Loading…
VAASL 2024 Annual Conference
Attending this event?
                                                                                                       Welcome to the VAASL 2024 Fall Conference App! 
                                                                                       Telling Our Story through an incredible program of sessions and events.

Simple
Expanded
Grid
By Venue
Programming clear filter
arrow_back View All Dates
Thursday, November 7
 

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
LT
avatar for Beth Ebenstein Mulch

Beth Ebenstein Mulch

Librarian, Alexandria City High School Library
@KingSt_Library
avatar for Khris Hutson

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 →
LB
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Liberty AB
  Collection Development   Instruction   Literature   Professional Growth   Programming

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
avatar for Laura Murray

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 →
avatar for Tracey Kyle

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 →
avatar for Laura Renauld

Laura Renauld

Children's Author
avatar for Debra Shumaker

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 →
avatar for Cynthia Cliff

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 →
avatar for Alyssa Colman

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 →
avatar for Dionna Mann

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 →
avatar for Leah Moser

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 →
avatar for Kim Norman

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 →
avatar for Erica Perl

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

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
avatar for Mary Sonifrank

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 →
avatar for Jessica Kitta
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Piedmont A
  Programming

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
avatar for Todd Harold

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 →
avatar for Bob Stapf

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

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
avatar for Sara Kauffman

Sara Kauffman

Librarian, Loudoun County Public Schools
Elementary Librarian in Loudoun County
avatar for Sarah Kindler
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Patriot AB
  Instruction   Professional Growth   Programming

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
MB

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!
HG
Thursday November 7, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Tidewater CD
  Instruction   Programming

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
RS

Rebecca Sharpley

Librarian, Louisa County Public Schools
avatar for Lewis Coleman
Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Allegheny C
  Instruction   Professional Growth   Programming   Technology

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
avatar for Emily Preuss-Anderson

Emily Preuss-Anderson

School Librarian/ITRT
Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Piedmont C
  Instruction   Programming

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
avatar for Lisa Koch

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 →
SP
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Tidewater AB
  Collection Development   Programming   Technology

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
avatar for Tiffany Cobbs

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

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
avatar for Kristi Patton

Kristi Patton

LMS
Technology loving Library Media Specialist, enthusiastic learner
SY
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Piedmont C
  Instruction   Programming

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
avatar for Margaret Alger

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 →
MT
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Allegheny C
  Instruction   Programming

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

2:30pm EST

Club Connections
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Liberty AB
I will share how before school clubs have impacted attendance at our school, how we have connected them to literacy, and also how to collaborate with teachers in new ways to share your passions with students!
Speakers
avatar for Amy Coward

Amy Coward

Librarian, Greenwood Elementary School
Thursday November 7, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm EST
Liberty AB
  Programming
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date - 
Clear filter
Wednesday, November 6
Thursday, November 7
Friday, November 8
Allegheny AB
Allegheny C
Colony ABC
Colony DE
Colony Room
Conference Center Lobby
Exhibit Hall
Info
Liberty AB
Patriot AB
Piedmont A
Piedmont B
Piedmont C
Sweet Tea & Barley
Tidewater AB
Tidewater C
Tidewater CD
Tidewater D
Traditions - Chesapeake
Virginia F
Virginia Foyer
  • Collection Development
  • Concurrent Sessions
  • Conference Event
  • EXHIBIT HALL
  • General Session
  • Invited Event
  • Invited Event
  • Literature
  • Lunch
  • Professional Growth
  • Registration
  • Registration
  • Conference Event
  • AASL
  • Collaborate
  • Curate
  • Engage
  • Explore
  • Include
  • Inquire
  • Audience
  • All Levels
  • Elementary School - Intermediate
  • Elementary School - Intermediate Grades
  • Elementary School - Primary
  • Elementary School - Primary Grades
  • High School
  • Middle School
  • Popular