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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10:00am EST

Empowering Growth: Bridging High School and Middle School Libraries

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST

Liberty AB

This session explores strategies for seamless vertical alignment, enhancing student literacy, research skills, and a love for reading. This session delves into collaborative approaches, shared resources, and curriculum integration, fostering a cohesive learning journey from middle to high school.

Speakers

Laurel Taylor

Beth Ebenstein Mulch

Librarian, Alexandria City High School Library

@KingSt_Library

Khris Hutson

Library Media Specialist, Alexandria City Public Schools

I am a library media specialist at Francis C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria, VA. I was fortunate enough to trade one best job in the world (middle school ELA teacher) for this best job in the world. My areas of focus include shenanigans and attracting new and reluctant readers... Read More →

Leslie Broughton

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Liberty AB

Collection Development Instruction Literature Professional Growth Programming

AASL Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

10:00am EST

Meet the Authors - Elementary

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST

Tidewater CD

Ten Virginia and DC Authors who write for Elementary Readers will present information about their Author Visits and answer questions. One participant will win a free virtual author visit from one of the presenting authors.

Speakers

Laura Murray

Author

I am very excited to be connecting with the wonderful librarians at VAASL this year! I am the author of the VRC award-winning – THE GINGERBREAD MAN LOOSE IN THE SCHOOL picture book series and the BRAND NEW GINGERBREAD MAN GRAPHIC NOVELS for YOUNG READERS series. The Gingerbread... Read More →

Tracey Kyle

Picture Book Author

Tracey Kyle is the author of six rhyming picture books, including PEPE AND THE PARADE and THE LUCKY GRAPES: A NEW YEAR'S EVE STORY. She taught Spanish for 30 years at the secondary level and enjoys sharing her love of the Spanish language and culture with kids. Her next book, PEPE... Read More →

Laura Renauld

Children's Author

Debra Shumaker

Author, MidAtlantic SCBWI

I write fiction and nonfiction picture books with both heart and humor. Two of my books, FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH and PECULIAR PRIMATES: FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THESE CURIOUS CREATURES are rhyming nonfiction with lots of back matter. They are published... Read More →

Cynthia Cliff

Author/Illustrator, SCBWI Mid-Atlantic

I am a self-taught illustrator and author who grew up in a tiny historic village in rural Virginia surrounded by farms and woodlands. This upbringing provided me with a love of history, nature, and folklore—themes that find their way into my whimsical, folk-art inspired story telling... Read More →

Alyssa Colman

Author

Alyssa Colman is the author of Where Only Storms Grow (2025), The Tarnished Garden, and The Gilded Girl, which won the 2021 Northern Lights Book Award for middle grade fantasy and was a Bank Street Best Book of the Year. Publishers Weekly called the story “a thoughtful and imaginative... Read More →

Dionna Mann

Author, SCBWI

Salutations!My name is Dionna L. Mann. I'm an independent researcher and children’s book author who loves uncovering inspiring human-interest stories hidden within African American history. As a work for hire author, I've written 20 children's books, both fiction and nonfiction... Read More →

Leah Moser

Author

Leah Moser is a children’s book author living in Northern Virginia. With degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Leah has spent years as a classroom teacher. She loves sharing her passion for picture books with her husband, three daughters, dog, and readers of all ages... Read More →

Kim Norman

With nearly 20 years experience, Kim Norman has spoken to more than a quarter of a million students across the U.S. all of whom now know that dogs are her favorite pets. She’s the author of more than 20 children's books published by Penguin/RandomHouse, Macmillan, Candlewick, Scholastic... Read More →

Erica Perl

Author, Erica S. Perl

I am the author of more than forty books for young readers, including middle grade novels (White Bird: A Novel, with R.J. Palacio), picture books (How Carrot Met Cookie, The Three Little Guinea Pigs), chapter books (Craftily Ever After series, Arnold and Louise series), and early... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Tidewater CD

Instruction Literature Programming

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate

10:00am EST

Passive Programming = Massive Engagement

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST

Piedmont A

This interactive session is designed to inspire and equip school librarians with innovative ideas to foster student engagement within the library space. We’ll aim to showcase a variety of activities that can be seamlessly integrated into the school library, creating an inviting and stimulating environment for students. You will leave this session with templates to make many of these programs unique to your library space, and activities that will encourage participation amongst even the most reluctant readers. BYOD

Speakers

Mary Sonifrank

Librarian, J. Frank Hillyard Middle School

This is my twenty-sixth year of teaching and my tenth year as a middle school librarian. Before becoming a librarian I was a special education teacher for seventeen years. I love inspiring the love of reading and making students feel accepted in a safe place. I am passionate about... Read More →

Jessica Kitta

Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Piedmont A

Programming

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

11:00am EST

Telling Your Story

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Allegheny AB

Award-winning author Larry Issa, a Virginia native, shares his insights on self-expression and indie publishing, highlighting the innovative picture books he's crafting. Discover how his engaging author visits, and interactive classroom activities, bring his stories to life, inspiring young minds and fostering creativity.

