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

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

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

When Creativity Met Collaboration

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

Allegheny C

The author and illustrator of The When Pencil Met series will hold a session about creativity and collaboration, discussing the creation process behind When Pencil Met Eraser, When Pencil Met the Markers, and When Glitter Met Glue. They will also share some fun activities and lessons that extend the themes of the books to the library and classroom!

Speakers

Karen Kilpatrick

Germán Blanco

Germán Blanco is a self-taught illustrator/graphic designer who resides in South Florida. As a child, he always enjoyed doodling, which he didn't know could eventually turn into a career. His work has a fun and quirky style derived from years of watching cartoons and reading comic... Read More →

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

Literature

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

12:00pm EST

100 (or more) NEW Books for Middle and High School Readers!

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

Colony ABC

This session will be full of booktalks for MG and YA literature to be added to your middle and HS libraries. All books discussed have been published within the last year, and personally read by the presenters, so come hear about some great new and upcoming titles! Favorites will be discussed and questions about any titles on the list are encouraged. We'll give you the lowdown - highlights and dirt!

Speakers

Jenny Ashby

Librarian, Drew Middle School

When I was thinking about applying for my first library job my dad said "Any literate person can be a librarian!" and that seemed like good advice to me. I didn't know what I was getting into 32 years ago but now I know it's the best job in the school! I read a lot, take a lot of... Read More →

Janice Raspen

Acquisitions Librarian, Chesterfield County Public Schools

I love books and reading and libraries. Looking forward to sharing some thoughts about MG and YA books with you.

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

Collection Development Literature

AASL Curate
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

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

A Book for Every Reader: How One District Succeeds with Digital

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

Patriot AB

Learn everything you didn’t know you needed to know about district-wide implementation of a digital reading platform. From curating content to managing budget, training staff and promoting across the district, you’ll get an inside look at successful strategies to get students reading ebooks and audiobooks at every grade level.

Speakers

Amy Hailey

Supervisor, Arlington Public Schools

Jody Brookshire

Strategic Account Executive, Sora

Jody Brookshire is a dedicated e-learning and digital content Educational Account Executive with more than 23 years in the industry. Her background includes supporting districts with digital content, 21st Century technology initiatives, STEM & Robotics, and full implementation of... Read More →

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

Collection Development Instruction Literature Technology

AASL Curate, Explore
Audience All Levels

1:00pm EST

So Many Books, So Little Time

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

Piedmont A

Join me for a fast paced, exciting journey through a treasure chest of great titles. During the session I will share some of the most recently published as well as soon to be published titles. The session will include books for all grade levels, a list of books that were shared as well as some book giveaways straight from the publishers! Don't miss out on a fun session all about books!

Speakers

Laurie Bolt

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

Collection Development Literature

AASL Curate
Audience All Levels

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

Dynamic Diverse Books for Your Library

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

Tidewater CD

Step into the world of diverse books with the founders of VA READS! Join us and walk away with a wish list of over 75 book titles! We will share all the amazing diverse middle grade (upper elementary and middle school) titles we read over the past year. We'll share our faves as well as those that miss the mark.

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

Katie Bruechert

Middle School Librarian, Fairfax County Public Schools-Thoreau Middle

I have twenty-three years of experience as an educator, including twelve years as an elementary school librarian. Currently, I'm in my second year as a middle school librarian. I've served on the 2024 John Newbery Award Committee, co-founded VAREADS, and I'm currently the VAREADS... Read More →

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

Collection Development Literature

AASL Include, Curate, Explore
Audience Elementary School - Intermediate Grades, Middle School