Collaboration
The session listing provided below may differ from content presented at the AASL National Conference as presenters, sessions, etc., may have changed or cancelled since their original acceptance. AASL provides this listing as an example of the professional development school librarians can expect at the event.
Conference attendees should use the AASL21 Mobile App and/or its online component for an up-to-date and comprehensive listing of all conference events.
Concurrent Sessions
Break Out of the Box: Digital Breakouts with Google
Presenter(s): Whitney Howton
Tired of presenting content the same way? Looking for a remote method to collaborate with teachers?
Tired of presenting content the same way? Looking for a remote method to collaborate with teachers? Come to this session where we will create digital breakouts utilizing Google Sites and Forms. Participants will learn how to create a Site that houses a digital breakout including an in-site Form, create locks and corresponding puzzle clues, and organize the information for collaborating teachers. Join us as we Break out of the Box and jump into digital breakouts!
Virtual Library Outreach to Support the Virtual Teaching and Learning Experiences of Faculty and Students: Supporting Teachers and Students in a Local Public School District
Presenter(s): Neil Grimes
Is your library or school or school system interested in partnering with an academic library to support the teaching and learning that goes on in the K-12 environments?
Is your library or school or school system interested in partnering with an academic library to support the teaching and learning that goes on in the K-12 environments? Participants will learn the many directions that library outreach can take to support teachers and students across America. Highlights will include library instruction, professional development for teachers, project-based learning, and the Real Men Read initiative through the presenter's experiences.
The Library Ecosystem--What’s in it for Them?
Presenter(s): Sara Johns, Kathy Lester, Dorcas Hand, Michelle Robertson
School librarians benefit from a stronger library ecosystem to amplify their voices.
School librarians benefit from a stronger library ecosystem to amplify their voices. The Library Ecosystem is the interconnected network of all library types including academic, public, and school libraries. Strengthening the library ecosystem and working together magnifies our message of collaborative for collaboration and advocacy for maximum effectiveness. This interactive session will excite attendees about the promise of the ALA ONE VOICE: Library Ecosystem Toolkit that was developed by a task force of ALA's Committee on Library Advocacy.
Secondary librarians use Standards to Collaborate
Presenter(s): Liz Deskins
Our national standards are designed to give us the means to collaborate with our content-area teachers.
Our national standards are designed to give us the means to collaborate with our content-area teachers. This session will share ways to approach, connect, and collaborate with your teachers and your administrators. There will be a brief overview of domains and indicators, strategies to collaborate successfully, ways to connect with administrators as well as a wealth of resources. There will be a Q & A and a chance to win my book.
Digital Literacy Through Digital Wellness: Collaborative Curriculum Development
Presenter(s): Kathy Leverkus, Terri Baird, Andrea Passarella
Learn about digital literacy education, research, and curriculum design.
Learn about digital literacy education, research, and curriculum design. Engage in a collaborative process to design digital literacy curricula and tactics for teaching digital literacy and digital wellness. Discover strategies, including mindfulness techniques, to lessen the effects of mental fatigue, visual fatigue, and distraction caused by prolonged digital reading. Create a model of collaboration between administration, faculty, and librarian that fosters Information Literacy.
Transformative Inquiry: Librarian & Teacher Collaborations
Presenter(s): Lucy Green, Heather Thore, Carol Cornell
We talk about using inquiry daily, but how often is our instruction actually transformed by putting inquiry at the center?
We talk about using inquiry daily, but how often is our instruction actually transformed by putting inquiry at the center? Hear the basics about Guided Inquiry Design and see how it transformed a collaborative unit into one where the students took total ownership of their learning. Learn strategies to increase collaboration with classroom teachers and have them coming back for more, all while improving student engagement and achievement.
Conflict Becomes Collaboration: Managing Professional Relationships
Presenter(s): Valerie Edwards
Collaboration is the foundation of a high quality library program. Conflict can derail vital collaborations in an instant.
