You’ve got the passion, you’ve got the drive, and now you’ve got the job! So… what now? You’re probably the only librarian in your school - maybe the only librarian in your district.
Becoming a new school librarian can be overwhelming. You may have read about Amanda Jones fighting censorship or watched Mychal Threets spread library joy on TikTok, but you're still just getting your feet under you — while you’re also being asked to cover lunch duty, teach typing, and oh, your space will be used for a staff meeting so all your furniture will be rearranged and not put back — is that okay?
Kristin Rosenberg has been the new librarian in five different school and public libraries and wants to share some actionable tips and tricks you can take back to your library. In this practical presentation, we’ll discuss things like boundaries, goal setting, and how to manage your never-ending to-do list.
Kristin Rosenberg is a lot like a pleasant cat you might see around the neighborhood - a little skittish and easily overwhelmed, but likes people once she has time to warm up to them. Also, she'll go just about anywhere if there's going to be food.Originally from Ohio, she has over... Read More →
In December 2023/January 2024, I researched Wisconsin school librarians' perceptions of inclusive children's literature by adapting existing validated surveys from School Library Journal. My goal was to learn school librarians’ perceptions of inclusive literature and investigate alignment among school district collection development policies, school librarians’ professional book selection philosophies, and the Multidimensional Framework for Inclusive Literature (MFIL) (Pfundheller & Liesch, 2023). Join this session to learn results and recommendations for our field.
Dr. Jacqueline D. Liesch has taught students from ages 3 to 18-years old in Wisconsin, Ecuador, South Carolina, and Japan. Teaching students from around the world has enabled me to learn from their perspectives and experiences. Furthermore, by living, studying, volunteering, teaching... Read More →
Just like choice boards allow students to work at their own pace and drive their own learning, teachers can also reap the benefits through doing their own professional development in a similar manner. Choice Boards in Professional development boost teacher engagement and incentivize trying new things and broadening the classroom experience. By giving professional staff choice they can choose PD in areas that they see fit to aid in their professional life and the classroom. In the three years since implementation we have seen an average of 46% of professional staff choose to participate, earning an average of 13 squares a year.
Amber Houslet has been the Library Technology Specialist for the Pardeeville Area School District since 2010. She spent the first 6 years of her teaching life in the classroom before transitioning to her current role.She is a Google Certified teacher and has participated in many Technology... Read More →
IGNITE your school library career with the American Association of School Librarians! Take your career to the next level by networking with professionals in your field nationally and accessing resources to inform and expand your practice. Apply national teaching and program standards to your instruction and lean on the professionalism of the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. Participants will understand what the AASL is and offers. Explore member benefits. Learn how to become a member.
Christine O'Regan is a library media teacher consultant for Kenosha Unified School District. She has worked as a school librarian for 20+ years in elementary, high school and district levels. She is also the AASL state affiliate for WEMTA. The best part of her career are the opportunities... Read More →
This session will help participants understand how to incorporate Indigenous Studies into their teaching and learning. Many educators have been taught to teach about cultures; however, students will be better engaged and retain more information when educators teach culturally. In this session, not only will resources and materials about the American Indian nations' histories, treaty rights, sovereignty and cultures be shared, but participants will also be given ideas, examples, and direction regarding teaching culturally. The four I’s mark the stages of an educator’s journey to incorporate Indigenous Studies into their work: inform, include, integrate, and infuse. When considering each of the I’s, all stages are important in the process. It takes time, growth, and understanding to develop a curriculum that supports multiple narratives and perspectives of First Nations Studies into lesson plans, pedagogical practices, material selections and district curriculum. The expected outcome of the session will be that as educators incorporate teaching culturally into their teaching, their students' achievement will increase and improve.
Students' excitement while wearing the goggles “brings down the house”. Their voices of joy, “saying look at this”are contagious during these immersive experiences. Their oohs and ahhs tell me life is good. Learners run to show their classroom teacher showing them what they are seeing. The sheer volume has brought administrators into the LMC to see what’s going on. Come discover how virtual reality (VR) can ignite a passion for learning and inspire your students by: Participate in a hands-on Virtual Reality field trip to space and beyond Steps for preparing students for virtual reality experiences. What The Robot LAB Standard VR Kit is and how easy it is to use Exploring what VR field trips are already available How to use a Ricoh 360-Degree Camera for making the Images to create your own VR tours Experience some of the VR experiences successfully done with students Brainstorming VR ideas to inspire creating VR experiences impacting learning together
School Library Media Specialist, Appleton Area School District
Jeff celebrates 35 years serving the AASD as a library media specialist and is a longtime WEMTA member. He earned a Master’s in Library Science (UW-Madison), and a Bachelor’s Degree in elementary education (UW-La Crosse). One of his proudest achievements was receiving the special... Read More →
Professional Learning Communities are rarely one-size-fits-all, nor should they be! Join me for a dynamic, interactive roundtable discussion designed to help you build and sustain a vibrant, effective Professional Learning Community. Let’s talk about what has worked for you, what challenges you're still navigating, and how you're staying connected with others who are in the same boat. Together, we’ll explore strategies for staying current, maintaining engagement, and supporting one another in our shared work.
