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Sunday, February 5
 

10:30am CST

Registration
Sunday February 5, 2023 10:30am - 4:30pm CST
Expo Hall Commons

11:15am CST

Building Community with #ClassroomBookADay
Join educators throughout the country who have embraced the movement to commit to including joyful read aloud experiences in their classrooms every day. With daily #ClassroomBookADay picture book read alouds, educators create shared text experiences that build classroom community, support student identity, develop empathy, and address curriculum standards. Hear from the creator of #ClassroomBookADay, Jillian Heise, a former middle school teacher and current elementary librarian, about the inspiration, benefits these read alouds bring, logistics for getting started, and ways librarians can support their staff in implementing #ClassroomBookADay.
Speakers
avatar for Jillian Heise

Jillian Heise

Elementary Library Media Specialist, Fox Point-Bayside School District
Jillian Heise is a National Board Certified Teacher with one Masters in Reading/Language Arts + another Masters in Library & Information Science. She has been an elementary Library Media Specialist in southeastern Wisconsin since 2017. Prior to that, she taught 7th & 8th grade ELA... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 11:15am - 12:45pm CST
B4
  Workshop

11:15am CST

Educators as Experts: Centering the Voices That Matter Most in Classroom Conversation, with PBS Wisconsin's akaTeacher
Using PBS Wisconsin Education’s aka Teacher podcast as a starting point, this facilitated peer discussion session will give you the chance to talk about the underappreciated-yet-absolutely-necessary components of your work as educators. From dealing with controversial topics in the classroom to setting personal boundaries and being practical about personal wellness, these conversations will offer opportunities to share and gain different perspectives. Not only will you walk away with fresh insights to immediately benefit your practice, you will have a discussion model that can be brought back to your district to benefit the educators you work with and support. Let’s turn off the PowerPoint and have a conversation! We hope you’ll come join us.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Hartwell

Michael Hartwell

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Michael Hartwell is a 3rd -12th Grade Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. Michael is passionate about public education and advocacy that is practical and equitable. In his role facilitating professional learning opportunities, he strives to support educators... Read More →

Public Copy WEMTA aka Teacher Presentation pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 11:15am - 12:45pm CST
B2
  Workshop

11:15am CST

Fact-Checking for Students: Resist Misinformation and Find Reliable Sources Online
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. Using the PBS/KQED Media Literacy Certification mini-credential as a guide, 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 for middle and high school students and a list of resources to implement in their classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Ostrem

Nick Ostrem

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Nick Ostrem is a 3rd - 12th grade Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. With a background in archaeology and history education, he strives to empower learners to see themselves in the past, present, and future. In his role he supports educators and students... Read More →

2023 01 31 WEMTA Fact Checking for Students pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 11:15am - 12:45pm CST
B1
  Workshop

11:15am CST

What Should I Buy?
We are so fortunate in the state of Wisconsin to receive Common School Funds, but how can we make responsible decisions about spending this money? What resources do you use to make decisions? How do you avoid bias in purchasing, while still being thoughtful about your individual community? How do you determine whether purchases are CSF-eligible? Leave this session with resources to help you make purchasing decisions as well as specific ideas about what to buy for your library.

Presentation: tinyurl.com/wemta-csf
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Brannan

Danielle Brannan

Library Technology Specialist, Mukwonago High School
I'm in my 13th year as a school librarian and this is my dream job! I spent 10 years as a 4K-8 librarian and now work at the high school level. I love books and reading, and I'm equally excited about technology and professional development. Librarians make schools better!

Sunday February 5, 2023 11:15am - 12:45pm CST
B3
  Workshop

11:30am CST

Increase Teacher Engagement with Beanstack
In this session, we’ll focus on teacher engagement and buy-in with Beanstack. We’ll cover new functionality like the recent updates to Classes and Readers, the insights leaderboard, and our newest feature: teacher dashboards, which makes it easier than ever for teachers to log for their classes and track student and class progress. We’ll also review tips and best practices for getting your teachers on board and excited to log their own reading and participate in the program.


Speakers
avatar for Lauren Hantzes

Lauren Hantzes

School Success Manager, Beanstack
Hello! I'm a School Success Manager at Beanstack, a reading challenges platform used by Wisconsin schools and libraries. I have been helping schools grow their culture of reading at Beanstack for the last two and a half years. Before that, I worked in software training and taught... Read More →

Increasing Teacher Engagement WEMTA 2023 pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
A2
  exhibitor session

11:30am CST

CANCELLED -Book Bounty: A Reader's Advisory and Library Outreach Program
Finding the “right” books for each student can be difficult when you have a print collection of more than 15,000 titles. Based on the concept of subscription boxes, the Book Bounty program allows library staff to select books personalized to each student’s interests while also providing the incentives to patrons. The goal of the program is to reach out to students who do not normally come to the library as well as students who frequently visit the LMC. Topics covered include: What is Book Bounty? What is Inside a Book Bounty Box? How do Patrons Request a Book Bounty Box? Assembling Book Bounty Boxes Promoting the Program Funding the Program Ordering Supplies Lessons Learned Benefits of the Program Sharing Materials, Google Forms, etc. to Help Others Start Their Own Program
Speakers
avatar for Amy Pritzl

Amy Pritzl

Library Media Specialist, Appleton West High School
I have worked in Library Media for 28 years at both the elementary and secondary levels. I am certified for both Library Media and ELA, but I also have a Master's Degree in Reading Education. I have had three articles published in professional library journals and I have presented... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
A5
  Session

11:30am CST

Peer Feedback, Wine Tasting, and More Effective Formative Assessment
In this interactive session, you'll learn about a new peer feedback strategy & how to implement it to improve formative assessment in almost any curriculum. Using GSuite tools & a free tool called Short Answer, we’ll try out 3 formative assessment activities & brainstorm how to apply them in your classroom. In the process, we’ll learn how the same psychological principles underlying a wine tasting (!?) can improve learning, increase engagement, and develop important SEL skills. By lessons end, you will be able to explain what comparative judgment is and how it can be used to improve peer feedback practices. You will also be able to create at least one peer feedback activity using comparative judgement and either GSuite tools, Short Answer, and/or pencil & paper.
Speakers
avatar for Adam Sparks

Adam Sparks

CEO, Short Answer
Short Answer is a formative assessment tool that helps K-12 teachers create more social, engaging, effective classrooms through peer feedback. Students provide feedback to one another in gamified activities that increase student engagement, helping teachers get 100% of students individualized... Read More →

Peer feedback, winetasting, and more effective formative assessment pptx
Sunday February 5, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
A3
  Session

11:30am CST

Setting Your LMC Paraprofessionals Up for Success
It's more common than ever to have one library media specialist in charge of multiple libraries in a district. So how do you set up your paraprofessionals so they can be successful working with classes when you can't be in the library? In Menasha we have come up with a plan that helps keep behaviors at a minimum and student success at a max. We'll share our techniques with your. https://www.canva.com/design/DAFZuGWGjSc/pg_yvMV7o0i_8K6V_Pun7w/view?utm_content=DAFZuGWGjSc&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Peterson

Jennifer Peterson

Library Media Supervisor, Menasha Joint School District
Library media specialist with the Menasha Joint School District for 23 years. Also board member of the WSDLC.

Co-Presenter
KB

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Sunday February 5, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
A4
  Session

11:30am CST

Yes, and...Techs and School Librarians: a match made in school district heaven
As Library teachers, you never know who will walk through the door and what they are going to ask. Thankfully, as certified library teachers in the School District of La Crosse, we don't have to do it all. We have a district technology help number to call for tech emergencies and an ability to put in help desk tickets. And the best part? We have an in-house tech that comes to our buildings once a week. We are there for each other as the front line for issues and vanguards of future technology in our schools.

Check out the presentation here:  https://sites.google.com/lacrossesd.org/mrsharden/wemta-presentations
Speakers
avatar for Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Carrie Wuensch-Harden

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

Daniel Levendoski

Solutions Architect, School District of La Crosse
My office is in Technology Services, but I work with people; not things.

Sunday February 5, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
A1
  Session

12:45pm CST

Become a Summer Math Explorer with the Wisconsin Math Council
Summer reading programs have a longstanding history in schools and libraries, but how can libraries support students’ engagement with math all year long? The Wisconsin Math Council “Summer Math Adventure” is a FREE program to help PreK - 5th grade students and families engage in authentic math activities by exploring the world around them. Participants will learn more about this program and how to bring it to their community.
Speakers
JL

Jennifer Lawler

Kenosha Unified School District
In addition to her role as the Coordinator of Secondary Mathematics & Science in KUSD, Jennifer serves as the Administrator Representative on the Wisconsin Mathematics Council Board of Directors.

Co-Presenter
DE
JB

Summer Math Adventure Road Show pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
A2
  Session

12:45pm CST

CANCELLED Empowered Learning - Innovation in today’s classroom and library
Empowered learning is the best practice in today’s world, and it's what students need to prepare for the jobs and fields that are yet to be invented! When we promote innovation and risk-taking, we are giving students life skills to figure out what they can do for themselves. In this session, you will explore and walk away with student-tested resources that work in all learning environments and empower students to do the impossible. Resources will include the newest tools to create an Empowered Learning environment in your classroom. This session is for you whether you are online (synchronous or asynchronous) or face-to-face. I will share lessons, formative and summative assessment tools, and extended learning resources.
Speakers
avatar for Aggie Salter

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 February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
A4
  Session

12:45pm CST

Check It Out - Increasing Secondary Student Engagement and Circulation
When students enter middle school, the library is no longer a weekly special class. There’s a narrative that students don’t enjoy reading. It’s hard work. It’s true they have an easier time consuming digital media. At this critical time, we should not be putting up roadblocks to secondary school readers. The librarian's challenge is to build relationships with students, put stimulating books into their hands, and fuel the fire sparked by parents, public, and elementary school librarians. Join Elmbrook Middle School Library Leads as they share how they increase circulation an average of 20% annually.
Speakers
avatar for Kim Liepert

Kim Liepert

Library Instructional Technology Lead, Pilgrim Park Middle School
Judy Scaro and Kim Liepert are both Middle School Library Leads. We've been at Elmbrook for many years. Judy has presented at WEMTA before, Kim has not.