Collaboration is the foundation of a high quality library program. Conflict can derail vital collaborations in an instant. School librarians establish the strong collegial relationships that are vital to creating collaborative opportunities. Attendees will learn strategies to recognize and manage conflict, enhancing their value as leaders and collaborators. By the identifying silent warning signs of conflict, school librarians can connect in a proactive manner to build trusting relationships.
Mentoring School Librarians Matters: Teamwork in Vermont
Presenter(s): Judith Kaplan, Nancy Daigle
Mentoring School Librarians Matters is a professional collaboration between the Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) and the Vermont Affiliate of the National Education Association (Vermont NEA).
Mentoring School Librarians Matters is a professional collaboration between the Vermont School Library Association (VSLA) and the Vermont Affiliate of the National Education Association (Vermont NEA). Funded through a NEA Great Public Schools Grant, the goal is for EVERY new librarian in Vermont to be mentored by an experienced practitioner trained in mentoring and coaching. This workshop will describe the transition from idea to reality for a professional mentoring program.
Building Alliances with Black Community Service Organizations
Presenter(s): Kathy Carroll, K.C. Boyd, Pamela Moore, Danielle Baker, Christina Norman
In this interactive panel-led session, attendees will gain an awareness of historically Black community service organizations which support student achievement.
In this interactive panel-led session, attendees will gain an awareness of historically Black community service organizations, including the Divine Nine sororities and fraternities, and other notable groups, which support student achievement. Learn about their histories and their ongoing community involvement. AASL members, who are members of these various organizations, will give contact information and share ideas for strategic partnerships.
Design Thinking and Young Learners a Perfect Combination!
Presenter(s): Mary Catherine Coleman
Design Thinking is a great routine to engage learners and develop collaboration skills, innovative thinking and a maker mindset, but how can this process work with the youngest students?
Design Thinking is a great routine to engage learners and develop collaboration skills, innovative thinking and a maker mindset, but how can this process work with the youngest students? Learn more about the design thinking process and how to use it in developmentally appropriate way to explore with preschool, kindergarten and early elementary students. Come learn the deep connections with design thinking to the AASL National Standards. Walk away with resources and lesson plans ready to go!
Bringing College Information Literacy to High Schools
Presenter(s): Chris Younkin, Caitlin Gerrity, Anne Diekema, Kelli Crockett, Chelsey Rocko
In this session we outline how academic and school librarians collaborated to bring a college-level information literacy course to rural high schools.
In this session we outline how academic and school librarians collaborated to bring a college-level information literacy course to rural high schools, extending positive impacts on college student success and equity to high school students. Attendees will discuss how library academic support practices can be adapted to be more inclusive and equitable. We will also discuss how school librarians can collaborate more intensely with English teachers to ensure student success for all.
Facilitating Student-Directed Research through National History Day
Presenter(s): Lisa Pockrus, Amy Jamison, Wendy Rex-Atzet
The presenters will share an overview of what History Day is and what students think about it as well as examples of projects created by students of several different levels.
The presenters will share an overview of what History Day is and what students think about it as well as examples of projects created by students of several different levels. Attendees will participate in a primary source analysis much like an experience students would have. We will share our successes from the past six years of promoting this event in our district, and we will share any tips and tricks that we have learned along the way. We are certain that others will see the value in this opportunity to help students engage in authentic hands-on research.
Supporting Emerging Bilinguals in Your Library
Presenter(s): Rachel Grover, Stacy Gilbert
Looking for new ideas to include English Learners (ELs) in your library?
Looking for new ideas to include English Learners (ELs) in your library? Come to this session to learn how two school libraries have become more accessible to EL students, including in their collections, programming, and outreach. You will be able to easily implement these practical ideas and strategies to make your library more welcoming and inclusive.
School and Public Library = Indispensable Partnerships
Presenter(s): Maggie Unterseher, Megan Bietz, Richard Landreth
Collaboration between school librarians and their local public library creates a partnership of community advocates.
