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

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8:15am CDT

10 Creative Ways to Engage Students

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

Discover practical and impactful strategies to engage students in the school library. We will focus on creative ways to foster a love of reading, enhance learning experiences, and find time-effective and realistic ways to engage students at all levels. Hands-on learning, digital strategies, and more will be explored!

Speakers

Jackie Markowski

Digital Learning Specialist, Pulaski Community School District

Jackie is in her 18 year of teaching, and 8th year in her role as a Digital Learning Specialist in the Pulaski Community School District, She loves sharing her learning with others. Working in an elementary school setting, she is passionate about engaging students in critical thinking... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 7

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School

Company Culturally Responsive Instruction, Library Space, Literacy

8:15am CDT

Canva 101

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

What can't Canva do?! Over the past 5 years, Canva has become my go-to resource. In this session, you'll learn how to sign up for a free premium educator account, the ins and outs of creating resources with Canva, and how to use this tool with students. You'll leave creating one or more of the following: social media graphics, infographics (like for library reports), posters, flyers, presentations and videos.

Speakers

Danielle Brannan

Secondary Librarian, Greendale School District

This is my 15th year as a school librarian and my first year with my current district, Greendale Public Schools near Milwaukee. I work in the middle school and high school libraries, and I love it! Being a school librarian is my dream job.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Beginner, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Advocacy, Facilitating Professional Learning, Students as Creators

8:15am CDT

Coding Corner: A Librarian's Toolkit

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

BCC Connect AB West A3

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

Creating Computer Science Pathways at the Elementary Level: Where to put it. How to do it. Resources to support it.

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 6

This session will walk participants through the process of building awareness and understanding around what computer science learning can look like at the K-6 level. We will include specific steps we have put in place to engage staff, gather feedback and make decisions around curricular resources to support this learning. We will also explore creative solutions for integrating this work into already full days including the use of library time.

We are gathering a variety of data and feedback to evaluate and inform our practices around integrating computer science at the elementary levels. We have seen growth and changes in student and teacher skills as well as confidence in their ability to master computer science principles. We will look at a variety of tools/platforms including CodeHS, code.org, and robots to support this work.

Speakers

Jennifer Schlie-Reed

Digital Learning Coach, School District of New Berlin

Jennifer Schlie-Reed is an ISTE Emerging Leader (2014), a Google Certified Innovator, a Google for Education Trainer and a PBS Digital Innovator (2015). She is a Digital Learning Coach in the School District of New Berlin and works with educators in grades K-12. She has also taught... Read More →

Caroline Haebig

Innovative, Inclusive Learning Consultant & Coach

Caroline D. Haebig works for the School District of New Berlin, a pK-12 district, in New Berlin, WI leading change by redefining learning using maker technology and design thinking, specializing in coaching for educators and administrators.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 6

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School

Company Coding, Facilitating Professional Learning, Students as Creators

8:15am CDT

Critically Analyzing Media: Empowering Students Through Media Literacy

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

Hilton Garden Room B

Young people’s lives are increasingly filled with digital media and teaching students how to be savvy, critical consumers is more important than ever. Let’s practice our media literacy skills by analyzing how media is made. We’ll discuss ways to analyze the messages media creators send, from bias and representation to design, tone, and more. Discover how these creative choices shape our students’ perceptions and actions. We’ll share tips, tricks and resources for analyzing media and discuss how to inspire students to become critical consumers.

Speakers

Nick Ostrem

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin

Tuesday March 11, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am CDT
Hilton Garden Room B

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Literacy, Students as Creators

8:15am CDT

Digging Into Your Collection

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

BCC Collaborate A

Collection development is so much more than ordering books. It requires intentional examination of your collection from different angles: what does your library have and what does it need? This session will share different ways to look at your collection and helpful hints to make the process smoother, more efficient, and more deliberate. Come with a computer and plan to dig into your collection!

Speakers

Val Edwards

Teresa Voss

Librarian, Verona Area School District

I believe that all students should see themselves and feel like the library, be it the physical space or the virtual, is their home. I serve as the high school and district librarian for the Verona Area School District. I have taught in all grade levels and internationally. These... Read More →

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

Beginner, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Budget & Resources, Collection development

9:30am CDT

Empowering Students Through Digital Storytelling: Building a Media Club for Creative Communication and Production

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 6

Unlock the power of student creativity through storytelling, digital production, and multimedia communication in this dynamic workshop. Learn to build a thriving Media Club that empowers students to craft compelling narratives using WeVideo, photography, editing, and interviews. This session will show how a Media Club fosters creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy, while helping students become confident communicators and storytellers.

Through hands-on activities, you'll learn how to guide students in creating high-quality video projects from concept to production. This workshop provides actionable strategies to integrate digital storytelling into your classroom or after-school program.

Learning Targets:

Develop student storytelling skills with multimedia tools and techniques.
Master WeVideo for video editing, sound design, and visual effects.
Foster teamwork and collaboration in digital media projects.
Equip students with digital communication skills for the 21st century.
Leave with practical, innovative approaches you can implement right away!

