MASL 51 Annual Conference 2024: Full Schedule

Michigan Association of School Librarians
51st Annual Conference
DoubleTree by Hilton, Bay City, MI
October 23-25, 2024

Funding for MASL 51 is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library of Michigan

Thank you to our conference sponsors: Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, Wayne State University School of Information Sciences, REMC of Michigan, Follett Learning, and Michigan Virtual

WiFi password: MASL2024!

Link to form for SCECHs (select the sessions you attended for professional development credit)

9:00am EDT

Pre-conference Breakfast & Welcome

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

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Breakfast sponsored by Michigan Virtual

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
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Meals

9:00am EDT

Pre-conference Registration

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT

Foyer

This registration is only open for the pre-conference attendees.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
Foyer

Registration

10:00am EDT

Pre-conference Morning Session - Collaboration and Connections

Wednesday October 23, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am EDT

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Collaboration and Connections Schedule
9:00-10:00 - Breakfast and Welcome
10:00-11:30 - Collaboration Examples
11:30-12:30 - Lunch
12:30-2:00 - Artificial Intelligence
2:00-3:00 - Guided Conversations
3:00-3:15 - Break
3:15-4:15 - Grant Writing
4:15-4:30 - Closing

Speakers

Justin Bruno

AI Strategist, Michigan Virtual

Justin has 15 years of experience in education, working to innovate and make learning a better experience for those of all ages. He’s worked in research and policy, product management, and as an 8th-grade social studies teacher in his home state of Louisiana. He earned a B.A. and... Read More →

Cynthia Zervos

Bethany Bratney

Harry Coffill

Library Media Specialist, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools

Proudly teaming with our local public library to provide content and opportunities to all our students.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwMHyoGGzQ8A dedicated librarian helping all kids find books that are both windows and mirrors of their experiences, cultures, and backgrounds.Godfrey-Lee... Read More →

Christina Chatel

Media Specialist, Troy Schools

Teacher librarian at Boulan Park and Smith Middle Schools in Troy, MI. Our shared middle school media website is www.troymiddleschoolmediacenter.weebly.com.

Kelly Hincks

School Librarian, Detroit Country Day Lower School

I am the librarian at Detroit Country Day Lower School in Bloomfield Hills, MI. I have worked as a librarian for the past eleven years. I was a classroom teacher for four years prior to that. I have worked in charter, public, and private schools. My favorite thing about being a librarian... Read More →

Wednesday October 23, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
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Preconference

11:30am EDT

Pre-conference Lunch

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

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Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
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Meals

12:30pm EDT

Pre-conference Afternoon Session - Collaboration and Connections

Wednesday October 23, 2024 12:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

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Speakers

Harry Coffill

Library Media Specialist, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools

Justin Bruno

AI Strategist, Michigan Virtual

Cynthia Zervos

Bethany Bratney

Christina Chatel

Media Specialist, Troy Schools

Teacher librarian at Boulan Park and Smith Middle Schools in Troy, MI. Our shared middle school media website is www.troymiddleschoolmediacenter.weebly.com.

Kelly Hincks

School Librarian, Detroit Country Day Lower School

Wednesday October 23, 2024 12:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
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Preconference

5:30pm EDT

Welcome Reception sponsored by WSU

Wednesday October 23, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT

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Join us for appetizers and socializing as we get checked in for our 51st Annual Conference, sponsored by Wayne State University School of Information Sciences.

