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
Elementary School - Intermediate clear filter
Wednesday, November 6
 

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
avatar for Taryn Barlow

Taryn Barlow

Librarian, Chickahominy Middle School
Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont B
  Instruction

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
avatar for Jo Watson Hackl

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 →
avatar for Landra Jennings

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

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
avatar for David Gorman

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

2:00pm EST

Dynamic Displays for Your Elementary Library
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Allegheny C
In this session, we will discuss a practical guide organizing your Fiction section by genres with what materials you will needed, category lists, mistakes to avoid, and how to teach your students and staff how to use the new system.
Speakers
avatar for Tammy Hinkle

Tammy Hinkle

Librarian, Prince William County Public Schools
I have been an educator for 31 years, and an elementary librarian for the last eight years. Making the move from the classroom to the library was reinvigorating! I love that I get to inspire a whole school to want to read. When I am not reading, I am a wanna be artist.  I love to... Read More →
Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Allegheny C
  Programming

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
avatar for Sherry Gick

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
 
Thursday, November 7
 

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
avatar for Lynne Stover

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

10:00am EST

Creating Together: The Intersection of Collaboration and Innovation
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Patriot AB
Join our librarian and innovative learning coach as they explore dynamic strategies for collaboration in the library. Discover how to create engaging learning environments, integrate technology, and foster a culture of innovation. Perfect for educators and library staff looking to enhance their collaborative efforts.
Speakers
KM

Katie Malzahn

Innovative Learning Coach, Seven Pines
avatar for Emily Underwood

Emily Underwood

School Librarian, Henrico County Public Schools
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Patriot AB
  Instruction   Professional Growth

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

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
avatar for Jenny Mock

Jenny Mock

Library Media Specialist, Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School
KH
CG

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

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

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
KK
avatar for Germán Blanco

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

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
avatar for Michelle O'Hara

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.
avatar for Tara Clayburn
Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Allegheny AB
  Instruction   Literature   Professional Growth

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

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
avatar for Jacquelyn McGuire-Day

Jacquelyn McGuire-Day

Library Media Specialist, VBCPS
avatar for Erin Berens

Erin Berens

Library Media Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
avatar for Jeannette Reynolds
Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Tidewater CD
  Professional Growth   Technology

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
avatar for Ami Schroder

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
avatar for Amy Hurley

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

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

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
 
Friday, November 8
 

8:00am EST

WONKA: Movie Magic Library Lessons
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Piedmont C
Book-based blockbusters have to potential of engaging students as they learn about fictional characters navigating their world, making decisions, and solving problems. Featuring Willy Wonka, (as well as other Roald Dahl books that have been made into movies), this interactive session includes library-ready lessons, an annotated bibliography and door prizes.
Speakers
avatar for Lynne Stover

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 →
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Piedmont C
  Instruction   Literature

8:00am EST

Bring History to Life Using Interactive Social Studies Centers
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Piedmont B
Learn how collaboration between the library and social studies departments can bring history alive by creating interactive social studies centers. We have used a variety of activities like art, dancing, writing, and games/Break Out Boxes to engage students while reviewing Virginia Social Studies Standards of Learning.
Speakers
avatar for Colleen Lee

Colleen Lee

Librarian, Swift Creek Middle School
PR
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Piedmont B
  Instruction   Programming

8:00am EST

Hot Topics on Zero Budget
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Allegheny C
You've heard all the buzzwords and new programs to try, but how do you make them work with no money? Makerspaces, STEAM Labs, flexible seating, videos, and scavenger hunts can be done with very little to no money when you explore community support and become a scavenger of opportunities!
Speakers
avatar for Emily Preuss-Anderson

Emily Preuss-Anderson

School Librarian/ITRT
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Allegheny C
  Instruction   Programming

11:00am EST

Mission Spies! Using Ciphers and Codes to Engage Students
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Allegheny AB
Need a breakout or lesson boost? Try using ciphers/codes to get students moving and thinking. I will share examples of different ciphers and how we used them to get students collaborating, inquiring, and engaging in a Cold War Unit. Ciphers can be used for any lesson at any level.
Speakers
avatar for Wendy Knox

Wendy Knox

Librarian, Frederick County Public Schools
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Allegheny AB
  Instruction

11:00am EST

C.S.L. - Simple Strategies for Organizing Your Centers, Space, and Lessons
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont B
Explore strategies intended to make your class flow smother. This session will include tips and tricks on how to include and organize simple centers during checkout. How to use pictures, colors, and signage, to organize your space for student independence and success. I will discuss why I find it helpful to do checkout first. (BYOD)
Speakers
LV
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont B
  Instruction   Professional Growth

11:00am EST

M.A.R.S. Month - A Specialist Collaboration Integrating Music, Arts, and Reading Activities
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont C
Collaborate with your fellow specialists for a month of integrated activities that are sure to excite your students and staff. We will learn how the librarian integrates Read-aThon, Book Fairs, March Madness, You’ve Been Booked, Book Walks, Family nights and research skills with music and art all month long.
Speakers
avatar for Cara Dibbs

Cara Dibbs

Library Media Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
I have been in education since 1996, spending many years as a special education and then 3rd grade teacher before heading into Libraryland. I have a Master's in Education from the University of Arizona and my library degree is from ODU. I am starting my 12th year as an LMS and it... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont C
  Programming

12:00pm EST

Finding Story in VA's Hidden History (and Helping Students Love Research)
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Piedmont C
A cataclysmic Depression-era drought that devastated Virginia farms. Steely horsewomen. Penny auctions. Rainmakers. The Bonus Army. Author L. M. Elliott - winner of the Scott O’Dell Award (2024) and VLA’s Cardinal Cup (2023) - shares stunning, forgotten history from her O’Dell-winning BEA AND THE NEW DEAL HORSE and its research treasure hunt.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Elliott

Laura Elliott

YA/MG historical fiction author, self
L. M. Elliott was a Washington, D.C. magazine journalist for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of over a dozen historical and biographical fictions. Her YA/MG novels have won the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American Book Prize for historical... Read More →
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Piedmont C
  Instruction   Literature

12:00pm EST

Playing with Words: Leveraging Scrabble for Improved Word Analysis
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Tidewater AB
The Scrabble Challenge of 2023 aimed to enhance word analysis and vocabulary skills among students by introducing Scrabble as an engaging learning tool within the school library setting. Explore the transformative power of Scrabble to create a dynamic and educational experience for students that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting.
Speakers
QD
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Tidewater AB
  Instruction   Programming

1:00pm EST

The Quiet Olympics
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Liberty AB
In this session we will put on the Olympics in the library and then use the data to collaborate with our math teachers!
Speakers
avatar for Barbara Haas

Barbara Haas

T. C. BOUSHALL MIDDLE SCHOOL
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Liberty AB
  Instruction

1:00pm EST

Saying Yes: Making Space for Student Service in Your Library
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Tidewater AB
Ready to engage students and grow your library program in new and unexpected ways? Want to build a service-centered community, with all stakeholders? Come to our collaborative session and leave with new ideas on how to create a student service program that goes beyond shelving!
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 →
MP
Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Tidewater AB
  Programming
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
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
  • Instruction
  • Invited Event
  • Literature
  • Lunch
  • Professional Growth
  • Programming
  • Registration
  • Technology
  • 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