Co-Presenter
JS

CheckItOutPresentation pdf
Go Fish Cards docx
Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
B2
  Session

12:45pm CST

Coding, Community & Careers - Exciting, inspiring, and engaging young women with technology!
Keeping young females engaged and interested in technology is our mission. WIT4Girls, an entity of Wisconsin’s Women in Technology organization, collaborates with local schools, non-profit organizations, and libraries to offer programs focused on coding and careers. Through positive female mentorship, WIT4Girls helps girls see how their innovative ideas can lead to limitless opportunities in technology careers. Attendees will experience the different components of the workshop and get hands-on coding experience with Adafruit devices.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Bires

Amy Bires

Computer Science & Digital Learning, WI Department of Public Instruction
Amy Bires is the Computer Science and Digital Learning Educational Consultant at the Department of Public Instruction. She started her career as a Business and Information Technology (IT) teacher and taught various grade levels for 16 years. After teaching she worked as the Northeast... Read More →

Co-Presenter
LO

WEMTA WIT4Girls pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
B3
  Session

12:45pm CST

Don’t Just Keep Your Head Above Water...Win the Race!
*This is a semi-repeat of a session from a few years ago. Are you the only library media specialist in multiple buildings? Are you new to the library or feeling overwhelmed? Are you looking for ways to streamline your responsibilities? In this session, I will discuss how I’m surviving in 9 different elementary schools and making the most of it. I will share lesson ideas, schedules, and shortcuts I’ve learned along the way. Bring your questions and ideas as our best resources are each other! Swimmers take your mark...GO!
Speakers
avatar for Jamie Jestadt

Jamie Jestadt

Library Media Specialist, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
Hi there! I'm Jamie Jestadt from Wisconsin Rapids. This is my 8th year as Library Media Specialist for the nine elementary schools in our district. I have over 2,500 amazing students who teach me something new every day. I love everything about the library and am so excited to be... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
B4
  Session

12:45pm CST

Instructional Partnerships and Guided Inquiry: How to Plan and Prepare for Long-Term Collaborations
A. Guided Inquiry Learning 1. Define GID 2. Topic selection/ balancing content and time 3. Co-planning, co-teaching, co-assessing for inquiry B. Student Needs 1. Preparing students for inquiry processes and habits 2. GID with diverse learners 3. GID and differentiation 4. GID scaffolds 5. Classroom management C. Tips, Tricks, and Lessons Learned 1. What worked and what did not work 2. Adjusting for local needs 3. Administrative support 4. Collaborative relationship building/maintenance [all discussed with Wisconsin school librarian-classroom teacher teams that taught GID units this school year]
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lucy Santos Green

Dr. Lucy Santos Green

Director, University of Iowa SLIS
Dr. Lucy Santos Green is Director of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa. A former school librarian and classroom teacher, her research and work is centered on inclusive librarianship and instructional partnerships between librarians and classroom... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
A1
  Session

12:45pm CST

Library Planning: New Tools for Beginners and Strategies for Keeping the Cycle Going
The Future Ready Library Planning initiative is now four years running. We have made great strides in creating and implementing district library plans with over half of our districts meeting Wisconsin Administrative Code PI8.01(2)(h) requirements. After listening and learning from school librarians throughout the state, the DPI has created some new tools to share. Learn about how these new tools can help you create your first district level plan or assist you in continuing the planning cycle.
Speakers
avatar for Monica Treptow

Monica Treptow

School Library Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Monica Treptow started her work as the School Library Media Education Consultant at the DPI in July of 2017. Her prior experience includes twelve years as a K-12 library media specialist and district leader. Her roles have included leading development of information and technology... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
A6
  Session

12:45pm CST

Mentoring Educators through the Copyright Maze
Are you charged with training and mentoring colleagues on copyright and fair use? Do colleagues come to you with specific questions? It is undeniable that technology has changed how we think about creating and sharing. Everyone has easy access to a worldwide distribution network. All educators must have an understanding of copyright, fair use, terms of service, and licensing agreements in the digital age. This session will build your foundation of knowledge and provide you with resources to confidently train your teachers and administrators on these concepts. Learn to navigate the copyright maze and help your staff do the same.
Speakers
JJ

Julie Jamieson

Julie Jamieson is a school librarian at East High School in the Ft. Zumwalt School District in St. Peters, Missouri. She is the district curriculum coordinator for all K-12 school libraries at Ft. Zumwalt, a large district comprised of 16 elementary buildings, four middle schools... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
A5
  Session

12:45pm CST

Not Your Gramma's High School Makerspace
This gramma is back with a hot new obsession... oops! I mean session! The makerspace in my high school library is up and thriving. Check out what we have and how we got it, what kids use, what they make, what it all looks like and how we manage it all without losing our marbles! We will talk sewing machines, embroidery machines, upcycle, recycle, unicycle (wait... no), paper craft, gummy bears, pins, book binding, puzzles, games, robots, all the paper, modge podge, stamps, punches and more! This will be a fast paced session full of pictures and resources. This gramma has a lot of stuff (and grampa was sure happy to see it leave the house).
Speakers
avatar for Janel Bedor Griffiths

Janel Bedor Griffiths

Library Media Specialist, Appleton Area School District
Janel Bedor Griffiths has been a librarian for 20 years or so. She barely knows left from right and often doesn't know what's up or what's down. She does love the library, her granddaughter Raeni and most cats. She does NOT like socks or the smell of ketchup and has never read Harry... Read More →

Not Your Gramma’s Makerspace Presentation Link pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 12:45pm - 1:45pm CST
B1
  Session

1:45pm CST

Snack Break
Sunday February 5, 2023 1:45pm - 2:15pm CST
Grand Ballroom
  conference events

2:15pm CST

Exploring Connections for Wisconsin Libraries
In May 2018, a small group representing different libraries and varying roles came together to form Connecting Wisconsin Libraries. This groups came together with the purpose of fostering collaboration, providing information, and sharing practice ideas between school and public libraries on a statewide level. Throughout the last four years we have experienced inspiration, success, and pandemic survival. Find out what this group has done and where it could go. Contribute ideas for its future at this interactive discussion session featuring a panel of group members and a hunger for your feedback!

Presentation bitly: http://bit.ly/3Y556Np
Speakers
avatar for Raquel L Rand

Raquel L Rand

Library Media Coordinator, GBAPS
Raquel is the District Library Media Coordinator for the Green Bay School District. She spent 6 years in elementary libraries, 4 years as a technology integrator (coach) and is currently serving as the coordinator. She has spent all of her time with the Green Bay School District and... Read More →

Co-Presenter
LO
avatar for Monica Treptow

Monica Treptow

School Library Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Monica Treptow started her work as the School Library Media Education Consultant at the DPI in July of 2017. Her prior experience includes twelve years as a K-12 library media specialist and district leader. Her roles have included leading development of information and technology... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
A1
  Session

2:15pm CST

Gamers and Non-Gamers Unite! : Experience The Educational Adventure of Award-Winning PBS Wisconsin Video Games
Teachers are constantly bombarded with resources and digital content for the classroom, making it tough to discern what is high-quality and authentically incorporates literacy development. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn about two standards-aligned, locally relevant historical inquiry games from PBS Wisconsin: The Legend of the Lost Emerald and Jo Wilder and the Capitol Case. These games feature all the fun and adventure of classic video games combined with a text-dependent format that will get students reading and thinking to move the action along. Not only will participants leave this workshop with multimedia resources to build meaningful literacy experiences, they should bring their personal devices and be ready to play!
Speakers
avatar for Michael Hartwell

Michael Hartwell

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Michael Hartwell is a 3rd -12th Grade Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. Michael is passionate about public education and advocacy that is practical and equitable. In his role facilitating professional learning opportunities, he strives to support educators... Read More →

Co-Presenter
avatar for Mike Scoville

Mike Scoville

PK-12 Library Media Specialist, Gibraltar Area School District

Public Copy WEMTA PBS Video Games Presentation pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
A5
  Session

2:15pm CST

Get Ready Stay Ready: The Community Action Toolkit
Are you tired of attacks by small numbers of loud voices, but don't have time to train others for advocacy? Need community support to protect a child's curiosity and reading life? Then delve into the Get Ready Stay Ready: Community Action Toolkit, a free, but powerfully curated collection of resources that can help.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lucy Santos Green

Dr. Lucy Santos Green

Director, University of Iowa SLIS
Dr. Lucy Santos Green is Director of the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Iowa. A former school librarian and classroom teacher, her research and work is centered on inclusive librarianship and instructional partnerships between librarians and classroom... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
A2
  Session

2:15pm CST

Living the Legacy of Pura Belpré: Latinx Literature in the Elementary Classroom
Pura Belpré was the first Latina Librarian in the New York City Public Library. An educator, storyteller, and author, she shared stories that derived from and affirmed the lives and experiences of the Latinx community. Still today, according to the CCBC, less than 5% of published children’s books feature Latinx characters. Research shows us that children of all backgrounds benefit from diverse literature in the classroom. This session will highlight literature that celebrates stories and amplify voices of the Latinx community. During this session, we will discuss ways to use Latinx literature to meet new ELA Wisconsin Standards in grades K-5. Session participants will walk away with book lists and practical ideas for integrating Latinx literature into the curriculum.
Speakers
avatar for Mallory Umar and Dr. Haydee Smith

Mallory Umar and Dr. Haydee Smith

Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Racine Unified School District
Mallory A. Umar is a passionate Latinx educator who believes in the power of literacy and intentionally-designed instruction to create change. Currently, Mallory serves as an Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Racine Unified School District. She is a doctoral... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
B1
  Session

