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.

1:00pm EST

Best Books for High School

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont A

Want to hear about what's new? Learn about the titles getting all of the buzz in 2024, with a particular emphasis on audiobooks. A great narrator can make a great book even better!

Speakers

Allison Taylor

Librarian, LCPS

After working as an EL teacher ten years, Allison transitioned to the library in 2019. She graduated from GMU with a BA in Communication. She also holds an MEd in Secondary Education (ESL) from George Washington University and an MEd in School Librarianship from Longwood University... Read More →

Jeannine Everett

Librarian, LCPS

I'm a middle school librarian who loves "we can't do this, can we?" ideas. WeVideo Education Ambassador, Newsela Certified Educator and Future Ready Librarian. I'm passionate about media and news literacy, building student research skills and using technology tools to foster student... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont A

Collection Development

AASL Inquire, Explore
Audience High School

1:00pm EST

Same Wheel, Different Spokes: Ensuring All Students in Your Library Can R.I.D.E.!

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont C

Creating library lessons that are accessible to all students can be challenging. This session focuses on how to design instruction that supports (RIDE) Relevant Inclusive Differentiated Education. Participants will leave with strategies, tips, and concrete examples to support all students by focusing on ways to provide appropriate scaffolding, extension, and language support through process differentiation.

Speakers

Lisa Chandler

Wednesday November 6, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont C

Instruction

AASL Inquire, Include
Audience Middle School

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

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 →

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

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

2:00pm EST

Using Picture Books to Enhance and Enrich the SSGS Curriculum

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Piedmont A

Librarians will learn about a collaboration between middle school library staff and 7th grade social studies teachers who explored different ways to use fiction and nonfiction picture books within daily social studies lessons. Librarians will walk away with a list of picture books and corresponding activities/lessons. Includes ideas for using picture books with all areas of secondary SSGS curriculum.

Speakers

Melissa Larson

Librarian, BRAMBLETON MIDDLE SCHOOL

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Piedmont A

Collection Development Instruction Literature

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

2:00pm EST

AI and the Law

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST

Tidewater D

In this session, we'll explore the foundations, ethics, and legal minefield that is the current state of AI. We'll explore division policy, state policy, and the international landscape.

Speakers

IdaMae Craddock

Librarian, Albemarle County Public Schools

Mae Craddock is the librarian at the Lab School for Albemarle County Public Schools. Her research interests include AI, maker pedagogy, and source reliability.

Wednesday November 6, 2024 2:00pm - 2:45pm EST
Tidewater D

Professional Growth Technology

AASL Inquire, Explore
Audience All Levels

3:00pm EST

Biliteracy in the Library

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST

Piedmont B

School libraries are a bridge to access, support, and develop biliteracy skills while instilling a love of reading and creating life-ready learners. Using the AASL Standards Framework for Learners, we will look at each domain with a biliteracy lens to guide our teaching, curation work, and school community engagement.

Speakers

Jennifer Hill

School Librarian, Librarian, Holladay ES, Henrico County Public Schools

Hola! I am a school librarian at Holladay Elementary in Henrico County, VA. I built the county's first biliterate library collection and we are home to a thriving library program that supports students in both English and Spanish languages. I am a culturally-focused librarian... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Piedmont B

Collection Development Instruction Literature Professional Growth Programming

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

3:00pm EST

Tell Your Story with Twine

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST

Liberty AB

Learn how to use Twine as a way to create interactive stories. This can be used with all subjects and is an easy way to integrate computer science standards! Please be sure to bring your own device as we will be spending the session writing our own Choose Your Own Adventure Stories!

Speakers

Emily Cissell

Librarian, Thornburg Middle School

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Liberty AB

Instruction Literature Technology

AASL Inquire, Collaborate, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

3:00pm EST

Weaving Digital Citizenship into the Everyday Narrative

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST

Allegheny C

This will be an in-person presentation that will discuss the Model Policy concerning Internet Safety and the Digital Learning Integration Standards focusing mainly on the strand of Digital Citizenship including explanation, resources, and performance indicators. This is an important step towards adding in new and emerging technologies, which includes AI, Virtual Reality, and other rising educational technologies.

