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

Literature and Primary Sources: The Perfect Pairing for Student Learning

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

Tidewater AB

Based on our book, "Literature and Primary Sources: The Perfect Pairing for Student Learning" we will explore ways for librarians to pair literature with primary sources in the library or in collaboration with language arts, English, and ELL classes. We will include ideas for selecting literature as well as finding and choosing primary sources.

Speakers

Rebecca Newland

Librarian, Oakton High School

I spent the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years as the Teacher in Residence at the Library of Congress. Before that I was a middle school librarian in Virginia Beach City Public Schools. I am currently a librarian at Oakton High School in the Fairfax County Public Schools.

Tom Bober

Librarian-Author Keynote

Tom Bober is a school librarian at Captain Elementary in St. Louis, MO. He is a Library Journal Mover and Shaker, former Teacher in Residence at the Library of Congress, and author of the books Building News Literacy, Elementary Educator's Guide to Primary Sources, as well as his... Read More →

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

Instruction Literature

AASL Inquire, Include
Audience All Levels

10:00am EST

Reading Makes Cents: Featuring STEM Focused Library Lessons

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

Piedmont C

Reading Makes Cents is a K-8 financial literacy program sponsored by VA529 and the Virginia Council on Economic Education that provides free books and student recognition. New titles include “Water Day”, “Pa, Me, and Our Sidewalk Pantry”, and “The Fabulous Fannie Farmer.” Featuring lesson plans, an annotated bibliography, and door prizes.

Speakers

Lynne Stover

Teacher Consultant, JMU Center for Economic Education

Lynne Farrell Stover is currently a Teacher Consultant at the James Madison University Center for Economic Education. Prior to this, she spent thirty-three years in public education where she enjoyed various teaching assignments including classroom teacher, gifted education specialist... Read More →

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

Instruction Literature

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

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

Free Place-based, Experiential PD!

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

Piedmont B

Each summer, the National Endowment for the Humanities offers one-week workshops held across the country on different historical topics. The Landmarks of American History & Culture workshops focus on “place-based” approaches to teaching history and the humanities. They offer a stipend to cover travel, food, and lodging. Come hear about my experiences in New York, Chicago, LA, Boston, Philadelphia, the Mississippi Delta and more. Get ready to prep for applying for workshops that will take place in the summer of 2025!

Speakers

Jen Spisak

Assistant Professor, LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY

Jen Spisak, a school librarian from 2004-2016, received a Ph.D. in Educational Research & Evaluation from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is an Associate Professor of School Librarianship at Longwood University. She has published two books and multiple articles in professional... Read More →

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

Professional Growth

AASL Inquire, Curate, Explore
Audience All Levels

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

Science Review Rotation Stations

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

Piedmont A

Learn how two librarians, one department head, three science teachers and an instructional aide worked together to review and remediate over 300 students before each unit test and the SOL. The focus will be on the review stations created by the librarians, and participants will win prizes!

Speakers

Angela Smith

Librarian, HCPS

Adrienne Coffey

Librarian, HCPS

Anne Hampton

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

Instruction

AASL Inquire, Collaborate, Explore
Audience Middle School

11:00am EST

Writing Elementary Science Curriculum for the Library Using the 5E Instructional Model

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

Tidewater AB

Finding time to co-plan instruction with teachers is close to impossible for elementary librarians. This session covers how a school division focused their summer curriculum writing time to create science lessons for the library that work with, but independently of, core classroom instruction using the inquiry-based framework of the 5E instructional model. Example units will be shared as part of the session.

Speakers

Jenny Mock

Library Media Specialist, Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School

Kaycie Hoffman Blaylock

Cathy Guthrie

Librarian, Alexandria City Public Schools

I am an elementary school librarian at Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA.

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

Instruction

AASL Inquire, Collaborate
Audience Elementary School - Primary, Elementary School - Intermediate

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

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

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

Rural School Library Advocacy

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

Piedmont C

Small districts can be wonderful places of close knit communities, but it can also be a place where advocacy can be put on the back burner. Explore ways to make engaging videos and community outreach projects to have your voices heard and show all the hard work you do in your rural library!

Speakers

Emily Preuss-Anderson

School Librarian/ITRT

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

Instruction Programming

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

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

Our Story in Code

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

Liberty AB

This session will focus on how Librarian Jamie Symons and Katie Novinger Instructional Technology Specialist collaborate to bring coding and computer science alive in the Elementary School Library. They will share their story and model and give participants a hands-on opportunity to explore the tools and resources they use with students.

Speakers

Jamie Symons

Librarian, Manassas City Public Schools

Katie Novinger

Instructional Technology Specialist, Manassas City Public Schools

This is my third year serving as the Instructional Technology Training Specialist (ITTS) for Round Elementary School. Prior to transitioning into my current role, I spent eight years as a classroom teacher. I'm passionate about incorporating coding and computer science into the... Read More →

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

Instruction Literature Technology

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Explore
Audience Elementary School - Primary Grades

2:30pm EST

Station Rotation for Social Studies 7

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

Piedmont A

In collaboration with our 7th grade social studies (U.S. history after 1865) teachers, we have had great success designing learning stations that support the teachers' summative assessments. Our teachers create the essential question and a writing task, and we design posters and puzzles so that students synthesize information and complete a notescatcher. Session participants will leave with activities that cover immigration in the early 1900s and life in the 1920s and 1930s.

Speakers

Catherine Taylor

Library Media Specialist, Plaza Middle School

I have been a Library Media Specialist for five years at an IB MYP school. We would like to share our experiences and develop a network of IB librarians around the state.

Katie Staples

Library Media Specialist, Plaza Middle School

I am one of Plaza Middle School's Library Media Specialists. I came to middle school after spending 17 years at Kellam High School as first as an English teacher. I went back to school to get my Masters in secondary education where I took the path to become a librarian and have loved... Read More →

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

Instruction

AASL Inquire, Collaborate
Audience Middle School