2:15pm CST

NEARPOD on Steroids
Computer science, Library, and Classroom! Empower the next generation with CS and essential creative skills using Nearpod. Explore the library of thousands of culturally responsive, engaging, relevant, and meaningful ready-to-use students-tested and approved lessons! Learn how to transform your lessons with virtual field trips, VR, gamification, discussion boards, PhET Interactive Simulations, Flipgrid, formative assessment, etc. The NEARPOD curriculum also includes rich SEL and ESL content that is easy to implement.
Speakers
avatar for Aggie Salter

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 →

wemta 2023 pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
A4
  Session

2:15pm CST

PD from A to Z-Using Choice Boards for Professional Development
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.
Speakers
avatar for Amber Houslet

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 February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
A3
  Session

2:15pm CST

Spark your Career @ The American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
SPARK your career by networking with professionals in your field nationally; accessing resources to inform and expand your practice. Apply national teaching and program standards to bring your library to the next level and support your Educator Effectiveness evaluation cycle. Participants will understand what the AASL is and offers. Explore member benefits. Learn how to become a member. Be entered to win a copy of the National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries (AASL Standards) a $199.00 value.
Speakers
avatar for Joan Evans

Joan Evans

Library Media Teacher, Grades 3 - 5, McFarland School District
Joan Evans is the Library Media Specialist in McFarland, Wisconsin. She has been an active member of WEMTA for over 20 years. She was named WEMTA Professional of the Year in 2015 and is proud to serve WEMTA as Wisconsin's delegate to the AASL National Assembly. She loves engaging... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
A6
  Session

2:15pm CST

The Library is Going to the Dogs!
In this session you will learn the power of having a therapy dog in your library. We will offer you two perspectives from an elementary site and a high school site from two different districts in NE Wisconsin. We will discuss the process for getting a dog certified as a therapy dog, how therapy dogs fit with library programming, and tips and tricks we’ve learned throughout the process. We’ll also share resources if you would like to contact a Therapy dog handler and dog team to come visit your library.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Georgia

Jennifer Georgia

Library Media Specialist, GBAPS
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 →

Co-Presenter
avatar for Janel Bedor Griffiths

Janel Bedor Griffiths

Library Media Specialist, Appleton Area School District
Janel Bedor Griffiths has been a librarian for 20 years or so. She barely knows left from right and often doesn't know what's up or what's down. She does love the library, her granddaughter Raeni and most cats. She does NOT like socks or the smell of ketchup and has never read Harry... Read More →

Link for Library is going to the dogs pdf
Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
B2
  Session

2:15pm CST

We're Bringing Happy Back
Media Literacy. Coding. Digital Citizenship. Media Production. Makerspace. STEM. Tech Support. Tech Coaching. Tech Integration. And oh yeah, Literacy. But only on days when we are not subbing. We are called to anticipate change, even to lead that change and our identity is constantly being debated and threatened amongst our constituencies, and worse, ourselves.. And it’s hard. And some days, it just isn't fun anymore. But have no fear. The sky is not falling and the sun still rises and the kids still love you and the teachers still need you, and your admin can’t function without you. At the end of the day- you do what no one else in the building can do. You make people happy. You make them better. You make them feel safe and seen and capable. You have extra chargers for their devices. This conversation is guaranteed to help you usher some happiness back into your life. Despite all evidence to the contrary, you are still a Librarian. And that's English for Super Hero. 

Slides
Speakers
avatar for Hollis M Rudiger

Hollis M Rudiger

Hollis became an old school librarian in 1997, but recently drove back to the future, and is settling nicely into 2023. 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 →

Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
B3
  Session

2:15pm CST

What's New in KidLit: Inclusive Picture Books You Should Know
Join #ClassroomBookADay founder Jillian Heise for a look at some of the newest high-quality picture books to build up your collection of read alouds with an eye toward inclusive representation. Some favorites of the last few years will be shared as well as a sneak peek at some eagerly-anticipated upcoming picture books you’ll want to know. These Everybody books are good for any and all ages. Come ready to build your next order list for this year & wish list for next year!
Slides available at www.heisereads.com/wemta23books/
Speakers
avatar for Jillian Heise

Jillian Heise

Elementary Library Media Specialist, Fox Point-Bayside School District
Jillian Heise is a National Board Certified Teacher with one Masters in Reading/Language Arts + another Masters in Library & Information Science. She has been an elementary Library Media Specialist in southeastern Wisconsin since 2017. Prior to that, she taught 7th & 8th grade ELA... Read More →

Sunday February 5, 2023 2:15pm - 3:15pm CST
B4
  Spotlight Speaker Session
 
Monday, February 6
 

7:00am CST

Registration
Monday February 6, 2023 7:00am - 5:00pm CST
Expo Hall Commons
  conference events

7:30am CST

Breakfast Buffet and Announcements
Monday February 6, 2023 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Ballroom
  conference events

8:00am CST

First-Timers Breakfast
Are you new to the WEMTA conference experience? Join other first time attendees in B2 off the left side of the grand ballroom/breakfast area.
The first-timer's breakfast is a quick meeting to give first-timers a run down on the conference, what to expect, and how to navigate. You'll also get a quick intro regarding the WEMTA organization and what you get with your membership. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in the first-timer's bingo challenge to win some prizes!
Speakers
avatar for Jone Davis

Jone Davis

LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST, Northland Pines School District
I am the district librarian for the Northland Pines School District and I run the districts 4 libraries. I have been in education for 23 years with 13 of those in the library. I love to spend my free time reading, crafting, or getting outside and enjoying the Northwoods.

Monday February 6, 2023 8:00am - 8:30am CST
B2
  conference events

8:45am CST

Book Challenge Stories
Let's talk about book challenges! Sarah Beth Nelson, the presenter and director of the UW System School Library Education Cooperative, will tell some book challenge stories from her time as a school librarian. Attendees are invited to bring your stories as well. We'll share open mic style.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Beth Nelson

Sarah Beth Nelson

Director, University of Wisconsin System School Library Education Cooperative
Sarah Beth Nelson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she directs UWW’s Library Media program and the University of Wisconsin System School Library Education Cooperative. Before becoming a professor, Sarah Beth worked in public and school libraries... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
B3
  exhibitor session

8:45am CST

Embracing Culturally Responsive Practices through the Study of State and Local Issues
It is important to instill in students a curiosity about the world around them, along with a strong sense of their place in the world. In this session, we will explore strategies that will allow educators to embrace culturally responsive practices that meet the social and academic needs of diverse student populations, and encourage student discussion on current events and how they relate to events in state and local history. We will drive inquiry through the use of guiding questions, print and digital resources, and encouraging students to develop social awareness, self-awareness and responsible decision making skills as they reflect on how their personal experiences relate to global issues. Finally, we’ll discuss fostering an environment that encourages students to take informed action as it relates to state and local history, people, events and topics.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Heintz

Christopher Heintz

Education Consultant, Britannica Education
Chris is an experienced Educational Consultant with many years supporting educators to create positive outcomes for students! He began his career in education as a high school Social Studies teacher and transitioned to the assessment world to support schools and districts in Illinois... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
A4
  exhibitor session

8:45am CST

Improving MARC data, Increasing Material Discoverability
Most K-12 libraries have MARC data that has originated from many sources, accumulated over time and been touched by many hands. Records that contain structural errors, inconsistencies, outdated content, duplicate records, etc. will hinder circulation efficiency and result in materials sitting on the shelf instead of in kids’ hands. Mitinet Library Services provides innovative, award-winning tools and services to solve complex issues with MARC data, quickly and effectively. This session will discuss Mitinet’s approach to analyze a library’s -or district’s-database, to provide expert consultation and tailored solutions to resolve a wide range of metadata issues.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Hoelscher

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 →

Improving MARC Data, Increasing Material Discoverability pptx
Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
Suite 1
  exhibitor session

8:45am CST

We’re All Media Mentors! Navigating Media Integration for Our Youngest Learners
The role of education in entertainment has long been debated. At PBS and Sesame Street, we are always thinking about the ways media can enhance the lives of young children, and our reach and impact has supported millions around the world. In this session, you will learn about strategies for skillfully integrating media in your learning spaces in a variety of ways with minimal screen time, using characters beloved to your students and their families. This session will also explore media literacy, media mentorship, digital equity and connected learning. PBS KIDS is the #1 most trusted educational media - come find out why and how to leverage our free resources to brighten up your learning space. There will be time built in for playful resource exploration!

Follow along with slides here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15gP38IyWy6N8zuoQe8cyEv7UG28d6Bdt/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103454130576255347518&rtpof=true&sd=true
Speakers
avatar for Mouna Algahaithi

Mouna Algahaithi

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Mouna Algahaithi is an Early Learning Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin. She manages the "Ready To Learn" project, which aims to cultivate a love of learning and supports critical school readiness skills for marginalized children and families. Mouna is passionate about advocating... Read More →

PBSK LearningGoalsOnesheet Oct2022.NoCrops.ENGLISH (1) pdf
PBSK Apps LearningGoals.2022 NO CROPS pdf
A Guide to Media Mentorship 12 2020 tykIql4 pdf
Technology and Interactive Media Fred Rogers and NAEYC pdf
Fred Rogers Six Basic Necessities of Learning pdf
jgcc 1966report pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
A6
  exhibitor session

8:45am CST

"My Kid Has A Phone - Now What?" - Creating a Digital Safety Family Night in Your District
LINK TO PRESENTATION 

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 y whatever thoughts, comments and questions you have as well.
Speakers
AK

Ashley Knapp

High School Library Media Instructional Technology Specialist at West De Pere High School

Co-Presenter
JG
avatar for Jen Wathke

Jen Wathke

LMS, West De Pere School District
Jen is a Library Media/Instructional Technology Specialist for the School District of West De Pere. Jen has a passion for creatively blending the world of literacy and technology. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on a variety of topics including Google Apps... Read More →
JG
NV

Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
B1
  Session

8:45am CST

Activate, Explore, Apply - Elementary Teachers’ Journey to Completion
Apple Teacher Portfolio is a new recognition badge (2021) that educators can earn through Apple Teacher Learning Center, the self-paced professional learning platform. Inspired by the Everyone Can Create project guides, educators can enhance their work with engaging everyday lessons for students, using apps like Keynote, GarageBand, and iMovie. In this session two teacher librarians will share their journey to completion of this program; sharing trials and tribulations.