Speakers

Trisha Sabel

Instructional Media Specialist, Manitowoc Public School District

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 6

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Students as Creators

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

Getting Started with AI Literacy: Preparing Students for an AI-Driven World

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 2

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) programs like ChatGPT and Google Gemini are transforming how we access and evaluate information. This presentation will include an introduction to popular Gen AI tools, their real-world uses and limitations, and the ethical challenges they present. We will explore the concept of AI literacy and the importance of moving beyond the hype to critically evaluate AI products.

Attendees will learn how to effectively discuss Gen AI with students and colleagues, fostering critical thinking about its use and implications. Attendees will learn about practical resources for teaching about AI and staying up to date in this fast-moving field.

Speakers

Jodi Pierre

Research & Instruction Librarian, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

I am a Research & Instruction Librarian at UW-Green Bay Libraries. As a member of the technology and digital transformation team, I help manage the library website, LibGuides, and Primo VE discovery service (branded Search@UW).

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 2

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Data & Privacy, Facilitating Professional Learning, Literacy

9:30am CDT

Prioritizing Choice Reading in the High School

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Have you seen a decline in reading among secondary school students? Are you wondering how to increase opportunities for choice reading and library utilization at your high school? Brookfield Central High School Principal, Brett Grueztmacher, and High School Librarian, Colleen Fenno Ladwig, will discuss our experience over the past three years of hosting quarterly “check out weeks,” which bring students into the library to checkout choice books for regularly scheduled, cross-discipline, independent reading. We will also consider other efforts we’ve made to ignite and inspire reading, including building a school-wide reading culture, offering passive programming, and factoring in larger trends in reading that make emphasizing choice reading at the secondary level more important now than ever. Finally, we will welcome suggestions from other secondary school librarians who have successful strategies for the high school library: how are you igniting and inspiring reading in your schools?

Speakers

Colleen Fenno Ladwig

Brett Gruetzmacher

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Beginner, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Instructional Partnerships, Library Space, Literacy

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

9:30am CDT

World in Motion: Engaging Students in Media Literacy Through Video Creation

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

In today’s visual media-driven world, teaching media literacy is more important than ever. The "World in Motion" video creation lesson equips students with essential media literacy skills through a hands-on project that explores various forms of motion—whether physical, emotional, or societal. In this interactive session, participants will experience the lesson firsthand. They will learn to guide students in planning, storyboarding, shooting, and editing short video projects. Attendees will explore accessible video editing tools, engage in hands-on activities, and discover strategies to integrate video creation into their curriculum to enhance critical thinking, storytelling, and media literacy. By the end, participants will: Understand how to implement a media literacy-focused video project. Gain adaptable storyboarding and video editing strategies. Experience creating engaging, interactive student projects.

Speakers

Dana Pike

Library Media Specialist, Columbus School District

Dana Pike is a Library Media Specialist in the Columbus School District.

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Students as Creators

9:30am CDT

¡A Leer y Competir! Organizando una Batalla de Libros!

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 7

Investing in students' home languages is a powerful tool for equity. Librarians can create rigorous opportunities for an often neglected reading population. Learn how MMSD hosts an annual Batalla de Libros in grades 4-8. Advanced Learning Coach Katie Hayden and LMTS Hollis Rudiger will guide you through the process: creating teams, selecting books, writing questions, and running the tournament. They'll share book lists and selection processes. Spanish knowledge isn't necessary, and can help monolingual librarians support biliteracy goals, even in smaller settings. This model can be adapted for other languages and grades. Join us for a lively, multilingual discussion!

Speakers

Hollis Rudiger

Hollis became an old school librarian in 1997, but recently drove back to the future, and is settling nicely into 2024. She is also, reluctantly, a Media and Technology Specialist. She has been an ed tech trainer, an ESL teacher, a librarian at the CCBC, a tutor and coach for neurodivergent... Read More →

Katie Hayden

Tuesday March 11, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 7

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School

Company Culturally Responsive Instruction, Instructional Partnerships, Literacy

10:45am CDT

Be the GOAT of Your Library

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

BCC Collaborate B

Pull up to this hype session where we’re dropping all the hottest tips to level up your library game. Whether you're running on a skeleton crew, just getting your feet wet in the library world, or juggling multiple buildings, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas that will help you flex your library skills. We’re gonna introduce you to our student-led program, Library Leaders, show you how to make book checkouts lit, and share ways to help classroom teachers without breaking a sweat. Plus, we’ll give you the lowdown on building confidence with your library aides so they can slay in their roles. Don’t miss out – it’s gonna be fire! 🔥📚

Speakers

Jamie Jestadt

Library Media Specialist, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools

Kat Barthel

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
BCC Collaborate B

Beginner, Elementary

Company Collaborative Leadership, Facilitating Professional Learning, Students as Creators

10:45am CDT

Beyond the Bookshelf: Exploring Author Encounters

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 2

This session will lead educators through the process of selecting, preparing for, affording, and maximizing the impact of author visits in your school. Learn strategies for choosing authors that resonate with your students and curriculum, discover effective preparations to ensure a seamless visit, explore budget-friendly options, and uncover creative ways to engage both students and authors during their time at your school.