Collaboration between school librarians and their local public library creates a partnership of community advocates. These partnerships lead students to explore diverse perspectives, and engage with multiple community contacts. Together these school and public librarians give students the opportunity to think flexibly and develop critical thinking skills that will be utilized throughout their lifetime. Attendees of this session will witness successful collaborative programs created in 3 different districts with one goal in mind…. Student success! This session will include practical ideas for collaboration between public libraries and school librarians. Technology is what we make it. With access to future ready tools and the age of COVID, the variety of communication options are limitless. Attendees will draft a plan to contact and connect with their local public library, with a take-away of great resources and ideas.
The Boldness of Collaboration: A Librarians' Guide to Connections, Creativity, and Community
Presenter(s): Annie Ruefle
Collaboration via the school library program is key to building and sustaining a thriving learning community within a school.
Collaboration via the school library program is key to building and sustaining a thriving learning community within a school, where students problem-solve, interact with diverse perspectives, and excel as learners. Collaboration requires planning, engagement -- and a bit of boldness. Attendees of this lively session will view examples of successful large and small collaborations, model collaboration through hands-on activities, and develop strategies for collaborative work in their own school.
School Librarians Lead: Spearheading Collaboration Among School Specialists
Presenter(s): Karla Collins
School librarians are in the perfect position to lead collaborations with all professionals in the school.
School librarians are in the perfect position to lead collaborations with all professionals in the school. In this session, participants will be presented with an overview of the many specialists in the schools (PK-12) and suggestions for collaborative lessons and activities that will highlight the knowledge and strengths of each professional. Time will be given for participants to share collaborative ideas and to build a list of potential lessons and collaborative partners.
Expand Your Capacity to Lead: Investigating Vulnerability, Confidence, and Collaboration in School Librarian Leadership
Presenter(s): Anita Cellucci, Judi Moreillon, Pam Harland
Are you ready to see yourself as a leader and take action in your leadership role?
Are you ready to see yourself as a leader and take action in your leadership role? It’s time to expand your capacity to lead in order to increase students’ equitable access to information, resources, and instruction, strengthen student learning opportunities, and improve outcomes. The presenters will share our experience, research, and practice as school librarian leaders. Participants will increase their understanding of leadership and collaboratively share ideas throughout the session.
Collaboration between librarians and principals
Presenter(s): Michelle Robertson, Tara Dalinger, Cheryl Evans
A key to a successful school library program is having a collaborative relationship between the school librarian and their principal(s).
A key to a successful school library program is having a collaborative relationship between the school librarian and their principal(s). This session will provide attendees with tools on how librarians can approach their principal and create a collaborative working environment that will support their school’s diverse learning environment. And how library science programs and educational leadership programs can help support a collaborative environment between school librarians and ed leadership.
How Librarians are Using TikTok to Connect with Gen Z Students
Presenter(s): Savannah Byers
TikTok is a new social network with viral popularity among generation z, but it’s more than just teen dance challenges.
TikTok is a new social network with viral popularity among generation z, but it’s more than just teen dance challenges. The user-generated video sharing platform is beginning to be embraced by educators as well. Come learn how to use the TikTok application as a tool to connect with your generation z students and build community in digital spaces. This session will provide a basic overview of TikTok and how librarians can use it to promote library services in a digital environment.
Library Advocacy to Inspire Student & Community Engagement
Presenter(s): Kristin Sierra
Learn from dynamic team of two high school teacher librarians who work tirelessly to engage their students and others in their school communities.
Learn from dynamic team of two high school teacher librarians who work tirelessly to engage their students and others in their school communities. Staying on the pulse of the needs, interests and strengths of members of school communities is key to library engagement and advocacy, especially when matching these with programming and services. Examples of effective and easily recreated teacher librarian and student-led programs will be shared and detailed in our session.
Current Trends from the Field
Presenter(s): Jen Gilbert, James Allen
As writers of School Library Connection's 1 Question Survey, we have all kinds of current data coming from school librarians in the field.