Check out the presentation here:  https://sites.google.com/lacrossesd.org/mrsharden/wemta-presentations
Speakers
avatar for Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Carrie Wuensch-Harden

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

Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
A3
  Session

8:45am CST

Be In the Know With the DPI Updates
Hear the latest and greatest from the Department of Public Instruction. We will introduce new faces, highlight recent and upcoming projects and initiatives, and share important information on a variety of topics, including school and public library information and collaborations, BadgerLink, broadband, computer science, and digital learning. You will leave with ideas and strategies to strengthen the work you are doing to address the unique needs of your learning community.
Speakers
avatar for Monica Treptow

Monica Treptow

School Library Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Monica Treptow started her work as the School Library Media Education Consultant at the DPI in July of 2017. Her prior experience includes twelve years as a K-12 library media specialist and district leader. Her roles have included leading development of information and technology... Read More →
avatar for Amy Bires

Amy Bires

Computer Science & Digital Learning, WI Department of Public Instruction
Amy Bires is the Computer Science and Digital Learning Educational Consultant at the Department of Public Instruction. She started her career as a Business and Information Technology (IT) teacher and taught various grade levels for 16 years. After teaching she worked as the Northeast... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Albrecht

Amanda Albrecht

Digital Learning Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Amanda is an instructional technology professional with 20+ years in the field of education. She spent the first part of her career as a classroom teacher in the Appleton Area School District. Following that, Amanda worked as an Instructional Technology Coach with the Neenah Joint... Read More →
avatar for Ben Miller

Ben Miller

Director, Libraries and Technology, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Ben works to empower Wisconsin libraries of all types to best serve their communities. He joined the Department of Public Instruction in 2015 and previously served as the director of two small, public libraries in Wisconsin and Iowa. He lives in Sauk Prairie with his wife, two kids... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
B4
  Session

8:45am CST

Books, Books, Books!
In this session we will explore all the different ways that technology can facilitate the enjoyment of reading and creating books in your learning environment. Apps/sites that will be shared are Novel Effect, Noisy Books, Toniebox, Osmo Reading Adventure, Vooks, Book Creator (App/Site), Canva for Education, Google/Apple tools. Participants will be given access to a wealth of resources that they can use to bring the excitement of reading and creating books to their school/district.

For access to all the resources shared in this session, please visit this link. 😊
Speakers
avatar for Tricia Louis

Tricia Louis

District Technology Integration Professional, Richland School District
Tricia Louis is an #edtech advocate. In her position as the Technology Integration Professional at the Richland School District, she brings individual & group training to the 200+ staff employed there. Tricia is proud to be a part of the Google For Education Certified Trainer, Apple... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
B2
  Session

8:45am CST

Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Human Trafficking
“Our kids are growing up on a digital playground, and no one is on recess duty.” During Covid, the cases of children being a target of human and sex trafficking have doubled due to social media and unsupervised screen time. Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself, your students, and your staff. Understand Data and Data Privacy and be able to apply Data Privacy in your own life and school. The workshop will also include the following: Understand App Permissions and the dangers of wrongly permitting them Understand what Visual Privacy is and how to practice it Understand the relationship between Data and Visual Data Keep your students safe and teach Data and Privacy in school and the community Social engineering Human and Sex Trafficking
Speakers
avatar for Aggie Salter

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 →

wemta 2023 pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
A5
  Session

8:45am CST

Level Up: A Guided Workshop for Enhancing Your School's WSDLC/Sora Experience
Grab your device and join us for a hands-on session discussing features like curating the collection, title assigning from your Advantage content and content access levels. Have a collection you've been meaning to curate? Bring your idea to the session and make it happen.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Gold

Sara Gold

Project Manager, WiLS
Sara Gold is a librarian with WiLS, which is a non-profit membership organization that facilitates collaborative projects and services to save members time and money and to advance library service. She serves as a project manager for the Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium... Read More →

Co-Presenter
CB

Connie Bowman

Connie Bowman is an Account Executive for OverDrive, collaborating with schools across the US. Her education career spans over 2 decades of helping schools maximize their use of technology and continuing to be future-ready. Let us show you how to successfully develop a digital ecosystem... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
A2
  Session

8:45am CST

YouTube and Your Readers: Sparking Reading Engagement in Your Students
Rather than take the time to find and use current, relevant, and exciting new titles in the kidlit world, many teachers (the new, tired and burnt-out) are reading the same old novels they were taught. In this session I will share how the strategy of First Chapter Friday and the power of YouTube can introduce students to high quality literature AND increase their enthusiasm toward reading … all for FREE. As a former middle school reading and English teacher and the author of twelve books, I combine my love of words with my knowledge of Middle Grade and Young Adult books to share high quality, award winning, teachable books. In this session I will outline the benefits of using video in your classroom (even though we really wish our students would spend less time on YouTube!) and how to effectively create, structure and implement video use and First Chapter Friday in your classroom. Time will be given for Q&A and also for attendees to browse materials and make implementation plans.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Zieba

Amanda Zieba

Amanda Zieba is a self proclaimed word nerd, middle school teacher and author of 7 books. She is also the creator of the monthly online writing community Story Seedlings. You can connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amandazieba/ or via her website. www.amandazieb... Read More →

WEMTA Handouts 202 3YouTube and Your Reader (1) pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 8:45am - 9:45am CST
A1
  Session

10:00am CST

Expo Hall Grand Opening
Monday February 6, 2023 10:00am - 11:30am CST
Salon B
  conference events

11:30am CST

WEMTA and ISTE Awards and Grants
Monday February 6, 2023 11:30am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom
  conference events

12:00pm CST

Lunch and Keynote - Has there ever been a more crucial time to be a Librarian?
During a time when book choices are being questioned and challenged, it’s more important than ever to ensure that our collections are authentic, accurate, current, and inclusive. And that you can defend why it needs to be so and the book choices you make. Children deserve to be seen, recognized, and loved for their full humanity, and kids and families of all identities deserve to have their lived experiences affirmed on the pages of the books that we purchase, recommend, add to curriculum, and read aloud. This is the beauty and honor, and obligation, of the work that we do with young people as we support them in developing into empathetic members of a global society. It's not an easy time to be a librarian, but it is a crucially important one.
Speakers
avatar for Jillian Heise

Jillian Heise

Elementary Library Media Specialist, Fox Point-Bayside School District
Jillian Heise is a National Board Certified Teacher with one Masters in Reading/Language Arts + another Masters in Library & Information Science. She has been an elementary Library Media Specialist in southeastern Wisconsin since 2017. Prior to that, she taught 7th & 8th grade ELA... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom
  Keynote

1:15pm CST

Effectively Leveraging Standards-Aligned Instructional Resources in Your Digital Ecosystem
According to a recent survey, more than 50% of teachers spend over 15 hours each week searching for high-quality digital resources. Teachers and districts have learning objects in so many different places that teachers waste an extraordinary amount of time in even locating them to preview or use. Join this session to learn how districts such as Green Bay Area Public School District are leveraging the SAFARI Montage Learning Object Repository (LOR) to save teachers time searching, accessing and sharing vetted, high-quality digital resources for use in the various classroom environments. Discover how GBAPSD successfully integrated their LOR with Google Classroom to improve teacher workflows, support flexible instruction models and provide students with access to world-class digital curricular resources, standards-aligned lesson playlists, and more.

Session Slideshow
Speakers
ND

Nick DeKoff

Director of Customer Engagement, SAFARI Montage
Nick DeKoff is the Director of Customer Engagement at SAFARI Montage. In this role, he works with K-12 school districts to find the best ways to solve their digital instruction challenges using the SAFARI Montage platform. He serves as a primary point of contact and provides project... Read More →
avatar for Raquel L Rand

Raquel L Rand

Library Media Coordinator, GBAPS
Raquel is the District Library Media Coordinator for the Green Bay School District. She spent 6 years in elementary libraries, 4 years as a technology integrator (coach) and is currently serving as the coordinator. She has spent all of her time with the Green Bay School District and... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
A3
  exhibitor session

1:15pm CST

The Right Database Makes All the Difference: Ancient Egypt and FactCite
FactCite, a collection of databases, is a favorite with Wisconsin students. Join New London media specialist Katie Kovalaske and 6th grade social studies teacher Erika Wilson as they share taking student research projects to the next level, using engaging tools and FactCite. From conception to implementation, learn how they created an engaging project for 6th grade students to learn and showcase their learning about Ancient Egypt. Students researched, designed, and constructed a virtual museum display that demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of the ancient culture of Egypt based on their own inquiry interest. Students' interests were piqued using a virtual reality experience to learn about and engage with the many historical sites uncovered in Egypt. A lesson on the importance of reliable sources (taught by a certified media specialist), showcasing FactCite's "Why Use Databases?" video enabled students to research quickly and effectively - as well as to easily cite their sources! Upon completion of their virtual museum, students gave an oral presentation using a screencasting tool to virtually walk their class and their audience through their virtual museum explaining each exhibit and its importance. Participants will receive 2 months of free access to FactCite.
Speakers
avatar for Katie Kovalaske

Katie Kovalaske

Instructional Resource Coach, New London School District

Co-Presenter
EW

Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
B3
  exhibitor session

1:15pm CST

Building a Culture of Literacy and Learning
Bring reading excitement to your school! Our team of Instructional Library Technology Specialists will share a multitude of ideas and strategies to promote literacy and learning for students in grades 4K-12. Activities include book clubs, student news team, S.T.E.M. and Story, Book Trailer Tuesdays, Flashlight Fridays, Book Tastings, Book Bike Deliveries and Book Talks, Destiny scavenger hunts, and many more! We will highlight how our school library programs make literacy resources accessible to our students and staff through engaging tasks, curated materials, and collaborative activities that promote higher level thinking. Links to resources and ideas will be provided. Session will end with Q & A and time for attendees to share literacy ideas which have impacted their school programs.