Amber Houslet has been the Library Technology Specialist for the Pardeeville Area School District since 2010. She spent the first 6 years of her teaching life in the classroom before transitioning to her current role.She is a Google Certified teacher and has participated in many Technology... Read More →
The school librarian should take a leadership role in their school, but many of the required leadership skills have to be learned the hard way through trial, error, and time. The presenter will share the interpersonal and intrapersonal lessons learned as a district leader--and why they are useful in a school library position. Don't wait until you've moved into a leadership role before grabbing these adaptive skills and perspectives! Join us to share your own helpful lessons learned with other attendees as well.
Library Services Coordinator, Madison Metropolitan School District
Maegan Heindel is a school librarian, teacher, author, and Library Services Coordinator in Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, WI. In her 19 years as an educator, she has been an ALA Emerging Leader, Wisconsin Learning4Life Coordinator, AASL Affiliate Assembly member... Read More →
Discover how Discovery Education resources can empower educators to create collaborative classrooms where students thrive in student-centered learning environments. Learn how to harness the power of a wide variety of resources including digital content such as images, videos, and podcasts, along with collaborative boards, interactive videos, and professional learning channels with a collection of research-based instructional strategies that foster collaboration and communication among peers. Maximize the impact of DE’s “ready-to-use” lessons and content to drive various instructional outcomes for all disciplines. Learn how districts utilize DE as their primary digital instructional content provider enabling student-centered learning classrooms. Leave with practical tips and resources to transform your classroom into a collaborative learning environment where students develop essential skills for success in academics and beyond. Join us to unlock the full potential of your students!
Megan Foster has been supporting Intermediate Units with Discovery Education since 2018. She previously taught 3rd and 4th grade in Denver Public Schools. She has a passion for elementary education and project-based learning.
Decision-makers need data. Librarians, School and district administrators, and school board members all have opinions on what should be happening in the library and how library funding should be used. Opinions and feelings are not how you build a library program. We'll explore ways that I've collected and analyzed data to tell a data story that has helped decision-makers make positive change in my libraries and district.
Bilingual Library Media Specialist, School District of Waukesha
This is my 13th year in education and my second year as a library media specialist. The old school ladies in cardigans might only say NOW that I can call myself a library media specialist as DPI just sent me my license. This is my first WEMTA conference, and I'm passionate about... Read More →
In today's digital age, students can be overwhelmed with the amount of online resources available to them. How do we get their attention and engage them in digital reading? Join us for a session aimed at helping you increase Sora's visibility and usage in your school. Your Sora expert will provide practical strategies and tips for promoting Sora effectively. You'll also get access to ready-to-use resources and hear case studies about educators who have successfully engaged their communities with Sora. Don't miss this chance to enhance your digital library promotion and make the most of Sora in your school.
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.
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 →
Discover exceptional texts to support and supplement early literacy instruction. While underscoring phonics, phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, you can now use TeachingBooks to identify popular picture books by more than a dozen phonics and phonetical awareness classifications (vowel and consonant sounds, alliteration, rhyming, and more). Additionally, TeachingBooks has developed exclusive activity sheets that can be used with trade books, so that teachers, families, and librarians have worksheets to extend reading instruction. TeachingBooks is provided to all Wisconsin schools, public libraries, universities and residents through BadgerLink, Wisconsin’s Online Library funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Hear the latest and greatest from the Department of Public Instruction! We will highlight recent and upcoming projects and initiatives and share important information on a variety of topics, including school and public library information, BadgerLink, games and learning, technology, STEAM, AI, and digital learning topics. You will leave with knowledge and tools to strengthen the work you are doing to address the unique needs of your learning community.
School Library Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Monica Treptow started work as the School Library Media Education Consultant at the DPI in July of 2017. Monica's prior experience includes twelve years as a K-12 library media specialist and district leader. These positions included roles in leading development of information and... Read More →
Join us to learn what's new as well as tried and true with BadgerLink resources for 2025! Wisconsin's Online Library is jampacked with licensed, trustworthy online resources and databases chock full of content that can help you as an educator, librarian, and professional as much as it can help your students.
Excited to dive in, but never sure where to begin? Attend this session to learn about specific resources and what they offer.
Had recent success or failure sharing a BadgerLink resource like Points of View Reference Source, the new Explora, or Britannica School - Early Elementary with your students? Come and share with your colleagues, get tips and tricks to take back to your library, and find out more about our freely available, statewide resource collection known as BadgerLink.
BadgerLink Technical Support & Training Specialist, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Jen is on the Library Services Team at DPI, where she works primarily on BadgerLink, providing technical support and training. She also writes BadgerLink's Bulletin posts and mails out promotional posters and bookmarks. Reach out to her for all things BadgerLink!