Speakers

Ryan Champney

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Department of Education

Virginia Department of EducationInstructional Technology Specialist for the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Allegheny C

Instruction Professional Growth Technology

AASL Inquire, Collaborate, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

3:00pm EST

When AI and Copyright Collide, What's a Librarian to Do?

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST

Tidewater C

AI is scrambling copyright law. Teachers must distinguish "student papers" from ChatGPT. AI-generated art seeks copyright protection. School libraries risk liability for AI postings. ALA considers NFTs to tag non-book holdings. Bribes encourage editors to publish AI-generated papers. Become wise and well-informed on the transformation of intellectual property.

Speakers

Joyce Johnston

Adjunct Professor, George Mason University

Over my many years at Mason, I have developed three major focus areas: teaching advanced undergraduate research and composition to science and technical students in the English Department, becoming a specialist in digital intellectual property and studying changes in online civility... Read More →

Wednesday November 6, 2024 3:00pm - 3:45pm EST
Tidewater C

Professional Growth Technology

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, 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

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

8:00am EST

Comics and Manga in the Classroom - Beginner Session

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Piedmont A

For years, comic books and graphic novels were dismissed as mere recreational reading, often relegated to a less serious status. However, emerging research reveals their true value: they engage struggling readers, enhance skills for accomplished ones, and effectively teach all subjects, not just English. Join us to explore their crucial role in education and discuss integrating them into curricula.

Speakers

Emily Cissell

Librarian, Thornburg Middle School

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Piedmont A

Collection Development Instruction Literature Programming

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

8:00am EST

VAASL Supervisors' Session

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Liberty AB

This session will be a discussion/round table of topics for those who lead/supervise librarians. It is open to all who want to grow leadership skills.

Speakers

Amy Hailey

Supervisor, Arlington Public Schools

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Liberty AB

Collection Development Instruction Professional Growth Programming

AASL Inquire, Collaborate, Curate
Audience All Levels

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

Lynne Stover

Teacher Consultant, JMU Center for Economic Education

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

Instruction Literature

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

8:00am EST

Using Constructivist Media Decoding to Empower Students and Improve Media Literacy

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Tidewater AB

In this session, you will learn the basics of Constructivist Media Decoding as developed by Project Look Sharp, an outreach program of Ithaca College that works with K-16 educators to enhance critical thinking, civic engagement, and metacognition through media literacy and professional development.

Speakers

Dale Harter

Librarian, Albert Hill Middle School

After spending five years in High School Land in Chesterfield County, I decided I needed to be rejuvenated and became the librarian at Albert Hill Middle School, in Richmond. I'm a journalist and a public historian who likes to bring people with interesting occupations and interests... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Tidewater AB

Instruction Professional Growth

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

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

Emily Preuss-Anderson

School Librarian/ITRT

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Allegheny C

Instruction Programming

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

8:00am EST

Beyond Books: Tech Initiatives in the Library

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Allegheny AB

Beyond Books demonstrates how technology initiatives in the library transform learning by harnessing communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity to engage students in lessons and community outreach. Session leaders will showcase uses of technology such as 3D printers, sublimation printers, Cricut machines, and iRobots to enhance learning across the curriculum. Sample websites: Tinkercad, Thingiverse, and Canva.