Building a Culture of Literacy and Learning
Co-Presenter
CZ
CJ
DM
EW
avatar for Erin Ermis

Erin Ermis

Neenah School District
Our group consists of Instructional Library Technology Specialists representing elementary, middle and high school levels. Erin Ermis, has 20 plus years of experience in education. Cathy Johnson, has 30 plus years of experience in education.. Polly Kelly, has 29 years of experience... Read More →
JM
PK

WEMTA 2023 Building a Culture of Literacy and Learning compressed pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
B1
  Session

1:15pm CST

Diversifying Road Map for K-12 Libraries with Strategies You Can Use Right Away
Janel and Jenny will be presenting our work within Green Bay and Appleton Elementary and High School libraries on diversifying collections. We will include our road maps, goals and strategies. This will include a variety of entry level things you can start with as well as long terms goals and results. This will also include tips on how to increase student awareness of and readership of diverse topics and points of view not limited to culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity, ability level, religion and more. You won't leave this session knowing everything (we certainly don't), but you will leave with the resources and ideas needed to get the conversation started, continued or evaluated in your district.
Speakers
avatar for Janel Bedor Griffiths

Janel Bedor Griffiths

Library Media Specialist, Appleton Area School District
Janel Bedor Griffiths has been a librarian for 20 years or so. She barely knows left from right and often doesn't know what's up or what's down. She does love the library, her granddaughter Raeni and most cats. She does NOT like socks or the smell of ketchup and has never read Harry... Read More →

Co-Presenter
avatar for Jennifer Georgia

Jennifer Georgia

Library Media Specialist, GBAPS
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 →

Diversity slide link pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
B2
  Session

1:15pm CST

Empower Youth Voices Through Media Production
Student’s lives are increasingly saturated with media and the barriers to creating media are lower than ever. Helping students become better media producers empowers their voices and makes them savvier media consumers. In this session you will see how elements of documentary filmmaking and media production can be applied to your classroom instruction regardless of discipline. We will give examples of accessible production techniques and resources. Participants will come away with ideas on how to implement these approaches with little or no technical abilities.
Speakers
avatar for Nick Ostrem

Nick Ostrem

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Nick Ostrem is a 3rd - 12th grade Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. With a background in archaeology and history education, he strives to empower learners to see themselves in the past, present, and future. In his role he supports educators and students... Read More →

2023 02 01 WEMTA Empowering Youth Voice Through Media Production pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Suite 1
  Session

1:15pm CST

Making Sora Yours: Navigating and Setting User Preferences in the Sora Reading App
This will be a hands-on session that will walk attendees on how each Sora user can personalize their experience. Grab your device, log in to Sora and join us for an interactive session on how you can customize your reader settings, engage in content, and set your preferences. This session will be HANDS-ON and slides provide wrap-around information, not the session's content. 
Speakers
avatar for Sara Gold

Sara Gold

Project Manager, WiLS
Sara Gold is a librarian with WiLS, which is a non-profit membership organization that facilitates collaborative projects and services to save members time and money and to advance library service. She serves as a project manager for the Wisconsin Schools Digital Library Consortium... Read More →

Co-Presenter
CB

Connie Bowman

Connie Bowman is an Account Executive for OverDrive, collaborating with schools across the US. Her education career spans over 2 decades of helping schools maximize their use of technology and continuing to be future-ready. Let us show you how to successfully develop a digital ecosystem... Read More →

WEMTA 2023 Making Sora Yours Navigating and Setting User Preferences in the Sora Reading App pptx
Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
A6
  Session

1:15pm CST

So You Got Your New Coaching Title; Now What?
Come together with new coaches to collaborate, face common challenges, and build your coaches' tool kit. From defining your job, building relationships, and implementing coaching cycles, to Future Ready Coach. This New Coaches Session will be customized to fit your needs and focused on collaborative teacher-driven coaching practices. Walk away with tested coaching resources and ready-to-implement templates that will allow you to transform your coaching to the next level.
Speakers
avatar for Aggie Salter

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 →

wemta 2023 pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
A4
  Session

1:15pm CST

Still Challenged! How We Are Surviving Record Numbers of Book Challenges
Policies have been reviewed. Procedures are in place. Yet, you still feel a bit unsure about what may happen if a material in your collection is challenged. Come to this session to hear about the lived experiences of going through a book challenge. Panelists will share their struggles and successes for our collective benefit. In addition, we will take time to venture through a book challenge scenario to practice responses and strategies for difficult situations.
Speakers
avatar for Monica Treptow

Monica Treptow

School Library Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Monica Treptow started her work as the School Library Media Education Consultant at the DPI in July of 2017. Her prior experience includes twelve years as a K-12 library media specialist and district leader. Her roles have included leading development of information and technology... Read More →

Co-Presenter
AK

Ashley Knapp

High School Library Media Instructional Technology Specialist at West De Pere High School
KK
MK

Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
A5
  Session

1:15pm CST

Teaching and Learning with Chrome
The Chrome Browser and ChromeOS are staples in classrooms everywhere. In this session, we will explore a jam-packed resource cache of extensions, add-ons, sites, and other google goodies to help you and your students succeed with utilizing Chrome and ChromeOS.

For access to all the resources shared in this session, please visit this link. 😊
Speakers
avatar for Tricia Louis

Tricia Louis

District Technology Integration Professional, Richland School District
Tricia Louis is an #edtech advocate. In her position as the Technology Integration Professional at the Richland School District, she brings individual & group training to the 200+ staff employed there. Tricia is proud to be a part of the Google For Education Certified Trainer, Apple... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
A2
  Session

1:15pm CST

What's in your classroom? Computational Thinking and Computer Science
Computational thinking is really just a problem-solving skill and a basic process to help students turn their ideas into creative solutions. Participants will develop a deeper understanding between computational thinking, computer science and core content areas. They will also review the computer science standards, explore ways to integrate CS content into projects, and engage in an active lesson plan to take back with them.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Bires

Amy Bires

Computer Science & Digital Learning, WI Department of Public Instruction
Amy Bires is the Computer Science and Digital Learning Educational Consultant at the Department of Public Instruction. She started her career as a Business and Information Technology (IT) teacher and taught various grade levels for 16 years. After teaching she worked as the Northeast... Read More →

2023 WEMTA CS and CT pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
B4
  Session

1:15pm CST

Making Space for Makerspace: A 3-pronged Approach to Scheduling
Makerspace activities have value in building so many skills our students need right now and in the future, along with ways to support classroom lessons, but it can be hard to find the time to fit in amongst read alouds, book checkout, and all of the curriculum needs of classroom teachers. Join this session to hear how an elementary librarian with a flexible schedule for integrating ITL standards created a new method for making makerspace work for all in her school. Starting from a stance of three distinct purposes for makerspace, leave with a framework to consider implementing with your school.
Speakers
avatar for Jillian Heise

Jillian Heise

Elementary Library Media Specialist, Fox Point-Bayside School District
Jillian Heise is a National Board Certified Teacher with one Masters in Reading/Language Arts + another Masters in Library & Information Science. She has been an elementary Library Media Specialist in southeastern Wisconsin since 2017. Prior to that, she taught 7th & 8th grade ELA... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
A1
  Spotlight Speaker Session

2:15pm CST

Visit Expo Hall - Drawings at 3:15
Visit our exhibitors. Get your questions answered face-to-face! Prize Drawing at 3:15.
cookies available in the Expo Hall
Monday February 6, 2023 2:15pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon B
  conference events

4:00pm CST

Battle of the Books: Sparking Student Interest in Literacy
Are you looking for ways to ignite an interest in reading in your classroom, library, school, or district? Could you use some fresh engaging activities to spark a passion for reading? Join our engaging and interactive session showcasing ideas and activities to assist in creating a culture of reading as WEMTA celebrates their 23rd year of this highly successful reading competition. The attendee will know how to: Access the final practice and official battles. Strategies for selecting team members to represent their school. Locate and access learning activities. Have students log titles read in Beanstalk How the winning teams will be announced this year Create engaging motivational learning games Explain how the reading list of books is selected. Tell which Wisconsin School districts are participating. “Connect Battle of the Books to other Wemta-sponsored programs." Implement a successful Battle of the Books program and more.

https://sites.google.com/wemta.org/battle/home

Speakers
avatar for Jeff Carpenter

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 →

Co-Presenter
GK

2022 23 Slides from BOB Presentation pdf
WEMTA's Statewide Battle of the Books Link pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
A3
  Session

4:00pm CST

CANCELLED Badgerlink for Your Library Staff
Ignite a spark with FREE BadgerLink resources in your library! Join us to learn how to better share BadgerLink as library staff, and gear up with what you need to spread the word about Wisconsin’s extensive electronic resource collection, without spending another penny! Perfect for newbies and veterans alike, this session’s objectives include:
  • Become empowered to share BadgerLink resources with your library users with tools and help materials on For Library Staff page
  • Build awareness & understanding of how the resources are selected
Speakers
avatar for Jen Champoux

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!

Co-Presenter
EN

Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
Suite 1
  Session

4:00pm CST

Canva in the Classroom
Explore hundreds of google friendly templates available, and because Canva Pro is FREE for educators, that means you have access to them ALL! In this hands-on workshop, you will have a chance to create, explore, and walk away with ready-to-use interactive lesson ideas. Take your students to the next level of creativity and critical thinking while empowering them and providing choice and voice.
Speakers
avatar for Aggie Salter

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 →

wemta 2023 pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
B3
  Session

4:00pm CST

Empowering Students and Personalizing Learning: A Blended Approach
Providing instructors with opportunities to connect with and empower learners are central to blended learning. Attendees will be introduced to the use of blended learning strategies. The use of a station rotation format in a high school social studies classroom will be the focus. These strategies can easily be adapted to other learning environments. Attendees will leave this session with the tools and resources necessary to build a blended learning experience for their students.