NOTE: This event is FREE, but you must register in advance to give an accurate count to the kitchen.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
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Evening

5:30pm EDT

Registration

Wednesday October 23, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT

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Wednesday October 23, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
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Registration

9:00pm EDT

Librarians After Dark

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT

Wenonah Suite

Join us for some snacks, drinks, games, and casual conversation.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Wenonah Suite

Evening

7:15am EDT

Registration

Thursday October 24, 2024 7:15am - 10:00am EDT

Foyer

Thursday October 24, 2024 7:15am - 10:00am EDT
Foyer

Registration

7:30am EDT

Breakfast, Welcome & Opening Keynote - Jennifer LaGarde

Thursday October 24, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am EDT

Grand Ballroom AD

Brave Instead of Perfect: Deconstructing Imposter Syndrome in Librarianship
They say comparison is the thief of joy, but in a connected world, the urge to compare ourselves, and our work, to the "rockstars" in our field can be both impossible to resist and professionally paralyzing. In this keynote, we'll explore ways to smash impostor syndrome, avoid comparison and use our networks to pursue bravery instead of perfection, so that we can be the kind of librarians our kids truly deserve!

*Continental breakfast is served at 7:30am with presentation immediately following. Book signing will follow the presentation.

Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Thursday October 24, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am EDT
Grand Ballroom AD

Keynote

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Building Community with Esports and Videogames in the Library

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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Find out how adding esports and videogames to your library programming can help students build connections with each other, the school library, and our school community.

Speakers

Suzanne Banwart

Library Media Specialist, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

@nerdylibrarian.bsky.social

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Just an "Hour of Code" Can Ignite Excitement

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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Hour of Code is a great way to integrate beginning coding in schools and library media centers. This global initiative introduces computer science with fun activities for learners of all skill levels. Learn how to incorporate this fun day and other coding activities into your school by collaborating with a curriculum content or as a library media center specific program.

Speakers

Katherine Montei

Media Specialist, Lake Orion Community Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - The Power of a Book Tasting

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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Have you held a book tasting in your library? In this session I will take the idea of book tasting and zoom out. We will look at book tastings for a personal finance class, book tasting for a foods/nutrition class, book tastings for SAT prep, and more. Beyond the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions, share your expertise, and come up with new ideas for the upcoming school year. If you've never done a book tasting, you'll leave ready to host one.

Speakers

Sara Brown

HS Librarian, Portage Public Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Utilizing MeL eResources to Support MASL’s MISelf in Books

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) has many free eResources to support all citizens in the state. In this session we will pair nonfiction eResources (including articles, images, maps and video clips) in MeL with past and present MISelf in Books fiction titles to build upon student learning and understanding. Additionally, we will investigate ways to utilize MeL’s reader’s advisory eResources to generate even more dynamic reading lists for you and your students.

Speakers

Ann Kaskinen

MeL Engagement Specialist, K-12, Library of Michigan - MCLS

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Venture Into the Future of Learning: Inspiration from ISTE LIVE24

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

Wheeler

Learn how to attend the ISTE Live or virtual conferences and take a look at what the organization has to offer school librarians. Erica and Carma traveled to Denver, CO last summer to attend ISTE Live24. They will share with you what they learned, how they traveled there, what they experimented with, and more. Gain inspiration on a future trip, or digest the innovative offerings they gathered last summer.

Speakers

Erica Trowbridge

Media Specialist, Oakridge Public Schools

Carma Roesch

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
Wheeler

Sessions

10:00am EDT

Newcomers Meet & Greet

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:00am - 10:15am EDT

Grand Ballroom BC

Are you a new MASL member? First time conference attendee? Join fellow MASL members in the exhibit hall for a brief welcome and meet and greet.

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:00am - 10:15am EDT
Grand Ballroom BC

Exhibits

10:00am EDT

Exhibitor Showcase

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Grand Ballroom BC

Spend time with our exhibitors during this dedicated time to "exhibits only" before lunch to learn more about the new things they have available for school librarians.

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom BC

Exhibits

10:00am EDT

Exhibits Open

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT

Grand Ballroom BC

Exhibits are open from 10:00-4:00 on Thursday. We appreciate the support of all the exhibitors we work with because they support our conference and are great advocates for school librarians.

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom BC

Exhibits

12:00pm EDT

Lunch & Networking

Thursday October 24, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Grand Ballroom AD

Network and build relationships with colleagues while enjoying a complimentary lunch.

