How can students see themselves and each other as powerful thinkers and learners? By utilizing video in the classroom, students can be empowered to share their thinking, build on prior experiences, and showcase that understanding to others. In this session, we’ll explore using video in our role as an educator, and how to model and create opportunities for students to integrate video into their learning. We’ll look at best practices and the best compliant tools for creating video and opportunities for sharing video to authentic, global audiences.
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 Research reveals that traditional approaches to teaching evaluation often rely on outdated methods that can mislead students.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.
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).
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 →
Many schools are adopting ELA instructional materials recommended for their alignment to standards and/or the science of reading in hopes of improving standardized literacy outcomes. Although these materials include a comprehensive set of text passages touted as complex and diverse, scholars conducting culturally responsive audits for many of these products have found some alarming results about omissions in diverse representation and harmful depictions in numerous text passages. Learn how one Wisconsin district committed to modifying problematic passages in their current ELA materials is leveraging K-12 library media specialists' expertise to assist in selecting affirming, authentic, and accurate replacement and supplementary text passages. Hear from library media specialists and a literacy consultant participating in this district’s ongoing work and consider how you might advocate for school library media specialist involvement in a similar process in your own district.
I am the Library Media Specialist of Central Heights Middle School in Sun Prairie, WI. I started my career as an English Language Arts teacher for 10 years and now have been living it up in the library for 8. I started my library career at a middle school in Madison Metropolitan School... Read More →
Curriculum, Coaching & Digital Learning Consultant, CESA 2
Kim facilitates learning relating to literacy, curriculum and instruction, and digital learning, often with a focus on social justice. She also has the privilege of supporting school library media specialists through the CESA 2 LMS Network and in-district coaching for those acquiring... 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 →
In this session, learn how to use the power of passive programming to engage students in your library's makerspace, even when you’re not actively leading a lesson. We’ll explore a variety of low-maintenance, self-directed activities that encourage students to explore, create, and innovate on their own. From hands-on activities to collaborative projects, these strategies allow students to engage at their own pace while fostering a dynamic, creative environment. Whether you’re working with limited resources or looking for ways to make your makerspace more accessible, this session will provide you with practical ideas and easy-to-implement activities to engage students in your library every day.
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!
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 →
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.
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.
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 →
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.
Are you a teacher who needs to help students at different reading levels or those learning a new language? This session is for you! Come and learn how generative AI can help make learning materials easier for all your students. Just like how a gardener makes sure every plant gets the care it needs, you will discover tools that can change lessons, activities, and information into different forms, making sure each student gets what they need to learn and grow.
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 →
In this Workshop you will be given a blueprint for building digital equity in your school. You will hear about successful technology use through a partnership with schools and Verizon. We will share our experiences in making the partnership work and how to grow the program with Student Tech Teams, and digital citizenship. This session will inspire responsible technology use in your schools.
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 →
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.
In this session you will learn how having a therapy dog in your library can improve school engagement and help develop a more inclusive, supportive school environment. Attendees will also learn practical steps that can be taken to implement therapy dog programs in their own school libraries. Facing opposition or district hoops and red tape, this presenter will share how she was able to overcome the obstacles to bring her certified therapy dog into her libraries. Information will include organizations to contact to find volunteer therapy dog teams willing to visit, process to get your own dog certified, where to purchase liability insurance, research to support having a therapy dog in the library, management ideas, and much, much, more!
Hello! I’m Jennifer Georgia. I have been a librarian for the past 15 years in the Green Bay Area Public School district. Prior to that I taught in Green Bay for 14 years. I currently am full time at Martin Elementary School in Green Bay. I am married to my husband of 30 years and... Read More →
Screencastify Submit is an online tool where teachers can set up a class and have students create short videos and screencasts. This is a COPPA approved tool so students under 13 can use it. It is one option my school is using as a replacement for Flip.
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.
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 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
Today’s students are used to constant entertainment, making it challenging for teachers to capture their attention. But a disengaged classroom is even scarier. Join Amanda Zieba, the Word Nerd from YouTube, as she shares practical, engaging strategies for middle school ELA classrooms and libraries. Learn how to create fun, captivating lessons without the pressure of a song-and-dance act. From reading routines, writing practices and reading recommendations to using technology and kinesthetic learning, discover techniques that make students WANT to be in your classroom and ENJOY learning. Increased engagement leads to increased achievement—and happier teachers!
Amanda Zieba, the founder of the Word Nerd Collaborative, a middle school ELA teacher membership, is an author, educator, content creator, transforming the educational experience for teachers and students. She has worked with educators around the world to increase student engagement... Read More →
Monday March 10, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
BCC Boardroom
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.
Engage students with technology and transform their assignments into high-quality, impactful work. In this session, you'll explore tools like podcasts, videos, and storyboards to enhance learning experiences. Plus, you'll receive an interactive Choice Board that you can use as a valuable resource for future lessons.
Evaluating the information they encounter online is an increasingly crucial skill for students. In this session, we will give examples of lessons educators can use to foster critical thinking skills and teach students how to be savvy consumers of online information. Participants will learn skills like fact-checking, lateral reading, identifying misinformation, and how to find reliable sources. In this hands-on session, participants will try out fact-checking strategies that they can later implement in class. Participants will come away with concrete strategies for facilitating the analysis of online media and learn about PBS Wisconsin’s free Media Literacy PD opportunities.