Presentation Link
Speakers
avatar for Linda Schuerman

Linda Schuerman

Professional Learning Coordinator, Wisconsin Virtual School
Linda Schuerman has over twenty-five years of experience in education, first as a high school social studies teacher and then as an instructional leader in Wisconsin. Her teaching career included brick and mortar instruction at Middleton High School as well as online instruction with... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
A4
  Session

4:00pm CST

Esports: Make gaming a powerful tool in schools
We all know our students are playing these games, so why not leverage where their interests are and turn it into a positive for our schools? Esports in our schools has proven to be a way to connect students to our community, develop positive relationships, develop career readiness, and provide an avenue for individual expression. Don’t let your inexperience with video games deter you from exploring a program. There are more opportunities that esports can provide to your students and school than a gaming element!
Speakers
avatar for Mike Dahle

Mike Dahle

President, Wisconsin High School Esports Association
Mike Dahle is a Business Teacher at Elkhorn Area HS and President of the Wisconsin HS Esports Association. He was a second-year teacher when he learned how far PC gaming had come since his younger gaming days when a student gave a presentation on the League of Legends World Championship... Read More →

Building a Thriving Esports Program pptx
Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
A6
  Session

4:00pm CST

Get Organized with Google
Presentation Link
Improve your online efficiency by optimizing your toolbar, tabs, bookmarks, and more! We'll also explore some little-known features of Google Workspace to better organize your life. Much of our focus will be on on Google Drive, Keep, Docs, and Extensions to help you stay organized online.
https://tinyurl.com/Googlecanhelp
Speakers
avatar for Jake Boll

Jake Boll

Curriculum Specialist, CESA 5
High School social studies teacher before joining the team at CESA 5 as a curriculum and ed tech specialist. Some favorite PD topics include digital citizenship and media literacy, inquiry based learning, standards based grading, artificial intelligence, and UDL. Also a HS cross country... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
A1
  Session

4:00pm CST

High School Connections - It's hard; here's what I'm trying
Library Programming at high school with rather apathetic adolescents is challenging. Through a monthly newsletter and begging, I'll share some ways I'm trying to engage students and teachers through aRead Like a Warrior Subscription, a maker space during study hall, and those newsletter details. Link to slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1jbVek2RQXYHrqiwoRzuP3uoKojNVAO8SVRdWPC429sc/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Emily Dittmar

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

Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
A2
  Session

4:00pm CST

Ignite that Spark - PK-Adult Library Programs
Kindle your mind with library program ideas that will light your students, parents, and the community. I’ll share mine (Banned Book Club, Club Chill, Create And Read Evenings, Coding Club, Creators Club, Early Riser Readers, Fourth Grade Reading Sleepover, Kindness Jokes, LEGOs, Library Club, Read Across America, Read Aloud Month, Read Around the School, Riddles, Screen Free Week, STEAMfest, Summer Reading, Super Powers, & Trivia), then you’ll share yours!

​PRESENTATION​​​
Speakers
SS

Sue Salzsieder

Sue Salzsieder a staunch supporter of intellectual freedom, makerspaces, and computer science education in schools. She began her career as a media specialist at Phillips Middle School, moved on to Chilton Elementary School, and is now PK-12 Librarian for the School District of C... Read More →

Ignite that Spark pdf
Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
A5
  Session

4:00pm CST

Lateral Reading and Media Literacy: Helping Students Research Well
Today's students are used to doing everything--from academic research to communicating with friends--online. How can we, as educators, help them figure out which online sources are trustworthy? In this session, we will go through a sample presentation on lateral reading, talk about how to create a spiraled 6-12 media literacy curriculum, and how to connect with classroom teachers around research skills.

LINK TO PRESENTATION 
Speakers
KM

Katie McBride Moench

New Glarus School District
Katie McBride Moench is the middle and high school librarian for the New Glarus School District. She is interested in helping students develop media literacy skills to navigate the online world, making technology accessible to all students, and building a culture of reading in sc... Read More →

WEMTA Evaluating Online Sources pptx
Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
B4
  Session

4:00pm CST

Revamping the Elementary Library Space to Support Student Success
Walking into an elementary library that has stuffed shelves of spine out books in alpha order by author is just not the most inviting environment for our youngest students. So how do we start making the shifts that will support students for successful discoverability for little (and bigger) hands? By considering how we display, shelve, label, sign, and organize individual books and sections in our libraries. The presenter will share her story of evolving three different elementary libraries and the lessons learned in revamping the spaces - including the differences and so many similarities - with weeding, organization, usage, and collection development. Join a discussion about ways we can support students (and staff) in finding what they want & need without relying on library staff assistance to make our elementary libraries more kid-friendly and usable for our schools.
Speakers
avatar for Jillian Heise

Jillian Heise

Elementary Library Media Specialist, Fox Point-Bayside School District
Jillian Heise is a National Board Certified Teacher with one Masters in Reading/Language Arts + another Masters in Library & Information Science. She has been an elementary Library Media Specialist in southeastern Wisconsin since 2017. Prior to that, she taught 7th & 8th grade ELA... Read More →

Monday February 6, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm CST
B2
  Spotlight Speaker Session

5:30pm CST

Trivia Night
Prizes, Cash Bar, Pizza, Raffle Drawing, Fun!
Monday February 6, 2023 5:30pm - 8:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom
  conference events
 
Tuesday, February 7
 

7:00am CST

Breakfast Buffet and Business Meeting
Tuesday February 7, 2023 7:00am - 8:00am CST
Grand Ballroom
  conference events

7:00am CST

Registration
Tuesday February 7, 2023 7:00am - 2:00pm CST
Expo Hall Commons
  conference events

8:00am CST

Authors and Illustrators, and Book Trailers OH MY!
My grandma always had a saying, “Viele Hände machen bald ein Ende” which translates to “Many hands make light work (or a quick ending).” One of the strategies I’ve adopted for managing 9 elementary buildings is to create universal resources/presentations that I can use for my library lessons in any building. During this workshop session, we will put our heads together to add to some of my most popular lessons topics, creating several exciting resources to take back to your schools! We will work within my “Awesome Authors” lesson, “Interesting Illustrators” and the “Book Tasting Cafe.” On your own, these can take hours to put together, but with our “many hands” at work we are sure to make a quick ending!
Speakers
avatar for Jamie Jestadt

Jamie Jestadt

Library Media Specialist, Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools
Hi there! I'm Jamie Jestadt from Wisconsin Rapids. This is my 8th year as Library Media Specialist for the nine elementary schools in our district. I have over 2,500 amazing students who teach me something new every day. I love everything about the library and am so excited to be... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:00am - 9:30am CST
B3
  Workshop

8:00am CST

Embracing Inclusive Cataloging to Represent Students' Intersectionality
Many school librarians are grappling with the racist history of the Dewey Decimal System and wondering how to respond. MMSD has started work towards inclusive cataloging, which results in respectful representation of our student population. Inclusive cataloging not only better reflects our student’s identities, but also improves accessibility as students find resources classified using terminology that aligns with their own thinking. In undertaking this work, participants will grow professionally and strengthen partnerships within their learning communities. Participants will come away with a host of resources, ideas for an action plan, and a network of support for launching inclusive cataloging projects. Workshop participants will engage in interactive, supportive conversations around the challenges of unique cataloging for individual institutions.

Presentation
Workspace
Speakers
MH

Maegan Heindel

Library Services Coordinator, Madison Metropolitan School District
Maegan Heindel is a school librarian, teacher, and the current Library Services Coordinator in Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, WI. In her 17 years as an educator, she has been an ALA Emerging Leader, Wisconsin Learning4Life Coordinator, AASL Affiliate Assembly member... Read More →
avatar for Kim Stieber-White

Kim Stieber-White

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 →

Co-Presenter
VE

Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:00am - 9:30am CST
B1
  Workshop

8:00am CST

Selecting Inclusive Texts through a Critical Lens
It’s crucial to look at texts, displays, and resource lists with an eye toward positive representation, diversity, inclusiveness, and impact for the needs of your learners while also considering personal / organizational biases and missing representation. We can no longer be satisfied with only providing the same old books and perspectives, or supporting teachers in doing so. In this session, we will follow-up on the keynote by looking at overarching methods and specific strategies for using a critical lens to analyze books. This will be a working session to get resources & start using them, analyzing books, and building order lists. 
Speakers
avatar for Jillian Heise

Jillian Heise

Elementary Library Media Specialist, Fox Point-Bayside School District
Jillian Heise is a National Board Certified Teacher with one Masters in Reading/Language Arts + another Masters in Library & Information Science. She has been an elementary Library Media Specialist in southeastern Wisconsin since 2017. Prior to that, she taught 7th & 8th grade ELA... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:00am - 9:30am CST
A1
  Workshop

8:15am CST

Creating, Analyzing, and Using Lists on TeachingBooks
Create and import custom reading lists filled with resources to share with your learning community. Analyze lists to gain insight into genre, cultural experience, recency, and more. Bring your own device and start creating booklists. TeachingBooks, provided through BadgerLink, offers connections to books so that all Wisconsin students, educators, and families have equitable access.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Ellen Graf

Mary Ellen Graf

Implementation and Training Specialist, TeachingBooks
Mary Ellen Graf is an Implementation and Training Specialist for TeachingBooks and a licensed educator with a master's in teaching. She taught in a variety of settings for more than 30 years, most recently as a middle school classroom teacher. Her experience with a wide spectrum of... Read More →

Creating, Analyzing, and Using Lists WEMTA23 (1) pdf
Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:15am - 9:15am CST
A3
  exhibitor session

8:15am CST

Digging Deeper into Black Bears and Blackberries Publishing: Connecting Native Authors and Illustrators with Readers
Speakers
TP

Thomas Peacock

Thomas Peacock is the author of more than a dozen books on Ojibwe history and culture, Native education, racism, and fiction. His latest books include Walking Softly, The Fire, The Tao of Nookomis, The Dancers, The Forever Sky, Beginnings and The Wolf’s Trail. He has two upcoming... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:15am - 9:15am CST
B2
  Keynote

8:15am CST

Book Subscription Boxes: Bringing the Library to Your Readers
With the rising popularity of subscription boxes, libraries have an opportunity to engage readers and patrons. In this session, we'll talk about how creating a book box program can help your library increase circulation numbers, how these programs can draw in reluctant readers, and how to manage the logistics. Attendees will also recieve access to Google forms and website copy to help them launch a program of their own.