Speakers

Larry Issa

Author/Book Designer, Get Back in the Book!

This extraordinary tale, written by Larry Issa, features stunning illustrations by Emma Chadwick. More than transporting young readers to faraway places, Get Back in the Book! shows them the powerful and positive impact of books and storytelling.Come say hello to Larry Issa, a multi... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Allegheny AB

Collection Development Instruction Literature

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

11:00am EST

New Choices for Virginia Libraries: New Circulation System, Fundraising Options, and More with Mackin!

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Piedmont B

No matter what your school library goals and budget are, Mackin is here to support you! In this session, you’ll learn about a couple of brand-new options from Mackin. MackinVISION is our new, state-of-the art whole school-library management system. Come see an alternative to your current system with the tools and reporting your library needs without all the additional fees. We will also discuss Love My Library, a new fund-raising option where 100% of the funds raised benefit your school community. Bob and Todd will also answer any Mackin questions you may have.

Speakers

Todd Harold

Mackin

For over 37 years, Mackin has provided library and classroom materials for grades PK-12. Known the world over for exemplary service and a stringent attention to detail, we have access to over 18,000 publishers and an available collection of more than 3 million printed titles.The development... Read More →

Bob Stapf

Educational Sales Consultant, Mackin

For over 40 years, Mackin has provided PK-12 libraries and classrooms with access to over 4.2 million print and digital titles. The 23-time, multi-award-winning digital content management system, MackinVIA, along with divisions Mackin Classroom, MackinMaker, Mackin Learning, and the... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont B

Collection Development Literature Programming

AASL Include, Collaborate, Curate, Engage
Audience All Levels

11:00am EST

Chronicles of a Rookie Librarian: Lessons Learned in Year One

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Patriot AB

Being a first year librarian can be exciting and overwhelming! One elementary and one high school librarian will recount their first year in the library, what they wish they knew, and what they are glad to know now. Walk away with ideas and strategies for navigating your first year in the library.

Speakers

Sara Kauffman

Librarian, Loudoun County Public Schools

Elementary Librarian in Loudoun County

Sarah Kindler

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Patriot AB

Instruction Professional Growth Programming

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

11:00am EST

Easy Advocacy for Elementary Librarians

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Tidewater CD

Already overwhelmed by all the roles a librarian has to fill and think you never have time for advocacy? Think again! Easy Advocacy for Elementary Librarians will leave you feeling empowered and with easy, integrated ideas you can begin in your libraries next week!

Speakers

Michelle Bergstresser

School Librarian, Albemarle County Public Schools

I'm an elementary school librarian at a beautifully diverse dual immersion (Spanish & English) Title I school. Let's chat about diverse books, easy advocacy, and positive relationship as the key to your library being the heart of your school!

Heather Gonzalez

Librarian

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Tidewater CD

Instruction Programming

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate

11:00am EST

All About Podcasting!

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Piedmont C

Learn how to bring podcasting to your school as we share about equipment, funding, publishing, and marketing. We will teach you to use podcasting to promote your library, build relationships in your school community, and collaborate with colleagues from all departments. This session is for new and experienced podcasters!

Speakers

Jenna Lombardo

Librarian, Lightridge High School, Loudoun County Public Schools

I am one of two librarians in a large suburban high school serving approximately 2,100 students. I believe the most powerful thing we can do is share and recognize each other's stories. I'm naturally introverted, but will always - and happily - talk about books! :)

Amy Ivory

Librarian

I am a high school librarian for LCPS at Lightridge High School in Aldie, VA. I opened Lightridge as a new building in Fall 2020. Previously I opened Colgan High School in PWCS in 2016 and worked at Parkside Middle. In 2018 I earned my National Board Teacher Certification and renewed... Read More →

Jennifer Sweeney

Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont C

Technology

AASL Include, Collaborate, Engage
Audience High School

12:00pm EST

Telling the Library Story with Topics and Trends

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Colony DE

During this fast-paced, information-filled session we will unpack ten current trends in school librarianship including from building relationships to community engagement to futurecasting to librarians as digital leaders. For each trend we’ll explore at least three resources—journal articles, videos, podcasts, etc.