Thursday October 24, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Grand Ballroom AD

Meals

12:00pm EDT

Past Presidents Luncheon

Thursday October 24, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Wheeler

Past presidents of MAME/MASL are invited to attend this annual luncheon. Please be sure to RSVP in advance.

Thursday October 24, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Wheeler

Meals

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - Book Talk Bonanza with Alexa and Amanda

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

Wheeler

Join Alexa Lalejini and Amanda Davies as they book talk their favorite books of the past year. We'll share our most-loved books to help you build your collections and your own TBR list. We will cover everything from picture books to young adult books, representing diverse experiences and a wide range of genres.

Speakers

Alexa Lalejini

Freshman Center Library Media Specialist, Rockford Public Schools

Amanda Davies

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
Wheeler

Sessions

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - DIY School Library Advocacy Work Session

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

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This session will provide tips, tools and the confidence to champion your library and the school library profession. We will explore effective advocacy techniques and use our time together to take action.

Speakers

Stephie Luyt

Elementary Library Coordinator, Traverse City Area Public Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
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Sessions

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - Michigan Mystery Connect

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

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This session will engage participants in a Michigan Mystery Connection to spark interest in connecting educators and classrooms throughout the state of Michigan. MI Mystery Connect is designed to sharpen students' inquiry skills, map-reading abilities and overall awareness of Michigan geography. Come learn how you can support teachers in your schools and get them connected to this project that is sponsored by the REMC Association of Michigan.

Speakers

Mark Lyons

Program Director of Instructional Technology & STEM Integration, Saginaw ISD

Mark Lyons is the Instructional Technology & STEM Integration Program Director for Saginaw ISD. He also serves as the Region 9 Director of the Regional Educational Media Center (REMC). Over the past year, Mark has embarked on a nationwide journey, delivering presentations on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Saginaw Valley State University and a Masters in Educational Technology from Central... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
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Sessions

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - Reaching More Learners Online: Practical Lessons from the Online Ready Project

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

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This workshop summarizes the in-process findings of the IMLS-funded Online Ready project, which prepares school librarians to embrace more culturally-responsive pedagogy in online environments. Based on collaboration between four universities and school librarians from Michigan and beyond, this session will share what we learned about how school librarians defined their contributions to culturally-responsive pedagogical practices you can use and share in your own buildings whether your teaching is online or face-to-face. You will gain research-informed, practical strategies that will help you connect and grow your diverse learners.

Speakers

Kristin Fontichiaro

Clinical Professor, University of Michigan School of Information

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
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Sessions

1:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - Unleashing Creativity and Collaboration: Harnessing FigJam for School Libraries

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT

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In this interactive workshop, explore how FigJam, a powerful collaborative whiteboarding tool, can transform your instruction and student engagement strategies. Participants will learn to leverage FigJam's real-time collaboration features to work seamlessly with teachers and create engaging, interactive lessons. Additionally, discover how to effortlessly plan and manage library events and reading programs using FigJam's templates and organizational features. This workshop offers practical tips and creative ideas to enhance lesson plans, improve student collaboration, and streamline library operations, empowering librarians to unlock the full potential of their library with FigJam.

Speakers

Laura Gabrion

Literacy Consultant, Wayne RESA

Laura Gabrion is an English Language Arts Consultant for Wayne RESA. In 2017, Laura defended her dissertation in Reading Education with an emphasis on improving student writing. Her current projects and interests involve disciplinary literacy, literacy coaching, family/community engagement... Read More →

Judy Bowling

Instructional Tech And Library Consultant, Wayne RESA

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:10pm - 2:00pm EDT
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Sessions

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - Adventure Awaits! Reading & Vocabulary Incentives for Secondary Libraries

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

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Library programming for high school students can get a bit tricky, but they are still kids and sometimes like to be reminded of that. Come to this session to learn how we collaborated with our staff and came up with a school-wide reading and vocabulary initiative that runs all year and learn what has worked and not worked well during reading month to keep students interested.