PRESENTATION LINK
Speakers
KM

Katie McBride Moench

New Glarus School District
Katie McBride Moench is the middle and high school librarian for the New Glarus School District. She is interested in helping students develop media literacy skills to navigate the online world, making technology accessible to all students, and building a culture of reading in sc... Read More →

WEMTA BookSubscriptionBoxes pptx
Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:15am - 9:15am CST
A6
  Session

8:15am CST

ChatGPT and Other Timely Topics Roundtable
Speakers
AK

Ashley Knapp

High School Library Media Instructional Technology Specialist at West De Pere High School

Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:15am - 9:15am CST
A2
  Session

8:15am CST

Connecting Beyond the Classroom
Participants will learn how school librarians in the School District of La Crosse have developed partnerships with the La Crosse Public Library (LPL), the La Crosse Public Education Foundation (LPEF), and UW-La Crosse (UWL) that offer learning opportunities and celebrations for both students and librarians, as well as built a professional learning community with a cross section of professional librarians in the community. Participants will learn about the “Sneakers” and “Stars” programs at the LPL for elementary students, author visits supported through grants from the LPEF, and Battle of the Books competitions, and professional conferences offered in partnership with UWL.  Slide presentation
Speakers
avatar for Cindy Halter

Cindy Halter

Library Media Specialist, School District of La Crosse - Central High School
Cindy is a librarian at La Crosse Central High School. She has been an elementary librarian and has taught science at the middle level. She enjoys connecting with other librarians, whether in the school libraries, public libraries or academic libraries. Her favorite part of her job... Read More →

Co-Presenter
avatar for Carrie Wuensch-Harden

Carrie Wuensch-Harden

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

Connecting beyond the classroom pdf
Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:15am - 9:15am CST
A5
  Session

8:15am CST

How to leverage technology to address learning gaps with ebooks
COVID-19 accelerated technology adoption in K-12. But now that schools have these devices, what’s the best way to use them to support learning? See how districts are embracing digital books to address learning gaps by delivering students equitable access to a broader range of diverse reading resources. Discover how schools are adapting and quickly meeting the needs of large numbers of students, and leveraging the power of anytime, anywhere digital book access to build cost-effective district-level collections. We’ll also discuss how students are being protected through secure single sign-on authentication and the privacy ebooks afford to explore and learn at their own pace.
Speakers
CB

Connie Bowman

Connie Bowman is an Account Executive for OverDrive, collaborating with schools across the US. Her education career spans over 2 decades of helping schools maximize their use of technology and continuing to be future-ready. Let us show you how to successfully develop a digital ecosystem... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:15am - 9:15am CST
Suite 1
  Session

8:15am CST

Inquiry Based Learning
Let's dive into inquiry as we put students into the driver's seat of their own learning. Using the Wisconsin Social Studies Inquiry Standards as a framework, we will learn strategies for creating a culture of argument in our classrooms. By constructing and implementing shared inquiry goals, we will share the responsibility of teaching students how to identify, analyze, and evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning. Inquiry is a must not only in social studies, but also science, health, ELA , and every classroom!
https://tinyurl.com/inquiry4learning
Speakers
avatar for Jake Boll

Jake Boll

Curriculum Specialist, CESA 5
High School social studies teacher before joining the team at CESA 5 as a curriculum and ed tech specialist. Some favorite PD topics include digital citizenship and media literacy, inquiry based learning, standards based grading, artificial intelligence, and UDL. Also a HS cross country... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 8:15am - 9:15am CST
A4
  Session

9:30am CST

Capstone PebbleGo Updates and More for WEMTA 2023
Join Morey and Marty Dambekaln to learn the latest from Capstone Publishers, including PebbleGo, Interactive eBooks and more. Learn about all the new Content and Functionality we've added to your existing PebbleGo subscription, as well as terrific new expansion opportunities for your Library, District Staff and Students, including Create and Connect. We will reserve time for individual Q&A to help meet your District's specific needs.

session resources
Speakers
MA

Morey and Marty Dambekaln

Wisconsin K-12 Reps for Capstone Publishing, Capstone Publishing
Morey and Marty Dambekaln are your Wisconsin K-12 Publishers Representatives for Capstone, Wisconsin Historical Society, and other top school library publishers. Please contact us through Maris Education at www.mariseducation.com

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
A3
  exhibitor session

9:30am CST

Introducing a Streaming Movie Library for K-12 Education
Swank K-12 Streaming offers access to 30,000 movies and documentaries for academic use at K-12 schools through our easy, safe, and legal streaming platform. Teachers can show movies in the classroom or assign for homework, without the hassle of DVD equipment or blocked personal streaming accounts.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney Mach

Courtney Mach

Booth 2340, Streaming Movie Library
Courtney Mach is the Business Development Manager at Swank K-12 Streaming where she has spent the last 5 years working with K-12 schools to incorporate film into the classroom and developing new ways of engaging students in visual learning opportunities both inside and outside the... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
A5
  exhibitor session

9:30am CST

Let's Play: Using Playful Learning and Game Design in Any Subject or Makerspace
Today's learners utilize games on a daily basis more than ever, and educators can leverage that passion in so many ways. During this session, we'll explore how to modify current board and card games to be used in any space or subject, and how to help students design their own games to demonstrate understanding. We'll look at low-tech maker tools along with templates on Google Slides, Genially, Tabletopia, and much more!
Speakers
avatar for Jon Spike

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 →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
A1
  exhibitor session

9:30am CST

Create a Dynamite Library Website - FREE!
In this session, we'll talk about the best ways to create a FREE library website your students & staff will actually use. Zero coding knowledge required! I'll share examples and go over the basics with a particular focus on Google Sites & Weebly. We'll walk through how to create direct links to Badgerlink resources and your library catalog, and what sorts of content increases traffic. Attendees will be encouraged to work during the session, so expect to leave having gotten starte on this project. 

Presentation: tinyurl.com/wemta-website

Speakers
avatar for Danielle Brannan

Danielle Brannan

Library Technology Specialist, Mukwonago High School
I'm in my 13th year as a school librarian and this is my dream job! I spent 10 years as a 4K-8 librarian and now work at the high school level. I love books and reading, and I'm equally excited about technology and professional development. Librarians make schools better!

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
B2
  Session

9:30am CST

Finding Your Spark: Escape Rooms and Other Immersive Experiences in the Library
Can you help The Pigeon, Duckling, Elephant and Piggie, who have vanished from the library? Come learn all about implementing Escape Room and Other Immersive Experiences in the library. Detectives will: Design and create physical and digital Breakout boxes. Be exposed to Breakout EDU. Participate in a Breakout EDU Experience. Discover alternatives to Breakout EDU boxes and locks. Learn how to set a variety of locks. Brainstorm a variety of other immersive activities that will make their learning space the place students want to be.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Carpenter

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 →

Breakout EDU Flyer pdf
E Book Scavnger Hunt pdf
Lock Recording Sheet Digital Breakout pdf
Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
A4
  Session

9:30am CST

Great New Books for Grade K-5 Libraries
CCBC librarians Merri Lindgren and Madeline Tyner will highlight selected books for grades K-5 from CCBC Choices 2023, the CCBC's annual best-of-the-year list. All of the Choices 2023 books and ALA 2023 award winners will be available for hands-on book examination before and after the session/throughout the day.
Speakers
ML

Merri Lindgren

Librarian, CCBC

Co-Presenter
MT

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
B4
  Session

9:30am CST

Promoting Reading - a round table discussion
Reading promotion has always been of a school librarian's mission. We've got a few tried and true strategies to share including
  • using Destiny Discover Collections as an internal Goodreads
  • a restaurant-themed book tasting
  • book pass (speed-dating for the younger readers)
  • quick classroom push-in booktalks.
  • A little bit about Beanstack.
We'd love to hear your ideas, too!

Slide Deck

Speakers
avatar for Marcia Dressel

Marcia Dressel

Library Media Specialist K-5, Osceola School District
Marcia is an educator with 31 years of experience, 26 in the elementary library setting. Malena has been teaching for 33 years - first as an elementary classroom teacher, then as a tech and math coach.But for the last 21 years I've found my calling as a school librarian!I've also... Read More →

Co-Presenter
MK

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Suite 1
  Session

9:30am CST

School-wide Family Book Clubs
Link to presentation - https://sites.google.com/wdpsd.com/jenpresents/family-book-clubs

Are you having a tough time connecting with your school families? Come to this session to find out how one Title I elementary school created a school-wide family book club to engage and connect with families! Materials will be shared with you so you can take the information home and start a family book club, too! You won't want to miss this!
Speakers
avatar for Jen Wathke

Jen Wathke

LMS, West De Pere School District
Jen is a Library Media/Instructional Technology Specialist for the School District of West De Pere. Jen has a passion for creatively blending the world of literacy and technology. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on a variety of topics including Google Apps... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
A2
  Session

9:30am CST

The Common School Fund, Legislation and Me!
How did we get the Common School Fund announced earlier than normal this year? What should I be aware of in our State Government? These and other burning questions will be answered by your WEMTA Legislative Committee!  Link to slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zo3MUej6fMG6UqeFHPZx0NpnFLZXOcJ9-qzfy3sY8VM/edit?usp=sharing
Speakers
avatar for Emily Dittmar

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

Co-Presenter
EF
MB

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
B3
  Session

9:30am CST

WeVideo in the Library: Using video editing to engage students and teachers
Session particiapnts will learn about the uses of video creation in library programs. Attendees will see examples of student videos, podcasts, and asynchronous video lessons and will then learn how to create these for their own programs.

