reflect on the solution and project. BYOD for this hands-on session.

Speakers

Taryn Barlow

Librarian, Chickahominy Middle School

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont B

Instruction

AASL Include, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School, High School

1:00pm EST

Same Wheel, Different Spokes: Ensuring All Students in Your Library Can R.I.D.E.!

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont C

Creating library lessons that are accessible to all students can be challenging. This session focuses on how to design instruction that supports (RIDE) Relevant Inclusive Differentiated Education. Participants will leave with strategies, tips, and concrete examples to support all students by focusing on ways to provide appropriate scaffolding, extension, and language support through process differentiation.

Speakers

Lisa Chandler

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont C

Instruction

AASL Inquire, Include
Audience Middle School

1:00pm EST

Innovative Ways to Engage Readers with Diverse Learning Styles

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Allegheny C

Innovative approaches provide multiple access points into stories for readers of all learning styles. This interactive session, led by acclaimed authors Jo Watson Hackl and Landra Jennings, will utilize the VARK learning-style model as a starting point for equipping you with tools and techniques to use with your learners. Break-outs will be used during this multi-sensory session. Attendees will leave with hand-outs and resources.

Join us for this fun and informative session. Free swag and door prizes!

Speakers

Jo Watson Hackl

Guest Presenter, Author

Jo Watson Hackl is the national best-selling author of SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE OF MAYBE (Random House Children’s Books/Yearling Adventure), which won the Southern Book Prize and is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick and a “Read Across America” selection representing the state of Mississippi... Read More →

Landra Jennings

Author

Landra Jennings is the author of middle-grade fantasy novels The Whispering Fog and Wand published by HarperCollins Clarion Books. Her novel The Whispering Fog is a 2024-2025 SC Junior Book Award Nominee and a current SC Battle of the Books selection. Landra holds an MFA in Writing... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Allegheny C

Instruction Literature

AASL Inquire, Include, Explore
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School

2:00pm EST

Using Picture Books to Enhance and Enrich the SSGS Curriculum

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Piedmont A

Librarians will learn about a collaboration between middle school library staff and 7th grade social studies teachers who explored different ways to use fiction and nonfiction picture books within daily social studies lessons. Librarians will walk away with a list of picture books and corresponding activities/lessons. Includes ideas for using picture books with all areas of secondary SSGS curriculum.

Speakers

Melissa Larson

Librarian, BRAMBLETON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Piedmont A

Collection Development Instruction Literature

AASL Inquire, Collaborate, Explore, Engage
Audience Middle School, High School

2:00pm EST

Stuck in the Middle with You

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Piedmont C

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right? Middle school librarianship can often feel that way. Join me for collaborative lesson activity ideas for grades 6-8, covering social studies, language arts, and science. Emphasis on interactive learning: breakouts, stations, podcasts and more!

Speakers

Tanya Parrott

Librarian, The Nokesville School

This is my 27th year as a librarian: public, elementary, middle, high, and currently working at a K-8 school. I love live music, reading, running, and watching hockey. Would like to use more 21st c. tools and primary sources in my instruction. Looking for a 12-step program to break... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Piedmont C

Instruction

AASL Collaborate, Engage
Audience Middle School

2:00pm EST

Language Arts Live! A Collaborative Storytelling Experience

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Patriot AB

Virginia author David Gorman shares his author talk that’s “a Language Arts lesson with gameshow energy!” Learn about this memorable lesson that will: teach the elements of story, inspire students to write fiction, and bring guaranteed giggles. Best of all, it can be easily replicated at your school.

Speakers

David Gorman

Author & Speaker for Kids 8-12

David Gorman loves inspiring students to read and write. He is the author of the Waldameer Mystery Files series, in which kids solve mysteries at an amusement park. Each book includes positive themes and a Discussion Guide for teachers. When he's not writing or speaking at schools... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Patriot AB

Instruction Programming

AASL Include, Collaborate, Explore
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School

2:00pm EST

Powerful Programming and Resourceful Funding

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Tidewater C

Discover how to transform your library programming into something exceptional and, most importantly, learn effective strategies to secure funding for these programs.

Speakers

Desiree Hopkins

Librarian, Moody Middle School

Originally from San Francisco, I've lived most of my life in South Florida before I more to RVA with my husband and three kids almost 12 years ago. My favorite part of the day is reading or designing projects on the couch with my two Havanese dogs. I discovered my passion for 3D printing... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Tidewater C

Programming

AASL Explore, Engage
Audience Middle School, High School

3:00pm EST

Transform Learning Through Creativity with Adobe Express

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST

Piedmont C

Unleash student creativity in your library. Explore Adobe Express for Education, a free design platform for educators and students. Craft graphics, videows, presentations, and more. Discover cutting-edge AI tools and ways to integrate Adobe Express into your teaching. Boost engagement and learning. Leave with fresh ideas and the confidence to ignite your students' (and staff's) creative spark! BYOD

Speakers

Sherry Gick

Senior Director of Professional Development Programs, Five Star

Sherry is the Senior Director of Professional Development Programs for Five Star Technology Solutions. A former teacher-librarian and special education teacher with 20 years of experience with students K-12, she now enjoys working with educators across the nation on effective technology... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Piedmont C

Instruction Professional Growth Technology

AASL Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School, High School

3:00pm EST

Student Voice in the Library

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST

Piedmont A

Do you struggle with student participation in your library? Looking for some suggestions? Come to this session and bring your own ideas to share as well.

Speakers

Tracy Goodson

Library Media Specialist, Kate Collins Middle School

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Piedmont A

Programming

AASL Include, Curate, Engage
Audience Middle School