Speakers

Joe Diefenthaler

Library Media Specialist, Pulaski School District

I have taught in the Pulaski School District since 2000 before taking the role of the Library Media Specialist at Pulaski Community Middle School (PCMS) and Pulaski High School for the past 14 years. While keeping students in the forefront, I have helped to bring programs to PCMS... Read More →

Jackie Markowski

Digital Learning Specialist, Pulaski Community School District

Jen Wathke

LMS, West De Pere School District

Jen is a Library Media/Instructional Technology Specialist for the School District of West De Pere. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on a variety of topics including Google Apps for Education, YouTube in the Classroom, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 2

Beginner, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Advocacy, Community Partnerships, Literacy

10:45am CDT

Engaging Teens: Inspiring a Love for the Library in the High School

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Getting teenagers excited can be a challenge. Now getting them excited about reading and using the library- even a bigger challenge. So how do we spark their interest in the library? This session will explore innovative ideas for both passive and active programming, strategies to engage students and inspire a love for reading, and effective ways to promote the library.

Speakers

Deidre Olson

Library Media Teacher, Mary D. Bradford High School

Hello, I am Deidre Olson and I am a dedicated library media teacher with over 23 years of experience in education and libraries. I am passionate about literacy and technology, As a mother of two teenagers, I understand the challenges and joys of teenagers and wouldn't want to spend... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Beginner, High School

Company Library Space, Literacy, Students as Creators

10:45am CDT

Let's Get Students Hooked on Books!

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

In this session, we'll explore programming options for your library to help students explore books and hopefully even fall in love with a few. I'll present activities I've hosted in the past, including READ Dating, Virtual READ Dating, Book Buffets, etc. I'll provide information on multiple ways to set these activities up and share a template for Virtual READ Dating. We will also talk about data collection so you can prove these activities work to help get students excited about reading! Have you hosted this type of activity in your library? If so, please join us to share other ideas. New to the idea? We'll cover everything you need to know to host one of these activities when you get back to school! Bring a device and start to build a Virtual READ dating experience during this session! Let's get students hooked on books!

Speakers

Mande Shecterle

Library Technology Specialist, Stoughton Area School District

I have been a library media specialist at River Bluff Middle School for the past twenty years. I love getting students excited about books and reading! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, reading, attending Badger sporting events, and... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Literacy, Library Programming

10:45am CDT

My Genrfying Journey: Genrefying an entire elementary library

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 7

This session will focus on the organization of the elementary library. The idea behind genrefying a school library will be discussed as well as how I have genrefied our fiction and nonfiction books and have started out the picture book reorganization. I will discuss the physical changes that were made to the books, the space, the supplies I purchased to reorganize (labels, covers, and face out bins), the changes made in Follett Destiny as well as the impact these changes had to our circulation numbers. I believe strongly in this type of organization and am excited to share the benefits of this with other librarians.

Speakers

Keri Johnson

K-5 Learning Center Director, Copeland Manor

My road to the library began in a classroom in 2000. I taught fourth grade for thirteen years before I made the transition to the library. This is my seventh year in that position. I earned my bachelors degree in human development and family studies from the University of Illinois... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 7

Beginner, Elementary

Company Budget & Resources, Library Space, Literacy

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

10:45am CDT

Story Stuffy Kits: Introducing 4K to new friends

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

Hilton Garden Room A

For the past 3 years, the 300 4K students in Kimberly School District have been borrowing an unconventional item from their school library: stuffed animals. While the thought of this might strike fear in some, these unconventional library items are cleaned after every single use, affordably acquired, well-maintained in backpack kits, and the most popular library item among students and parents alike. If you're working with younger library students, especially those in preschool, and looking for a unique collaboration option within your district, check out this session!

Speakers

Erin Wedemeier

Library Media Specialist, Kimberly Area School District

Erin Wedemeier is currently the 4K-8 Library Media Specialist at Kimberly Area School District. After teaching middle school language arts for 6 years, she earned her Masters degree in library science and her role switched to middle school library and reading intervention. Her role... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Hilton Garden Room A

Beginner, Early childhood, Elementary

Company Instructional Partnerships, Literacy

10:45am CDT

Telling Your Library's Story

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 1

What was your journey to library work? How has the library helped you during a hard time? In this session we will learn how to collect and use library stories to tell The Library’s Story. We will spend time interviewing each other to generate stories right away and leave with prompts and strategies for gathering stories from patrons. We will also discuss how stories complement data and enhance presentations on the library’s offerings and accomplishments.

Speakers

Sarah Beth Nelson

Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

Sarah Beth Nelson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Information Studies. Before becoming a professor, Sarah Beth worked in public and school libraries. In addition to researching oral information, she studies the American reality (true, personal... Read More →

Tuesday March 11, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 1

Beginner, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Advocacy