Speakers

Debra Forbes

Librarian, Louisa County Public Schools

I have dedicated 23 years to the field of education, serving as both a teacher and librarian. I have been enriched by the lives of students across five school divisions, teaching a diverse range of learners from elementary to college level. The library has always been one of my happy... Read More →

Nikki Wagoner

Technology Coach/ITRT

My educational background offers a variety of experiences from the grade levels of 5th-12th grade as Career and Technology Classes!During my time as a Technology Coach at LCHS, I have had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of technology in education. It has been... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Allegheny AB

Instruction Technology

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

8:00am EST

Meet the Authors - Secondary

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST

Tidewater CD

Five Virginia and DC Authors who write for Middle School and High School 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

Erin Teagan

author

Erin Teagan is the author of the Luciana series, American Girl’s 2018 Girl of the Year, The Friendship Experiment (HMH), and Survivor Girl (Clarion, 2019). She has a background in science and worked in drug research for more than ten years. She uses many of her experiences from... Read More →

Terry Jennings

Author

I am a Cuban American author of children's books. I am the author of The Little House of Hope, a book about an immigrant family who shares their home with other immigrants to give them a leg up in their new country. The Definitely Dominguita series is a chapter book series about a... Read More →

Edie Hemingway

Author

I am co-author of two Civil War novels, both licensed by Scholastic Book Fairs and optioned for films. My middle grade novel, Road to Tater Hill (Delacorte Press), won a Parents’ Choice Gold Award and was listed on Bank Street College’s Best Books List and several state lists... Read More →

Jen Furlong

Author, MPC Publishing

Author of award-winning YA series The Unimaginables: Hidden City, Tattooed Angel, Magick Squared. Meredith’s World Series (middle-grade humorous adventures) Meredith at The Met, Meredith for Congress. Children’s picture book: Mrs. Cheesely Loves Cheese. Co-Author of Antagonists... Read More →

Heather Murphy Capps

Author, SCBWI Mid-Atlantic

I’m an award-winning author of upper middle-grade books. I write historical fiction and use magical realism—topics I love to talk about, especially with young readers and educators.

Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Tidewater CD

Literature Programming

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

11:00am EST

Building Bridges through Books: High School Librarians Transforming Learning Experiences for All Abilities

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Liberty AB

This session is for secondary librarians ready to design and deliver interactive lessons tailored to the unique needs of students in low-incidence and multiple disabilities classrooms within the high school setting. Librarians will leave the session with a toolkit of activities and resources that can be readily integrated into their library programs to engage and support these exceptional students.

Speakers

Shelby Decker

Librarian, Massaponax High School

Nicole Hagermann

Librarian, Riverbend High School

I have been a high school librarian for 8 years and am passionate about creating a library space that offers something for everyone!

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Liberty AB

Instruction

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate
Audience Middle School, High School

11:00am EST

History in the Making: The Power of Library-Social Studies Collaboration

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Tidewater AB

Dive into the benefits and importance of collaboration between librarians and social studies teachers. Receive resources and lesson ideas to enhance student learning with a variety of interactive and engaging teaching strategies that are classroom-tested. From research and stations to historical artifact footlockers, come share ideas of how the library can engage in history!

Speakers

Laura Channing

Librarian, Stone Bridge High School

Erin Curry

Librarian

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Tidewater AB

Instruction

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

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

Wendy Knox

Librarian, Frederick County Public Schools

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Allegheny AB

Instruction

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

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

Lori Valdepenas

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont B

Instruction Professional Growth

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

11:00am EST

Multiply Math Collaboration

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Patriot AB

Multiply math collaboration in the high school library! Virginia’s 2025 Teacher of the Year and her Librarian and Instructional Technology Coach will share how they made the powerful connection between mathematics, information literacy, and technology and worked together to create meaningful learning for students.

Speakers

Alaina DeHaven

Avanti Yamamoto

Casey Nugent

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Patriot AB

Instruction Technology

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

11:00am EST

Beyond the Pages

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST

Allegheny C

A selection of themed book club activities to do when you are short on time or if no one has read the book.Trying a different approach to our book club meetings has had a positive impact on student engagement. Instead of relying solely on discussion questions, we've started organizing thematic club activities. By tying the discussion topics to the themes of the books, we've seen a significant increase in participation and interest in the club overall. We will share ready to use examples, and allow time to brainstorm together.

