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

12:30pm CDT

Evidence-Based Strategies for Teaching Online Information Evaluation

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

Students need to be able to determine if information they find online is credible and trustworthy. Research reveals that traditional approaches to teaching evaluation often rely on outdated methods that can mislead students. This presentation will explore current trends and research in digital information evaluation, including popular techniques like lateral reading and SIFT. Attendees will learn about free, evidence-backed lessons and classroom resources designed to develop critical thinking and digital literacy.

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).

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 6

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

Company Facilitating Professional Learning, Literacy

12:30pm CDT

Open Books, Open Minds, Open Hearts: School Librarians' Perceptions of Inclusive Children's Literature

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

Hilton Garden Room A

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.

Speakers

Jacqueline Liesch

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 →

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Hilton Garden Room A

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

Company Advocacy, Culturally Responsive Instruction

12:30pm CDT

The Perfect Board and Card Games to Use in Your Library, Classroom, Makerspace, and More!

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 7

We are living in the renaissance of amazing board, card, and digital games, especially for educational and skill development possibilities. In this session, we will explore games that are not only fun to play, but also build crucial skills such as persuasive speaking, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Best of all, we'll explore games that spur meaningful conversations about topics such as digital literacy, storytelling, and course content too! If you want a great collection of game ideas to utilize as well as some ready-made lessons to go along with them, join us!

Speakers

Jon Spike

CEO, GamestormEDU

Jon Spike began his career as a high school English teacher, then served as a Technology Integration Specialist in K-12 schools. He currently serves as a Coordinator of Instructional Technology & Integration Services at UW-Whitewater and the Chief Executive & Creative Officer of GamestormEDU... Read More →

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 7

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

Company Budget & Resources, Makerspace, Students as Creators

12:30pm CDT

Universal Design for Learning 101 for Administrators

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Instructional leaders support learning for all students. Do you lead in a school or district with diverse students? Do you wonder how all teachers can better reach students with such a wide range of learning needs? Are you looking to “level up” your own instructional knowledge? Join this session if you want to explore Universal Design for Learning (UDL). UDL centers on reaching students through multiple means so that they can tap into their unique learning strengths. ELs, students with disabilities, and all learners can benefit from varied approaches to learning. UDL can be applied in all grade levels, in all content areas, and by staff with varied experience levels. Attendees will learn the basics about UDL during the first part of the session. During the second half participants will dialogue and plan for how to coach staff around UDL principles. If you are an admin looking to get a few new coaching strategies for staff growth and development, consider attending this session.

Speakers

Elizabeth Freeman

Superintendent, Rocket Academy - Cedar Grove Belgium School District

Sunday March 9, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 3

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

Company Collaborative Leadership, Instructional Partnerships

1:45pm CDT

Digital Hygine - Educating Teachers, Students, and Famlies

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

BCC Collaborate A

Amidst Covid, child trafficking cases doubled via social media and unsupervised screen time. Gain confidence: learn warning signs, safeguard yourself, students, and staff. Master Data Privacy for personal and school use. Workshop covers vital areas: Human and Sex Trafficking red flags, App Permissions, Visual Privacy, and Social Engineering.

Speakers

Aggie Salter

ITS

Agnieszka Salter (@AggieSalterITS) is an Instructional Technology, PD Specialist, Instructional Coach Leader, and Innovation teacher at QP School in Madison, WI. Aggie is the Digital Promise Global's Coach Community Manager. She is one of the initial curriculum designers and teachers... Read More →

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

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

Company Advocacy, Community Partnerships, Data & Privacy

1:45pm CDT

IGNITE Your Career with AASL!

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

Hilton Garden Room A

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.

Speakers

Kate Olson

AASL Affiliate for Wisconsin, WEMTA

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 →

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Hilton Garden Room A

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

Company Advocacy, Collaborative Leadership, Facilitating Professional Learning

1:45pm CDT

Teaching Culturally With the Four I's (Inform, Include, Integrate, and Infuse) - Indigenous Studies

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 1

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.

Speakers

David J. O'Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

David J. O'Connor is originally from and is a citizen of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa ( Anishinaabe or Ojibwe) in northern Wisconsin. In January 2012, he became the American Indian Studies Consultant at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). In Da... Read More →

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

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

Company Culturally Responsive Instruction

1:45pm CDT

VR (Virtual Reality) to Boldly Go Where You May Not Have Gone Before: Creating Learning Experiences to Ignite and Inspire Learning Together in the Library and Beyond.

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

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

Speakers

Jeff Carpenter

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 →

Sunday March 9, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

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

Company Collaborative Leadership, Makerspace, Students as Creators

3:00pm CDT

Developing your PLC Roundtable

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

Hilton Garden Room B

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.

Speakers

Amber Houslet

Pardeeville Area School District

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 →

Sunday March 9, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Hilton Garden Room B

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

Company Collaborative Leadership, Facilitating Professional Learning, Instructional Partnerships

3:00pm CDT

Leadership Lessons I Wish I'd Learned in the Library

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

BCC Collaborate C

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.

Speakers

Maegan Heindel

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 →

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

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

Company Collaborative Leadership

3:00pm CDT

Megatrends, Accelerators, and Hurdles: The Future of Learning

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 3

Designed for administrators and tech leaders, this session will focus on learning trends and predictions for the future. Are you stuck in the daily grind of completing tasks and attempting to cross things off of your endless “to do” list? Do you feel exhausted trying to put out fires and solve problems that others bring to you? Attend this session if you want to step away from the minutiae for a moment to focus on the biggest, global concepts for the future of learning. Explore megatrends that will influence the global community (and our staff and students) for the coming years. Discover common accelerators that can push your strategic, “big picture” work forward. Plan for common hurdles that are bound to get in the way. This session will provide an overview of megatrends, accelerators, and hurdles in order to spark thinking and to re-energize attendees. Participants will have time to share with each other so that we can elevate the success of all students.

Speakers

Elizabeth Freeman

Superintendent, Rocket Academy - Cedar Grove Belgium School District

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

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

Company Advocacy, Collaborative Leadership

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

8:45am CDT

Updates from the DPI: Everything You Need to Know!

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

BCC Collaborate B

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.

Speakers

Monica Treptow

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 →

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

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

Company Collaborative Leadership

1:00pm CDT

BadgerLink Resources in the Classroom 2025

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 4

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.

Speakers

Jen Champoux

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!

Monday March 10, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Sheraton Wisconsin 4

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

Company Budget & Resources, Equitable Digital Access, Facilitating Professional Learning

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

Improving MARC data, increasing discoverability

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

Hilton Garden Room B

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.

Speakers

Justin Hoelscher

Senior Account Executive, Mitinet

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 →

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

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

Company Budget & Resources, MARC Data Clean-up and Management

1:00pm CDT

Neuroscience and Technology

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

Sheraton Wisconsin 1

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.

Speakers

Beth Clarke

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 →

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

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

Company The Brain and Technology

3:00pm CDT

I am not an attorney…but I can share some great information!

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

BCC Collaborate B

Last summer I became a Law for Librarians Trainer for the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom. This opportunity allowed me to broaden my knowledge base in a wide variety of legal issues surrounding libraries. This session will allow participants to gain a foundational understanding of how the First Amendment, copyright, and privacy laws impact school libraries, as well as how the impact may differ for public libraries. We will explore how to identify the intersection of law and school board policies and create talking points to use with others in your district. Bring your questions and curiosity and leave with more confidence about how your work is supported by law.

Speakers

Monica Treptow

School Library Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

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

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

Company Advocacy, Collaborative Leadership, Library law

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Company Advocacy