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VAASL 2024 Annual Conference
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                                                                                                       Welcome to the VAASL 2024 Fall Conference App! 
                                                                                       Telling Our Story through an incredible program of sessions and events.

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Wednesday, November 6
 

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
avatar for IdaMae Craddock

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

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
avatar for Jennifer Hill

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

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

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
avatar for Ryan Champney

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

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
avatar for Joyce Johnston

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
 
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

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

Book Repair and Processing on a Dime (In Your
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Allegheny C
Kids are HARD on books! Ever feel like no one showed you how to properly glue, repair, and cover books to be shelf-ready (and kid-proof)? We've learned lots of tips and tricks through our decade in the library and cannot wait to share with you! Session includes demo of covering paperbacks and hardcovers with ease, using spine labels to help students find books independently, along with how to get the most from your thermal binding machine!  Come for the info, stay for the door prizes!
Speakers
avatar for Marney Clark

Marney Clark

Library Media Specialist, King George Middle School
avatar for Jessica Drinks

Jessica Drinks

Library Media Specialist
Thursday November 7, 2024 10:00am - 10:45am EST
Allegheny C
  Professional Growth

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
avatar for Jen Spisak

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

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

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
avatar for Audrey Church

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

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

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

What Do School Librarians Need to Know About Virginia Public Libraries?
Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Patriot AB
Public libraries and schools are logical partners who can best serve their communities by working together. Collaboration is easier when school librarians have a better understanding of current topics in education. Get up to speed on what you need to know to more effectively partner with your local public library.
Speakers
avatar for Sue La Paro

Sue La Paro

Youth Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia
I provide comprehensive consulting services, training, and support to Virginia’s public libraries in the areas of school readiness and summer and out of school learning for children, youth, and families.
avatar for Barry Trott

Barry Trott

Adult Services Consultant, The Library of Virginia
Barry Trott is Adult Services Consultant at the Library of Virginia, where he helps public libraries across the Commonwealth plan and develop services for adult library users. He earned his MSLS from The Catholic University of America School of Library and Information Science in 1997... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Patriot AB
  Professional Growth

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

Achievement Unlocked: Cracking the Code to Collaboration
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Allegheny C
In this session, we will discuss the challenges to establishing and maintaining a collaborative relationship between teachers and school librarians. It wouldn't be much of a session if we didn't offer solutions for those challenges, so we'll do that, too. We've got two librarians, a teacher, and a bunch of ideas. Join us in cracking the code to collaboration!
Speakers
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
DJ
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Allegheny C
  Instruction   Professional Growth

1:00pm EST

Designing Learning for Adults: The Elements of Effective Professional Development
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont C
Want to provide effective professional development for the staff in your school? Interested in presenting at a conference but wonder how to convey your experience to colleagues? Come to this session to learn the tenets of adult learning theory and some practical ideas to make your PD lasting and effective.
Speakers
avatar for Stacy Gilbert

Stacy Gilbert

Librarian, Hayfield Secondary School
I am a middle- and high-school librarian (grades 7-12) in Fairfax County who previously taught secondary math. Find me to talk about: library services to underserved groups and content areas, makerspaces, books for teens, LGBTQ+ joy, 90s teen movies, that time I babysat Miley Cyrus... Read More →
Thursday November 7, 2024 1:00pm - 1:45pm EST
Piedmont C
  Instruction   Professional Growth
 
Friday, November 8
 

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
avatar for Amy Hailey

Amy Hailey

Supervisor, Arlington Public Schools
Friday November 8, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EST
Liberty AB
  Collection Development   Instruction   Professional Growth   Programming

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
avatar for Dale Harter

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

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

Your Story IS Library Advocacy!
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont A
Nan Carmack, President of the Virginia Library Association, and Christine Ware, VAASL Treasurer, will present findings and recommendations from the American Library Association’s Advocacy Workshop, held in December 2023. Learn how VAASL and VLA have strengthened their collaboration and how you can be part of the next steps. Leave with actionable items for you to be a library advocate in your school, your community, and your state!
Speakers
avatar for Christine Ware

Christine Ware

Librarian, Gainesville Middle School for the Arts & Sciences
'25 VAASL Conference Chair
avatar for Nan Carmack

Nan Carmack

Director, Library Development and Networking, Library of Virginia
Talk to me about collaborating with Virginia Public Libraries as well as what the Library of Virginia can do for you!
Friday November 8, 2024 11:00am - 11:45am EST
Piedmont A
  Professional Growth

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
NG
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Allegheny AB
  Collection Development   Instruction   Literature   Professional Growth   Programming

12:00pm EST

Meet Them Where They Are: Using Instagram in the Library
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Piedmont B
How do you promote your library when everyone is glued to their phones? Meet them where they live by utilizing Instagram. This session is perfect for those who have no time, those who have tons of time, those who are just starting out, and those who have reached influencer status.
Speakers
avatar for Erinn Harris

Erinn Harris

Librarian, Woodson High School
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Piedmont B
  Collection Development   Instruction   Literature   Professional Growth   Programming   Technology

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
avatar for Rachel Grover

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

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
avatar for Ryan Champney

Ryan Champney

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Department of Education
Virginia Department of EducationInstructional Technology Specialist for the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation
avatar for Morgan Occhuizzo
Friday November 8, 2024 12:00pm - 12:45pm EST
Liberty AB
  Collection Development   Instruction   Professional Growth   Technology

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
avatar for Samira Ahmed

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
 
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