Speakers

Audrey Church

Professor of School Librarianship, LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY

Dr. Audrey Church is Professor of School Librarianship and Chair of the Department of Education and Counseling at Longwood University. Prior to coming to Longwood, she worked as a primary school and high school librarian in Virginia public schools for 20 years. A frequent presenter... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Colony DE

Collection Development Instruction Professional Growth Technology

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

12:00pm EST

How Can Your Librarian Help You

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Tidewater AB

In this fast-paced session, we will discuss specific ways that librarians can help teachers and students with curriculum resources (Ex. Resource Lists, Websites, Activity ideas), and will demonstrate how a teacher and a librarian collaborate to develop lessons. Finally, we will have designated Q&A time with time to discuss how this can look different or be modified for all libraries. BYOD

Speakers

Leah Talbert

Jen Smith

Teacher, William Monroe High School

I dabbled in law and school administration before making my way to a classroom. I have now been teaching at William Monroe High School for around 20 years. Over that time, I have taught a variety of social science courses and levels of said classes from small group special education... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Tidewater AB

Instruction

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

12:00pm EST

Elemental Cross-Curricular Connections: Overlapping Lesson Music and Children's Literature

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Allegheny AB

Come to hear a veteran music teacher who is an Orff-Schulwerk specialist and a librarian who is a former classroom teacher, share the myriad ways that children's literature and music lesson an and should overlap to enhance student understanding in multiple content areas. Participants will leave with specific lesson idea, books lists, and activities to take back to their learning spaces.

Speakers

Michelle O'Hara

Lower School Teaching Librarian, The Potomac School

I am an elementary school librarian, former classroom teacher, and lover of all things cozy, reading-related, and dark chocolaty.

Tara Clayburn

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Allegheny AB

Instruction Literature Professional Growth

AASL Collaborate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate

12:00pm EST

Creating Collaboration

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Allegheny C

Today’s school libraries are for more than just English classes. But how to get those other departments into your library? Collaboration! By communicating with all departments and collaborating on curriculum-based lessons, you will see your library grow to be the heart and hub of your school. (BYOD)

Speakers

Rebecca Sharpley

Librarian, Louisa County Public Schools

Lewis Coleman

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Allegheny C

Instruction Professional Growth Programming Technology

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

12:00pm EST

Interactive Timelines: Merging Research Skills with Artistic Expression

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Liberty AB

Transform student research into a dynamic showcase! This cross-curricular timeline project integrates research, language arts, social studies, art, and technology. Learn how to guide students in developing research skills, crafting informative slideshows, and creating artistic portraits. Showcase their work on a hallway timeline with QR codes for interactive exploration the whole school can enjoy! Perfect for meeting standards while fostering creativity!

Speakers

Maria Lamb

Library Media Specialist, Christopher Farms ES

Erin Nye

Library Media Specialist, KINGSTON ELEMENTARY

Library Media Specialist at Kingston ES

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Liberty AB

Instruction Technology

AASL Inquire, Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

12:00pm EST

Middle School Collaboration

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Piedmont B

James Region Librarian of the Year, Crystal Hamlin, shares her favorite collaborative lessons from middle school. This session includes 13 ready to go lessons for Math, Science, History, English, Spanish, and Art. Will feature use of Book Creator, Google My Maps, Amazon Future Engineers, Canva, and plenty of makerspace goodness!

Canva presentation link

Speakers

Crystal Hamlin

MS/US Librarian, Steward school

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Piedmont B

Instruction Technology

AASL Inquire, Collaborate, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

12:00pm EST

Blank Brain? AI to the Rescue! (Utilizing AI as an Elementary Librarian)

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Tidewater CD

Are you navigating the complexities of using AI as a Librarian? Get a practical guide to understanding and integrating AI in your work. Explore how to leverage AI tools to enhance teacher efficacy, save valuable time and prevent teacher burnout, all while reducing your anxiety about this new technology. We will explore the basics of ChatGPT, Magic School AI, Diffit and Gemini. (BYOD)

Speakers

Jacquelyn McGuire-Day

Library Media Specialist, VBCPS

Erin Berens

Library Media Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Jeannette Reynolds

LMS, VBCPS

Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Tidewater CD

Professional Growth Technology

AASL Inquire, Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate

1:00pm EST

Diverse Literature: VA READS in the Library

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont B

Come explore VA READS. Learn about our diverse picture books while we share activity suggestions and provide recommended book pairings. You will walk away ready to share these books with your K-6 students.

Speakers

Ami Schroder

Librarian, Fairfax County Public Schools

In addition to being a school librarian, I am the co-founder of VA READS and love to talk about diverse books for all ages!#VAREADSTwitter: @anilawc Insta: schroderrific

Amy Hurley

Librarian, Fairfax County Public Schools

I have been a librarian in Fairfax County for ten years. I am currently the chair of the VA READS picture book committee. Insta: librarylitlady

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont B

Collection Development Instruction Literature

AASL Include, Curate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate, Middle School

1:00pm EST

Transforming Your Library for Any Budget

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Tidewater AB

Ready to update your space, but unsure of where to start? Want to connect with stakeholders to make data driven decisions? Feeling daunted by the work and cost? Come to this interactive session to gather ideas, get a toolkit for feedback and planning and connect with other librarians working through similar challenges!