As writers of School Library Connection's 1 Question Survey, we have all kinds of current data coming from school librarians in the field. Join us to compare your experience to others' across the country. We'll be unpacking why trends are what they are and how we can learn from them to grow professionally. This session will focus on practical, actionable takeaways grounded in multiple standards.
The School Librarian as a Game Changer: Innovative Strategies to Inspire Teachers and Learners
Presenter(s): Stacy Brown
Discover how school librarians can become the “head coach” while serving a diverse community of learners and cultivating a team of teacher leaders.
Discover how school librarians can become the “head coach” while serving a diverse community of learners and cultivating a team of teacher leaders. Explore creative strategies to be your best cheerleader and demonstrate your value while growing your fan base, resulting in additional support and growth of resources for your library. Actively participate in crafting strategic plays that correlate with core content areas using a variety of innovative equipment suitable for every budget.
Empathy in the Classroom: How a Teacher-Librarian and ELA Teacher Collaborated to Create a Diverse Novel Unit
Presenter(s): Jamie Becker, Anne Holzen-Mason
This session will focus on the collaborative efforts to bring authentic conversations about current issues directly relating to underrepresented student populations into the classroom.
This session will focus on the collaborative efforts to bring authentic conversations about current issues directly relating to underrepresented student populations into the classroom. We will discuss how this evolved from discussion to actuality, opportunities and challenges we encountered, and perspectives on the learning outcomes. We will also discuss the novels chosen and works that could be utilized, and how school librarians can use this to assist ELA teachers to create similar units.
Read Romance, Fight the Patriarchy
Presenter(s): Lori Lieberman
Romance is the most popular genre and a billion-dollar industry. Yet it suffers from stigma and students are shamed for this reading choice.
Romance is the most popular genre and a billion-dollar industry. Yet it suffers from stigma and students are shamed for this reading choice. Confront this problem, examine how to run a successful high school romance book club, and learn why you should embrace this genre that is both feminist and diverse. Survey the changing landscape of romance and the rise of Romancelandia. What does it mean to "read romance, fight the patriarchy"? Obtain collection development tips for YA and adult romance.
COVID Taught Me to Collaborate! Using High Touch Marketing to Elevate Your Practice
Presenter(s): Michelle Wilson, Steven Yates
With COVID, the world experienced a redirect to the foundational level of Maslow’s hierarchy, and this reset allowed educators a rare opportunity to evaluate their practice and focus on safety, security, and trust.
With COVID, the world experienced a redirect to the foundational level of Maslow’s hierarchy, and this reset allowed educators a rare opportunity to evaluate their practice and focus on safety, security, and trust. Thinking about the impact of the National School Library Standards on our collaborative process through the lens of high touch marketing gives school librarians the opportunity to reflect and refine their daily practice to incorporate trust-building as a cornerstone of collaboration.
Core Values Lighting Our Way: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Intellectual Freedom
Presenter(s): Suzanne Sannwald, Judi Moreillon, Erika Long, Julie Stivers, Meg Boisseau Allison
How do school librarians transform library policies, programs, and practices to create equitable, diverse, and inclusive spaces that support K-12 students in exercising their right to thrive?
How do school librarians transform library policies, programs, and practices to create equitable, diverse, and inclusive spaces that support K-12 students in exercising their right to thrive? The presenters, all practicing school librarians, will share ways they have implemented change in their library spaces and will engage participants in critical discussions and reflection about how we can further improve our practices to achieve social justice within our sphere of influence.
Ditching Dewey: Building a Nonfiction Section that Reflects Secondary Students’ Learning Needs
Presenter(s): Laura Graves Massey, Jennifer Powell
Many librarians use the dewey number listed in the MARC record to classify their books. But does that placement always make sense for YOUR library?
Many librarians use the dewey number listed in the MARC record to classify their books. But does that placement always make sense for YOUR library? This session will identify the issues and limitations within the Dewey Decimal Classification System, introduce the need for a more student-centered organizational system for school libraries, and present a framework for assessing and reorganizing a collection that meets the learning needs of each individual school.