In this age of social media and in a world where technology is literally at every person's finger tips regardless of age, there is an increased need for awareness around what it means to be "safe" online. Parents and educators are the gatekeepers to this world of technology and it's imperative that our communities have these conversations. This session will discuss how to organize a digital safety night in your community, what materials to cover and who should be involved. We certainly don't have all the answers, but we know that asking the questions is important. Come see what we've done to get the conversation started in our district and bring whatever thoughts, comments and questions you have as well.
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.
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 →
MARC data accumulates over time, arriving from various sources, touched over the years by many hands. Many libraries find that records have errors, inconsistencies and outdated content, or are brief or incomplete. Often times, duplicate records are a big issue. And most librarians are too busy to be able to work on the records themselves. Taken together, MARC data issues can impair effective library circulation and leave more of your collection sitting unread on the shelves. As we say, "A student can't read what a student can't find."
This session will discuss Mitinet's approach to MARC record clean-up, improving content and connecting your readers to more of your materials. We will compare both S-A-A-S options and customizable data services to quickly and effectively solve complex MARC data messes.
Visit our virtual booth at any time! WEMTA Conference - Mitinet Library ServicesWelcome to WEMTA -Mitinet is thrilled to be here and share our MARC expertise with you!For more than 30 years, Mitinet Library Services has been an innovator in the field of MARC data management. Working with libraries across the United States and around the world, our mission is... Read More →
In this session, we will explore the intersection of neuroscience and technology to uncover the key levers that influence how students learn. By delving into the latest research on brain function and cognitive processes, we will uncover practical strategies for leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes. From personalized learning algorithms to spaced learning methodology, we will discuss how cutting-edge technologies can be harnessed to optimize the learning experience. Join us to discover how insights from neuroscience can inform the design of educational technologies and revolutionize the way we support student learning.
Director of Digital Leadership and Learning, CESA 2
Beth is an innovative educator who is an advocate to ignite the learning experience. Her passion lies in learner-centered pedagogy while partnering with educators to leverage digital tools and resources. Currently, Beth’s role is the Senior Director of the Digital Leadership and... Read More →
Discover how ebooks and audiobooks can help support your school’s unique curriculum needs. From ELA favorites to digital class sets and more, let OverDrive Account Manager, Lena Rose and TeachingBooks Implementation Specialist, Kym Davick, fill you in on how the Sora reading app combined with TeachingBooks resources can help set your students up for required reading success. Attendees will learn the benefits of creating school-specific digital collections and how powerful Sora tools like notes, highlights, definitions reading data are making a positive impact on reading engagement, as well as how to find the resources for your Sora Books on TeachingBooks as you hook readers, prepare lessons, or plan for books groups.
TeachingBooks is provided to all Wisconsin schools, public libraries, universities and residents through BadgerLink, Wisconsin’s Online Library funded by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
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.
Come learn some templates and activity ideas that are ready to go with minimal set up that can be used in the library and shared with all staff. See what I love to use and leave with inspiration galore!
Amber Houslet has been the Library Technology Specialist for the Pardeeville Area School District since 2010. She spent the first 6 years of her teaching life in the classroom before transitioning to her current role.She is a Google Certified teacher and has participated in many Technology... Read More →
lighting the Path to Engagement: Transforming Learning Experiences empowers teachers and librarians to captivate students through interactive, multimedia-rich learning. Lightbox Learning provides a dynamic platform that merges traditional content with digital features, creating immersive experiences that appeal to diverse learning styles. With its blend of videos, audio, maps, quizzes, and more, Lightbox transforms passive reading into active exploration, sparking curiosity and deeper understanding.
For teachers, Lightbox serves as a tool to differentiate instruction, offering multiple entry points for learners of all abilities. Its interactive elements foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity, making learning more relevant and engaging. Librarians can use Lightbox to expand access to high-quality, diverse resources, ensuring students are not just consuming information but interacting with it meaningfully.
Whether used in classrooms, libraries, or at home, Lightbox makes learning an active, engaging process. It helps educators create vibrant, student-centered environments where curiosity thrives and students are inspired to explore topics more deeply
In this session, discover how a collaborative partnership between the Title I Reading Specialist and the Library Media Specialist can create impactful family engagement events that support literacy development and strengthen school-community connections. We’ll explore strategies for designing and hosting events that involve families in their children's learning, foster a love of reading, and provide valuable resources for parents. Attendees will leave with practical ideas to implement family-focused literacy events in their own schools. Whether you’re looking to enhance your existing programs or start from scratch, this session will provide the tools and inspiration you need to create memorable, effective family outreach events.
Are you an elementary librarian on a fixed schedule? Are you wondering how to understand the layers of your position? We have got you covered! Join us for the ABCs of being an elementary librarian. We will discuss all the things from A to Z, like budget, lesson plans, STEM, engaging readers, ordering, inventory, displays, collaboration ideas, book processing, utilizing volunteers, and so much more. You will be given an A to Z organizer to customize during the presentation for useful ideas you can take back to your own library!
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.
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.
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!
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 →
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.
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
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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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!
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 →
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.
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 →