Speakers

Lisa Koch

Librarian, Lee High School, Fairfax County Public Schools

I am enthusiastically curious and love going on inquiry journeys with my students. Before discovering my passion for students and school libraries I worked in archives and special collections. Now, I happily work as a librarian at Lee High School in Springfield, VA. In 2018... Read More →

Sarah Pevner

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Tidewater AB

Collection Development Programming Technology

AASL Include, Collaborate, Curate, Engage
Audience All Levels

1:00pm EST

Achievement Unlocked: Cracking the Code to Collaboration

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Allegheny C

In this session, we will discuss the challenges to establishing and maintaining a collaborative relationship between teachers and school librarians. It wouldn't be much of a session if we didn't offer solutions for those challenges, so we'll do that, too. We've got two librarians, a teacher, and a bunch of ideas. Join us in cracking the code to collaboration!

Speakers

Khris Hutson

Library Media Specialist, Alexandria City Public Schools

Leslie Broughton

Dominique Jones

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Allegheny C

Instruction Professional Growth

AASL Collaborate, Engage
Audience Middle School, High School

1:00pm EST

Championing Computer Science in the Library: Practical Integration Strategies

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Allegheny AB

As the demand for computer science (CS) skills grows, integrating CS into core content areas becomes increasingly essential. This session will provide practical strategies, tools, and lessons for school librarians to support CS integration into their programs, and how to incorporate computational thinking, coding, and interactive storytelling. The session will include hands-on activities with platforms like Scratch and Twine, lesson plans, learning resources, and collaborative discussions.

Speakers

Tiffany Cobbs

Facilitator, CodeVA

Tiffany Cobbs has served as an educator since 2010 and has a passion for computer science, digital citizenship, and STEM. Currently, she is a Learning Designer for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), creating and facilitating professional learning opportunities for educators... Read More →

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Allegheny AB

Instruction Programming Technology

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

1:00pm EST

Adventures in AI

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Colony ABC

Let's talk about our adventures with AI for library planning and instruction! This session will present lessons learned with using AI over the past school year, highlight different types of AI tools for planning and instruction and discuss ways to support student learning about and with AI.

Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Colony ABC

Instruction Technology

AASL Curate, Engage
Audience Middle School, High School

2:30pm EST

Makerspace Fun

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST

Tidewater AB

Maker activities connect students to books and curriculum, all the while providing fun while learning. This session includes samples of affordable fun activities while highlighting some terrific literature. Come prepared to share some of your favorite literature and activities, too.

Speakers

Marge Cox

Makerspace Guru - Speaker

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Tidewater AB

Instruction

AASL Engage
Audience All Levels

2:30pm EST

Everyone Belongs @ Our Book Club (Teachers Too!)

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST

Piedmont C

Our book clubs (both student & staff clubs) have been continuously improving over the last decade+ and we would love to share our strategies with you! Please come to the session to learn about forming a student and/or staff book club AND get new ideas to increase participation, acquire books and engage your readers!

Speakers

Kristi Patton

LMS

Technology loving Library Media Specialist, enthusiastic learner

Stephanie Young

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Piedmont C

Instruction Programming

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

2:30pm EST

Game Changers for the Elementary Library

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST

Allegheny C

Working daily to create the best library program that supports students, staff, and caregivers? Dynamic programming is Active, Beneficial, Captivating...Xhausting! Join together to discuss these ABC's of an exciting library along with game changing strategies and methods to keep stakeholders engaged. Examples and ideas from our elementary school program will be presented with opportunities for experienced colleagues to share successful ideas.

Speakers

Margaret Alger

Librarian, River Bend Elementary

I am an elementary librarian who is involved in many things around the school besides teaching great students and finding wonderful books for them to read. My special interests are engaging books for kids, letting students have ownership of the library space, creating an exciting... Read More →

Martha Taylor

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Allegheny C

Instruction Programming

AASL Include, Collaborate, Explore, Engage
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate

2:30pm EST

Simple Ways to Promote Reading Everyday

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST

Piedmont B

As librarians, one of our most important jobs is to promote a love of reading. In this session, we will discuss a variety of simple and effective ways that you can promote reading in your library. We will also learn ideas that you can share with your teachers to encourage them to promote a love of reading with their individual students. Please bring your devices (BYOD) so we can explore some links and websites.

Speakers

Leah Talbert

Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Piedmont B

Instruction Programming

AASL Include, Collaborate, Engage
Audience All Levels