Speakers

Erica Trowbridge

Media Specialist, Oakridge Public Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
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Sessions

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - ALA's Law for Librarians: Intellectual Freedom in Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

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Kathy Lester attended the American Library Association's Law4Librarians training in May 2024. During this session, she will provide information and resources that apply to School Libraries from this training. Specifically, she will address supporting Intellectual Freedom in School Libraries and recent court cases that support the Freedom to Read.

Speakers

Kathy Lester

Immediate Past-President, AASL

Kathy Lester is the Immediate Past President of the American Association for School Librarians (AASL), adjunct faculty at Wayne State University and a former school librarian at East Middle School in Plymouth Canton Community Schools in Michigan. She is also a Councilor-At-Large... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
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Sessions

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - How to Use Novel Effect in Your School Library

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

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Novel Effect is a great way to engage students in a fun, creative way. With 50 minutes of class time, it can be hard to keep students engaged in the library learning. Come and learn about how I use Novel Effect to keep students engaged and to have fun listening to books read aloud. Plus, create some new lesson plans around the ideas of Novel Effect's calendars.

Speakers

Carma Roesch

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
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Sessions

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session - The Extremely Unsubtle Art ofShameless Self-Promotion

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

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Speakers

Harry Coffill

Library Media Specialist, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
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Sessions

2:10pm EDT

Breakout Session with featured speaker, Jennifer LaGarde - Developing Digital Detectives

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT

Wheeler

One of the reasons traditional information literacy protocols (like the CRAAP test!) so often fail to remain relevant outside of a single lesson, lies less in what those tools include and more in what they're missing: an emphasis on human behavior and the ways in which emotions drive our decision making. In this session, featured speaker Jennifer LaGarde will unpack that connection and discuss ways to help our learners disrupt the reactions creators of mis-, di-s and mal- information are counting on when posting content online.

*Book signing will follow the presentation.

Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:10pm - 3:00pm EDT
Wheeler

Sessions, Featured speaker

3:10pm EDT

Roundtables

Thursday October 24, 2024 3:10pm - 4:15pm EDT

Grand Ballroom AD

Thursday October 24, 2024 3:10pm - 4:15pm EDT
Grand Ballroom AD

Round tables

6:00pm EDT

MASL 51 Awards Gala & Dinner

Thursday October 24, 2024 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom AD

Join us for dinner and a celebration of our exceptional colleagues during the MASL 51 Awards Gala, including a cash bar and silent auction.

NOTE: This event is FREE, but you must register in advance to give an accurate count to the kitchen.

Thursday October 24, 2024 6:00pm - 8:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom AD

Evening

9:00pm EDT

Librarians After Dark

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT

Wenonah Suite

Join us for some snacks, drinks, games, and casual conversation.

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Wenonah Suite

Evening

7:15am EDT

Registration

Friday October 25, 2024 7:15am - 10:00am EDT

Foyer

Friday October 25, 2024 7:15am - 10:00am EDT
Foyer

Registration

7:30am EDT

Author Breakfast with Erik Jon Slangerup

Friday October 25, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am EDT

Grand Ballroom AD

How to Save the World: Secrets from an Adventure Writer
Action-adventure writer Erik Slangerup explores different ways to promote and embrace the ways we create, consume and regard stories in our everyday lives—and why we should elevate literacy from a life skill to a lifestyle.

*Breakfast is served at 7:30am with presentation immediately following. NOTE: This is a $40 ticketed event - pre-registration is required. Book signing will follow the presentation.

Speakers

Erik Slangerup

Friday October 25, 2024 7:30am - 9:00am EDT
Grand Ballroom AD

Authors, Ticketed event $

8:00am EDT

Continental Breakfast

Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:30am EDT

Wheeler

If you did not attend the author breakfast, feel free to grab a continental breakfast in Wheeler before day two begins.

Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
Wheeler

Meals

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Creating Inclusive and Respectful School Communities with ADL's No Place for Hate

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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In today's diverse educational environments, fostering inclusivity and respect is more critical than ever. Join us for an inspiring workshop that introduces No Place for Hate, a school climate program designed to empower students to address bias, bullying, and bigotry through age-appropriate activities. We will explore practical strategies for integrating this initiative into school culture and provide actionable next steps. Attendees will leave with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to transform their schools into places where inspiration and inclusivity thrive.

Speakers

Cheri Dobbs

Upper School Librarian, PK-12 Chair of Library Services, Detroit Country Day School

Cheri has 31 years of experience as a public and school librarian, was a reviewer for SLJ for 20 years, and has presented at numerous conferences around the country. Most recently, she was selected for the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources summer workshop. She is MASL's... Read More →

Carla Chennault

Education Director, ADL

As the Education Director for ADL Michigan, I partner with K - 12 schools and support them with their anti-bias, antisemitism, and Holocaust Education needs. No Place for Hate is ADL's national school climate program that prioritizes student leadership in strengthening inclusivity... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Critical Media Literacy in the Age of AI

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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Students today are faced with unprecedented challenges determining fact from fake as they are bombarded with misinformation and disinformation through conventional and social media. As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent and advanced, these challenges will only get more difficult and complex. Tap into 250+ years of Britannica expertise as a trusted source of information as we explore the challenges presented to students by increasingly advanced AI, discuss key fundamentals of teaching media literacy, navigate concepts of misinformation and disinformation, and develop an action plan to help students determine fact from fake.

Speakers

Christopher Heintz

Customer Experience Manager, Britannica

Chris began his career in education as a high school Social Studies teacher in Chicago. Since then, he's served in various roles in education management helping teachers navigate the complex world of assessments, data, and curriculum & instruction. Throughout it all, he's been dedicated... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Follett Reports and Collection Development Tools: Servicing Students Equally Across the District

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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Come to this session to learn about useful building level and district wide reports that can be used to show how students are accessing library services in your building and across your district. By using a combination of Titlewave's Collection Development tools and working with your Follett Rep, you will develop a much clearer road map as to where you are and where you want your school library to be.

Speakers

Sara Taylor

Account Executive, Follett Content

I am excited to celebrate, partner and serve all of you for MASL's 50th year!!

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session - Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints - Leveraging Great FREE Content for Your Students and Teachers

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

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The main goal of this session is to inform school librarians and teachers of the free content they have available through Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints covers all different viewpoints on major topics / issues of today's world.

Speakers

Martin Petz

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
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Sessions

9:10am EDT

Breakout Session with featured speaker, John Schu - This Is a Story

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT

Wheeler

The best book talks are those delivered from the heart. It’s the way we share our love and passion for favorite titles and books that inspires students and colleagues. Join featured speaker, children’s book author, and librarian John Schu as he invites us to imagine the many ways books can foster connection and understanding. He’ll share some of the best new books and ways to easily incorporate them into your school reading culture to increase reading motivation, stamina, and growth.

*Book signing will follow the presentation.

Speakers

John Schu

Friday October 25, 2024 9:10am - 10:00am EDT
Wheeler

Sessions, Featured speaker

10:10am EDT

Author Speed Dating

Friday October 25, 2024 10:10am - 11:30am EDT

Grand Ballroom AD

Friday October 25, 2024 10:10am - 11:30am EDT
Grand Ballroom AD

Authors

11:30am EDT

Lunch & General Membership Meeting

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

Grand Ballroom AD

Grab your lunch and come learn about some exciting updates from MASL leadership, including ways that you can get more involved in this great organization. Don't miss this general membership meeting!

