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

12:30pm CDT

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Bring your ideas and come ready to discuss as we solve the problems of technology in the schools! One of the best things about conferences is the ability to discuss ideas and problems with other professionals. Our session will be full of questions and we are looking for the answers from you! This will be an interactive session with attendee discussion.

Topics to be discussed are:

School Technology issues
School Technology success
District Technology training
Technology in the library

Let’s lay the groundwork about what is next and how we can make technology education for your district students and staff the best it can be!

Speakers

Dan Levendoski

Solutions Architect, School District of La Crosse

My office is in Technology Services, but I work with people; not things.

Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Library and HPL Teacher, School District of La Crosse

While working at Walt Disney World in Florida I decided to continue my education, and in August 2003 earned my Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. After completing my degree, I joined the staff at the Lake Wales Public Library as... Read More →

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 1

Intermediate, Early childhood, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Collaborative Spaces, Facilitating Professional Learning, Technology

1:45pm CDT

Generative AI Share Out for Busy Administrators

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Administrator's calendars fill up quickly with parent meetings, observations, team meetings, and unexpected responsibilities. Do you need some dedicated time to collaborate with other admins on the topic of generative artificial intelligence? This collaborative session will help us crowdsource the best ideas in Wisconsin from one another. The session will begin by narrowing in on 2-4 topics to focus on so that the interests of the group are addressed. Then participants will engage in a protocol to share their Generative AI successes and struggles. Topics may include policy; administrative procedures; how to support staff learning; appropriate use of AI student product continuums; efficiency strategies for administrative tasks; favorite Gen AI tools; or other topics that interest the group.

Speakers

Elizabeth Freeman

Superintendent, Rocket Academy - Cedar Grove Belgium School District

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Collaborative Leadership, Collaborative Spaces, Facilitating Professional Learning

1:45pm CDT

Keeping Up-To-Date with Google Workspaces

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT

BCC Collaborate B

Discover the latest features available in Google Docs, slides, drawings and more of the Google tools we use on a regular basis. Learn tips and tricks for integrating the Google Tools for Education in creative and time-saving ways.

Speakers

Deb Norton

Technology Coach, Oshkosh North High School

Deb Norton is a former 5th grade classroom teacher, who now works at Oshkosh North high school where she is a Technology Integration Specialist and Tech Coach. She has her Master’s Degree in Educational Technology, is a Google Certified Trainer, and is the lead instructor of an... Read More →

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
BCC Collaborate B

Intermediate, Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Collaborative Spaces, Instructional Partnerships, Google Workspaces

3:00pm CDT

Secondary School Librarians Unite!

Sunday March 9, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 1

Let's share our favorite tips & tricks for secondary (middle and high school) libraries! This session will be interactive. Emily and Danielle will share some of our favorite mini lesson topics, collection development strategies (buying & weeding), study hall management, programming, and display ideas. Come to this session ready to be inspired, and prepared to share some of your favorite tips & tricks with the group.

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.

Emily Dittmar

Library Media Specialist, Muskego High School

Emily Dittmar is the Librarian at Muskego High School. She is an active participant in many state library networks including serving on the WEMTA Board and CESA 1 Library Network

Sunday March 9, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 1

Beginner, Middle School, High School, Higher Education

Company Budget & Resources, Collaborative Spaces, Library Space

8:45am CDT

Navigating BIPOC Librarianship

Monday March 10, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 1

We would like to facilitate a conversation on the experiences of people of color in the predominantly white world of library school and libraries. We will share common pitfalls that deter poc from continuing in librarianship. Based on our shared experiences, we will create a list together of ways that non-poc and other poc can support and encourage the growth and diversification of the profession, and those already within it.

Speakers

Joy Zander

Dolores Brown

Preschool & Lower School Library, University School of Milwaukee

Ivana Renteria

Middle School Librarian, University School of Milwaukee

My name is Ivana Renteria. I am the middle school librarian as well as the Department Chair of Libraries at the University School of Milwaukee. I am the 2023 winner of the Charles F. Wright Technology and Innovation Award, which is granted to faculty members who enhance their teaching... Read More →

Monday March 10, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 1

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

Company Collaborative Leadership, Collaborative Spaces, Culturally Responsive Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Brave Libraries

Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

BCC Collaborate C

Many of us believe our libraries are “safe” or perhaps “brave” spaces. But how do we make these spaces safe? Who feels safest? Are ground rules at odds with free speech? What happens when someone causes harm with their words or actions? Do safe spaces even exist?

Sarah Beth shares her research on brave spaces along with lessons learned from open mic shows and storytelling workshops. We will plan strategies for creating and holding brave library spaces such as: including participants in creating rules of engagement, setting participant expectations around being brave, articulating consequences of transgression, and following through on consequences. There isn’t one “right” way to create a brave space so workshop participants will use this time to consider which brave space practices will work best with their libraries.

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 →

Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
BCC Collaborate C

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

Company Collaborative Spaces, Culturally Responsive Instruction, Library Space

1:00pm CDT

TechnoTeachers

Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Hilton Garden Room A

Build a teacher technology team by tapping into the talent already present in your school. There's immense potential for growth in developing and leveraging the skills of your current staff. This session will guide you through a step-by-step process to help you unlock that potential and create a strong, collaborative team.

Speakers

Sonja Pupovac

Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Coach, Milwaukee Public Schools

Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Hilton Garden Room A

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

Company Collaborative Leadership, Collaborative Spaces, Facilitating Professional Learning

3:00pm CDT

Augmented Reality in the Library (Attendees receive a free Merge Cube)

Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Merge Edu is a platform that has been around for quite a while and many educators have a Merge Cube (or many) sitting on a shelf, unused. If you don't have one, don't fret, as all attendees of this session (up to 30) will receive a free cube.

Merge has grown to be a well-known augmented reality tool with science-aligned lessons. We love watching educators get excited about Merge--if the educators can get this excited, imagine what your students will think!

We will explore the Merge EDU platform and you'll get a free trial. Some features will be free forever, some are subscription based. No matter your subscription type, you'll leave this session energized and full of ideas.

Please bring an ipad, chromebook, or phone (some sort of technology that will allow you to downlad apps)

Speakers

Sheri Omernik

Educational Consultant, Mackin

Mackin is a long-term education distributor for print, ebooks, and makerspace products and other library and classroom materials for grades PK-12.Known throughout the world over for exemplary service and a stringent attention to detail, we have access to over 18,000 publishers and... Read More →

Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

Beginner, Elementary, Middle School, High School

Company Collaborative Spaces, Library Space, Makerspace

3:00pm CDT

Implementing a Teacher-led Elementary STEM Program

Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Sheraton Wisconsin 1

The School District of Beloit Turner's library and technology departments will share their process for growing their EC- 5th Grade STEM program where teachers are empowered to lead lessons. Aligning our lessons with standards provides students with STEM learning experiences that encourage creativity and exploration. We’ll share how our library media specialist and IT director develop instructional activities that include VR, Legos, Ozobots, Bloxels, WeVideo, Digital Storytelling, Bee-Bot, Sphero, 3D printing, and more. You’ll see how we were able to create and coordinate STEM lessons that teachers of all comfort levels are able to deliver successfully.

Speakers

Liz Langer

Beloit Turner

Mike Sindahl

Director of Technology, Beloit Tuner School District

I am the Director of Technology in Beloit Turner School District . This is my 5th year supporting teachers with integrating technology into their classrooms. Before supporting teachers with integrating technology into their instruction I was a 7-12 business teacher.

Monday March 10, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 1

Intermediate, Early childhood, Elementary

Company Collaborative Spaces, Library Space, 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

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