Speakers

Amanda Minter

Librarian, Spotsylvania High School

Hillary Moyer

LIBRARIAN, Spotsylvania High School

Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Allegheny C

Programming

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

12:00pm EST

Helping Your School Be Equipped with Book Selections and Science of Reading

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Allegheny AB

As new book and reading requirements unfold, we’ll first share how you can instantaneously get Book Resumes to increase confidence in your collections and purchases. Second, we’ll review share how to use TeachingBooks to identify popular picture books by phonetical classifications to reinforce literacy instruction.

Speakers

Nick Glass

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Allegheny AB

Collection Development Instruction Literature Professional Growth Programming

AASL Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate
Audience All Levels

12:00pm EST

Intentionally Accessible: Designing Welcoming Spaces for Everyone

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Allegheny C

Let's make your library a place everyone can enjoy! Come explore easy ways to make your space more accessible for all students. From simple tweaks to bigger changes, let's share ideas to try right away. You'll leave with new strategies for evaluating and improving your library to be even better!

Speakers

Rachel Grover

Librarian, Fairfax County Public Schools, Rocky Run Middle School

I'm passionate about making the library a welcoming, safe space for the school community to thrive and learn. Talk to me about makerspaces, accessibility, student ownership, best practices for instruction and collaboration with staff, and literally anything else library related. (Oh... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Allegheny C

Collection Development Instruction Professional Growth Programming

AASL Inquire, Include, Explore
Audience Middle School, High School

12:00pm EST

Empowering Your Narrative: Leveraging Canvas and GoOpenVA for Success

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Liberty AB

In collaboration, VDOE and Virtual Virginia will share how to leverage the use of online learning platforms such as Canvas and GoOpenVA. This session will highlight resources that can be tailored to meet the instructional needs within your school division. Please bring your own device to this session.

Speakers

Ryan Champney

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Department of Education

Virginia Department of EducationInstructional Technology Specialist for the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation

Morgan Occhuizzo

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Liberty AB

Collection Development Instruction Professional Growth Technology

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

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

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

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

12:00pm EST

Reading as a Revolutionary Act

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Tidewater CD

Join author Samira Ahmed for a candid discussion about the ongoing attacks on the freedom to read, the role of libraries as lighthouses of our democracy and why art is revolutionary. She will share personal stories of being "cancelled" and banned including work she's doing with Authors Against Book Bans and invites you to share your experiences as well.

Speakers

Samira Ahmed

Author - Keynote

Samira Ahmed is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of numerous works for young people including Love Hate & Other Filters, Internment, Hollow Fires, This Book Won’t Burn, the Amira & Hamza duology and Ms. Marvel: Beyond the Limit. She was born in Bombay, India and grew... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Tidewater CD

Literature Professional Growth

AASL Inquire, Explore, Engage
Audience All Levels

12:00pm EST

Boost Your Productivity with AI

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST

Colony DE

Using Adobe Firefly and Microsoft Copilot as potential tools, participants will learn how to generate prompts to improve workflow in the library and customize content based on student needs. Specific examples will be shown that are transferrable to various AI platforms.

Speakers

Jennifer Terrillion

Librarian, PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY SCHOOLS

Leslie Rhodenhizer

Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Colony DE

Technology

AASL Inquire, Collaborate, Engage
Audience All Levels

1:00pm EST

Comics and Manga in the Classroom - Advanced Session

Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont A

Join us for a collaborative session to analyze comics as historical artifacts, explore their history, and create lesson plans using comics and manga for all subjects. This working session will involve brainstorming ideas and reviewing my planning process for teaching with comics. Bring your device and get ready to collaborate!

Speakers

Emily Cissell

Librarian, Thornburg Middle School

Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont A

Collection Development Instruction Literature Programming

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

1:00pm EST

From Epic Tales to Everyday Heroes: High School Students Shaping Young Citizens

Friday November 8, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST

Piedmont B

In this session, attendees will discover how high school students were able to transform their knowledge of epic and tragic heroes to create citizenship lessons for elementary school students fostering a sense of responsibility and positive community values for all that were involved in this project.

Speakers