LINK TO PRESENTATION
Speakers
KM

Katie McBride Moench

New Glarus School District
Katie McBride Moench is the middle and high school librarian for the New Glarus School District. She is interested in helping students develop media literacy skills to navigate the online world, making technology accessible to all students, and building a culture of reading in sc... Read More →

WEMTA WeVideo pptx
Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
A6
  Session

9:30am CST

Teaching About Cultures vs Teaching Culturally: First Nations Studies
This workshop will help participants understand how to incorporate American Indian Studies into your 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 will be shared, but participants will also be given ideas, examples and direction regarding teaching culturally. Participants will gain the knowledge and information needed to integrate the components of First Nations Studies into lesson plans, pedagogical practices, material selections and district curriculum. The expected outcome will be that as they incorporate teaching culturally into their teaching, their students' achievement will increase and improve.
Speakers
avatar for David O'Connor

David O'Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
David O'Connor is originally from and is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe) in northern Wisconsin. In January 2012, he became the Education Consultant for the American Indian Studies Program at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In David’s... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:30am CST
B1
  Workshop

9:30am CST

Author Fair
Visit with these authors and perhaps pick up an autographed copy of their book(s)!
Laureanna Raymond-Duvernall, Kent Barnard, Amanda Zieba, Christina Hagmann, Miranda Paul, Barbara M. Britton, Jessica Kopecky, Erin Kant Barnard, Carol L. Paul, Becky Scharnhorst, Laura Bird, Debbie Lemke, and Thomas Peacock. 

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Zieba

Amanda Zieba

Amanda Zieba is a self proclaimed word nerd, middle school teacher and author of 7 books. She is also the creator of the monthly online writing community Story Seedlings. You can connect with her on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/amandazieba/ or via her website. www.amandazieb... Read More →
TP

Thomas Peacock

Thomas Peacock is the author of more than a dozen books on Ojibwe history and culture, Native education, racism, and fiction. His latest books include Walking Softly, The Fire, The Tao of Nookomis, The Dancers, The Forever Sky, Beginnings and The Wolf’s Trail. He has two upcoming... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 9:30am - 10:45am CST
Salon B
  conference events

10:45am CST

Author Fair Continues
Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
Salon B
  conference events

10:45am CST

Differentiating Instruction with Teaching Books
Match books to readers using the Text Complexity Toolkit. Explore titles on TeachingBooks that have lessons designed to scaffold instruction, guide reflection, and build connections to text in your classroom. Discover resources to support differentiated learning styles. Access is provided through BadgerLink so that all Wisconsin students, educators, and families have equitable access.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Ellen Graf

Mary Ellen Graf

Implementation and Training Specialist, TeachingBooks
Mary Ellen Graf is an Implementation and Training Specialist for TeachingBooks and a licensed educator with a master's in teaching. She taught in a variety of settings for more than 30 years, most recently as a middle school classroom teacher. Her experience with a wide spectrum of... Read More →

Differentiating Instruction with TeachingBooks WEMTA23 pdf
Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
A6
  exhibitor session

10:45am CST

Curating Library Resources: Finding Your Spark & Igniting a fire within Your Students
Does your library subscribe to databases, order a variety of e-books, print and other formats? Has it become challenging for you to remember all the resources you purchased? Do you find yourself saying, “Oh I have to remember next time to share this great resource?” If you do, it’s time to start curating your collection. Attendees will learn how to: Curate digital resources Create a Destiny Collection Import a resource list from Destiny Circulation System Share curated resources in Learning Resource Systems like Google Classroom and Canvas. Consider collections within collections Add a variety of formats to collections: digital products, videos, websites, books, photographs, etc. Organize a variety of curated collections. Your library catalog will never be the same again!
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Carpenter

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 →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
A4
  Session

10:45am CST

Developing a Diverse Collection
Pick up some tips and tricks for developing a collection that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion. You'll leave this session with tools you can use immediately. We'll cover weeding as well as purchasing, and talk through the "whys" of diverse books, how to conduct audits, what data to look at, and where to find diverse books. This is an updated presentation from one I did last year at WEMTA, but repeat attendees are always welcome! 

Presentation: tinyurl.com/wemta-diversify

Speakers
avatar for Danielle Brannan

Danielle Brannan

Library Technology Specialist, Mukwonago High School
I'm in my 13th year as a school librarian and this is my dream job! I spent 10 years as a 4K-8 librarian and now work at the high school level. I love books and reading, and I'm equally excited about technology and professional development. Librarians make schools better!

Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
A1
  Session

10:45am CST

Engaging Students With Localized & Inclusive Non Fiction: An Introduction to PBS Wisconsin Education’s Newly Updated Wisconsin Biographies
When students see themselves represented in media and history, it validates their identity. When students study people from historically underrepresented or marginalized groups, it broadens their perspective of the world and builds empathy. With the newly revitalized Wisconsin Biographies collection,educators can leverage intentionally designed digital media to make non-fiction reading more engaging through a diverse, Wisconsin-based lens. Please join PBS Wisconsin Education for an in-depth look at this incredible nonfiction collection, including a brand new biography on Tibetan Buddhist monk, Geshe Sopa, who was the founder and spiritual guide of Deer Park Buddhist Center. This session is intended for upper elementary and middle grade educators and providers, however, everyone is welcome to attend.
Speakers
avatar for Michael Hartwell

Michael Hartwell

Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin
Michael Hartwell is a 3rd -12th Grade Education Engagement Specialist with PBS Wisconsin Education. Michael is passionate about public education and advocacy that is practical and equitable. In his role facilitating professional learning opportunities, he strives to support educators... Read More →

Public Copy WEMTA Wisconsin Biographies Presentation pdf
Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
A5
  Session

10:45am CST

Great New Books for Grade 6-12 Libraries
CCBC librarians Merri Lindgren and Madeline Tyner will highlight selected books for grades 6-12 from CCBC Choices 2023, the CCBC's annual best-of-the-year list. All of the Choices 2023 books and ALA 2023 award winners will be available for hands-on book examination before and after the session/throughout the day.
Speakers
ML

Merri Lindgren

Librarian, CCBC

Co-Presenter
MT

Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
B4
  Session

10:45am CST

Leveraging Library Media Specialist Expertise in Strengthening Diverse Representation in Packaged ELA Materials
K-12 library media specialists are experiencing a reduction in opportunities to collaborate with educators to promote and provide authentic literature to students in their literacy and ELA classrooms as more schools purchase comprehensive ELA curricula. Certainly there is appeal to adopting a resource containing ALL student texts also touting a scope and sequence of standards-aligned skills shown to improve standardized literacy outcomes if implemented with fidelity. However, as scholars begin to publish results of culturally responsive curriculum audits for many of these products, some alarming results about omissions in representation and harmful depictions in some texts are becoming quite evident. Attend to learn more about ELA curriculum audits and envision how leveraging library media specialist expertise not only during, but especially after the audit process - in replacing and enhancing some texts in purchased ELA materials - can benefit the students in your local context.


Presentation Link
Speakers
avatar for Kim Stieber-White

Kim Stieber-White

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 →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
B3
  Session

10:45am CST

Round Table Discussion on how to manage multiple libraries
Round table discussion for librarians, library assistants, and other educators to discuss how they manage mulitple libraries. A chance to share ideas of what works for you. A chance to learn new ways of management that might make your job easier.

Sessions Notes
Speakers
avatar for Jone Davis

Jone Davis

LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST, Northland Pines School District
I am the district librarian for the Northland Pines School District and I run the districts 4 libraries. I have been in education for 23 years with 13 of those in the library. I love to spend my free time reading, crafting, or getting outside and enjoying the Northwoods.

Co-Presenter
SG

Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
B1
  Session

10:45am CST

Indigenizing the Resource Collections in our School Libraries
In this session, you will have an opportunity to learn about a variety of resources you can use to identify and evaluate the best materials to support the incorporation of First Nations Studies throughout the school year, not just around Indigenous Peoples Day or Native American Heritage Month, in your library and your collaborations with other educators. Participants will leave with a list of texts, digital media, blogs and websites to explore to support work around teaching and learning Indigenous studies.
Speakers
avatar for David O'Connor

David O'Connor

American Indian Studies Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
David O'Connor is originally from and is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe) in northern Wisconsin. In January 2012, he became the Education Consultant for the American Indian Studies Program at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In David’s... Read More →
avatar for Monica Treptow

Monica Treptow

School Library Education Consultant, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Monica Treptow started her work as the School Library Media Education Consultant at the DPI in July of 2017. Her prior experience includes twelve years as a K-12 library media specialist and district leader. Her roles have included leading development of information and technology... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 10:45am - 11:45am CST
B2
  Spotlight Speaker Session

11:45am CST

Lunch and Keynote
Thomas Peacock is the author of more than a dozen books on Ojibwe history and culture, Native education, racism, and fiction. His latest books include Walking Softly, The Fire, The Tao of Nookomis, The Dancers, The Forever Sky, Beginnings and The Wolf’s Trail. He has two upcoming books, The Naming of Aki (Minnesota Historical Society Press) and To Be Free (Second Edition), Dovetailed Press. His books have garnered awards, including two Minnesota Book Awards, Multicultural Children’s Book Award (National Association on Multicultural Education), and Indie adult fiction author of the year (2020 Minnesota Library Association for The Wolf’s Trail). He is co-owner and co-publisher of Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing, specializing in Native books by Native authors. A member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, he lives with his wife Betsy in Duluth, Minnesota and Red Cliff, Wisconsin.
Speakers
TP

Thomas Peacock

Thomas Peacock is the author of more than a dozen books on Ojibwe history and culture, Native education, racism, and fiction. His latest books include Walking Softly, The Fire, The Tao of Nookomis, The Dancers, The Forever Sky, Beginnings and The Wolf’s Trail. He has two upcoming... Read More →

Tuesday February 7, 2023 11:45am - 1:30pm CST
Grand Ballroom
  conference events

1:30pm CST

Prize Drawing
Tuesday February 7, 2023 1:30pm - 2:00pm CST
Grand Ballroom
 
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