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 →
Join us for a lively and engaging session as we showcase our favorite things in the library world! In this fun and interactive presentation, we'll highlight the best of what our library has to offer—from innovative resources and useful technology to efficient processes and exciting programming that engage our students and staff. We’ll explore the tools and equipment that make our work easier and more effective, share tips on creating memorable library experiences, and reveal the behind-the-scenes strategies that keep everything running smoothly. Whether it's a new gadget, a favorite database, a beloved event, or a breakthrough in library services, you'll leave with fresh ideas and inspiration you can bring back to your own library.
Digital Learning Specialist, Pulaski Community School District~ Wisconsin
After 18 years in the classroom, Sara now shares her experiences and her passion for technology integration as a Digital Learning Specialist for the Pulaski Community School District. She is passionate about leveraging technology to support all students while increasing student agency... Read More →
Director of Instructional Technology, Pulaski Community School District
In my role as Director of Instructional Technology for Pulaski Community School District, I enjoy the opportunities and challenges my current position brings as well as the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for integrating technology and literacy with students and staff. My past... Read More →
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!
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.
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 →
The Common School Fund provides the foundation for Wisconsin school library programs. Planning for effective and meaningful spending is a critical responsibility of library media specialists. Come to this session to learn essential components of utilizing this resource in alignment with your district library plan and hear from a panel of experienced library media specialists. They will share examples of their favorite purchases, lessons learned, and strategies for budgeting and purchasing. Bring your questions and ideas, and leave with a great list of potential purchases for your library!
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 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
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 →
Director of Instructional Technology, Pulaski Community School District
In my role as Director of Instructional Technology for Pulaski Community School District, I enjoy the opportunities and challenges my current position brings as well as the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for integrating technology and literacy with students and staff. My past... Read More →
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 →
Learn how to effectively manage and leverage standards-aligned digital curricular resources while creating engaging, interactive and accessible learning opportunities for your students. This session will explore how school districts are utilizing the SAFARI Montage Curriculum Learning Object Repository (C-LOR) to save teachers time searching, accessing and sharing vetted, high-quality digital resources to more efficiently support teaching and learning in various classroom environments. Attendees will explore how interoperability enables the SAFARI Montage platform to make this easier than ever by integrating with LMS’s, SIS’s, third-party content providers and even hardware manufacturers. Discover how the C-LOR’s best-in-class content management tools can help district administration teams manage, control and curate all digital resources from third-party book publishers, curriculum content creators and video streaming libraries at their district.
Betsy Masters is the Instructional Technology Implementation Specialist at SAFARI Montage. She is a lifetime educator with 25+ years of experience working with the School District of Pickens County, South Carolina. Throughout her career she has served as a classroom teacher, a technology... 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 →
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)
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 →
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.
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 →
We know the value of professional development and how important it is to have connections with our state organizations, but does every teacher in our district? This session will provide ways to connect with the English teachers in your district through the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English by sharing the highlights of the WCTE 2024 Fall Convention, “Expanding Our UniVERSE: Creating Learner-Centric Experiences.” Poetry and verse novels were at the heart of WCTE’s Convention, and both can be used to ignite passion in students and ignite a love of reading. Attendees will leave with practical ways to utilize poetry and verse novels in the classroom and library, ready to share with teachers in their district.
Looking to revitalize your library programs and engage your middle or high school students? Join us for a collaborative session where together we'll dive into practical strategies and share ideas for planning and implementing exciting library initiatives. In this session, we will discuss programming ideas for events like National Library Week and monthly reading challenges. We will share ideas around how to create eye-catching and themed displays to spark student interest, and we will explore low-effort, high-impact activities for your library and makerspace through passive programming. This interactive session will provide you with fresh inspiration, practical tips, and the opportunity to connect with fellow librarians. Let's work together to transform your library into a vibrant hub of learning and creativity!
I am the Library Media Specialist of Central Heights Middle School in Sun Prairie, WI. I started my career as an English Language Arts teacher for 10 years and now have been living it up in the library for 8. I started my library career at a middle school in Madison Metropolitan School... Read More →
Library Media Technology Specialist, Madison Metropolitan School District
I am the Library Media and Technology Specialist at La Follette High School in Madison. Prior to my current role, I was a middle school and 4th grade classroom teacher in Illinois and the Verona Area School District as well as a K-5 librarian in Verona. This diverse range of experience... 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 today’s libraries, providing students with engaging, vetted, and accessible content is more important than ever. Newsela Library empowers librarians with over 17,000 leveled texts across 20+ genres, including videos, multimedia, infographics, and more. These resources are designed to foster student motivation and understanding, support collaboration with classroom teachers, and promote digital citizenship.
This session will highlight: How Newsela can increase student engagement and motivation How to curate and customize content for teachers to support background knowledge in novel and book studies. Ways students can actively engage with Newsela Content and Tools How to locate and save relevant content on Newsela including resources for digital citizenship, curriculum complements, and more.
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!
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 →
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.
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.
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 →
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.
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 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.
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.
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 →
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!
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.
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).
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?
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.
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 →
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.
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!
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 →
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 →
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!
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 →
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.
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.
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 →
