WEMTA 2025 - Ignite and Inspire: Impacting Learning Together: Full Schedule

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8:15am CDT

Coding Corner: A Librarian's Toolkit

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Are you ready to empower your educators with engaging computer science resources?
This session will guide you through the process of creating and curating computer science content boxes to expand your lessons beyond the library walls. Learn how to select age-appropriate materials, design engaging activities, and organize resources for easy access. By the end of this session, you will have the tools and knowledge to create impactful computer science content boxes that inspire your teachers and students.

Speakers

Amy Bires

Computer Science & Digital Learning, WI Department of Public Instruction

Amy Bires is the Computer Science and Digital Learning Educational Consultant at the Department of Public Instruction. She started her career as a Business and Information Technology (IT) teacher and taught various grade levels for 16 years. After teaching she worked as the Northeast... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
BCC Connect AB West A3

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School

Company Coding, Collaborative Spaces

8:15am CDT

Dewey Still Exists....Sort of. Genrefy Your Non-Fiction.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 3

I genrefied my non-fiction section, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made for my libraries. Session attendants will learn about my process throughout, how I display it, and maintain it. We will also talk about reactions pre and post genrefication.

Speakers

Jessica Graham

Library Media Technology Integrator, Menomonie School District

Embrace weirdness! I love animals! Well, not bugs and insects, or reptiles, but pretty much any mammal. So I guess I should have said, "I love mammals!"My time is divided between reading for myself and reading for students. I'm one of those weird people who read multiple books... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Intermediate, Elementary

Company Collaborative Spaces, Library Space, Literacy

9:30am CDT

Fixer Upper - Season 6, Episode 1

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

BCC Boardroom

Have a library in need of an overhaul? On a limited budget? Not sure where to start? In this session we will learn how to create a library space Chip and Joanna would be proud of! Over the last few years I’ve been able to update the spaces in each of my 9 libraries to make them more fun and functional. I will share floor plans, before/after pictures, tips and tricks for maximizing your space, furniture feedback, and organizational ideas to breathe new life into your library! This would be a great session if you are relatively new to the library or have a limited amount of staff to help with your transformation.

Speakers

Jamie Jestadt

Library Media Specialist, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools

Hi there! I'm Jamie Jestadt from Wisconsin Rapids. This is my 8th year as Library Media Specialist for the nine elementary schools in our district. I have over 2,500 amazing students who teach me something new every day. I love everything about the library and am so excited to be... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
BCC Boardroom

Beginner, Early childhood, Elementary

Company Budget & Resources, Collaborative Spaces, Library Space

9:30am CDT

Wisconsin Adventures - Roll for Initiative!

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Hilton Garden Room A

Proven education foundations and dragon-slaying go hand in hand! Wisconsin Adventures combines the myths and legends of Wisconsin’s past with the deep learning opportunities of fantasy roleplaying games (RPGs). Engage your students with this unique place-based learning opportunity.
Wisconsin Adventures presents a Wisconsin filled with the legends of our past. A werewolf on the prowl; a lizard-like creature that feasts on livestock; a knight errant on a quest; and more.
This dynamic, play-based learning resource opens new strategies for educational engagement. Interactive storytelling lets anyone become the hero of their own narrative. Empowerment builds self-confidence, and the cooperative nature of RPGs develops the interpersonal skills that students need to succeed.
In our session you'll learn how Wisconsin Adventures came to be, why this model can work for your school, go through the history behind the game, and get started creating your very own Wisconsin Adventures.

Speakers

Kurt Griesemer

Manager of PK12 Education Initiatives, Wisconsin Historical Society

Kurt Griesemer has been involved in education for over 20 years, teaching in public and private schools, creating classroom media for television and the web, and currently as the Coordinator of Primary Education at the Wisconsin Historical Society. Kurt has produced several video... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hilton Garden Room A

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Collaborative Spaces, Literacy, Students as Creators

10:45am CDT

Passive Programming in the Secondary Library

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT

BCC Connect AB West A3

Getting students to buy in to a secondary library when it has to be their choice to come can be a challenge and trust me, we don't have everything figured out either. But creating a comfortable and welcoming environment, a refuge for the kids who need it, and a reputation for solving problems can make the library a hub of activity in your building. Join us in discussing how we've worked to create this environment within our libraries and brainstorm more ideas on what we can do together. We'll be sharing about spaces, passive programming ideas, events and activities within the library as well as what we've done to create a reputation of solving problems with students and staff.

Speakers

Nicci Verbeten

Library Media/Instructional Technology Specialist, West De Pere School District

Ashley Knapp

Library Media Instructional Technology Specialist, West De Pere High School

I am a high school Library Media/Instructional Specialist, and I also serve as the building's Talent Development Coordinator. Prior to this position, I was a high school and middle school English/Language Arts Teacher.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
BCC Connect AB West A3

Beginner, Middle School, High School

Company Collaborative Leadership, Collaborative Spaces, Library Space