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Grand Ballroom AD

Meals

12:30pm EDT

Breakout Session - Collabor-AI-tion in Classrooms: Supporting Teachers with Tools and Possibilities

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT

Davidson 1

Come explore the possibilities of AI with us! Learn how librarians can support educators in using AI as both an assistant in teaching practices and as a way to accelerate new ideas. Leave with practical strategies and a fresh perspective on how to empower the educators you support in utilizing AI to transform the way they work.

Speakers

Anne Perez

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT
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Sessions

12:30pm EDT

Breakout Session - Dewey Lite: Reorganizing Nonfiction in an Elementary Library

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT

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Dewey or don’t we? This question has been asked of librarians for the past decade. In this session, attendees will follow one elementary librarian’s journey to reorganizing the nonfiction section. Participants understand the purpose behind this reorganization and see examples of several elementary libraries that have gone through a similar process. This session will share specific steps that went into making the reorganization possible and what the results have been.

Speakers

Kelly Hincks

School Librarian, Detroit Country Day Lower School

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT
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Sessions

12:30pm EDT

Breakout Session - Dungeons & Dragons in the Library

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT

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Come to hear what Dungeons & Dragons in the library can offer your students, how to navigate challenges, and how to get started.

Speakers

Suzanne Banwart

Library Media Specialist, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools

@nerdylibrarian.bsky.social

Rebecca Lowe

Michigan Association of School Libraries

This is her tenth year as a middle school librarian. She previously worked as a theater teacher and a 5th grade teacher. In 2022 she was named School Librarian of the Year by the Michigan Association for Media in Education (MAME). She is the current co-chair of MISelf in Books for... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT
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Sessions

12:30pm EDT

Breakout Session - Support for Your Non-Technical Staff Providing Tech Support

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT

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If you or other non-technical staff helping provide technical support in your building or district, our Technology Support Essential Skills - or TSES - is a resource to have in your back pocket. TSES provides an introductory knowledge base of essential technical skills for a variety of topics. Each topic provides learning material, terms to know, additional resources and a job-embedded task to see it in your own building or district. We know it takes a team to provide technical support, here's a resource to help support the team!

Speakers

Melinda Waffle

Professional Learning Coordinator, REMC Association of Michigan

Melinda Waffle, who has a masters in Educational Technology, taught high school before movinginto a district technology coordinator role which was solely responsible for helping teachers rethinktheir classroom and curriculum through technology use. After that she moved on to providingsimilar... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT
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Sessions

12:30pm EDT

Breakout Session with featured author, Erik Jon Slangerup - 8 Billion Sweet Spots: Drawing the Map to Our Inspiration

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT

Wheeler

Featured speaker and action-adventure writer Erik Slangerup guides participants through an individualized Venn diagram exercise to uncover the sources of our own inspiration—and what makes us unique sources of inspiration for others.

Speakers

Erik Slangerup

Friday October 25, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT
Wheeler

Sessions, Featured speaker

1:40pm EDT

Closing Keynote - John Schu

Friday October 25, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm EDT

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The Gift of Story
When we share our hearts through story, we inspire others to think more deeply about their own hearts and how stories connect us all. John Schu invites readers to consider literacy beyond its academic benefits, highlighting the ways story speaks to our hearts and brings us together. Presented through a study of five affective elements of story --- healer, inspiration, clarifier, compassion, and connector --- John will discuss how the universal truths found in stories can change us, inspire us, connect us to others, answer our deepest questions, and help us heal.

*Book signing will follow the presentation.

Speakers

John Schu

Friday October 25, 2024 1:40pm - 2:40pm EDT
Davidson 1

Keynote

3:00pm EDT

MISelf in Books

Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Davidson 1

Come celebrate the big reveal of the 2024 MISelf in Books list. Attendees will learn the purpose for the diverse book list, criteria for book selection, how to access the list, and a highlight of the favorite titles from this year's list. There will be plenty of book giveaways, so be sure to stay for the duration of the conference.

Speakers

Rebecca Lowe

Michigan Association of School Libraries

Rachel Cwiek

Friday October 25, 2024 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Davidson 1

Sessions