Janet Allison Sunday Evening Honoree and MSLA Award Recipient
Janet Allison is the Interim Director of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). She has worked with Commission for Public Secondary Schools (CPSS) for more than twenty years, and she served on the Commission prior to that time. Previous to her work with the Commission, Janet was a Social Studies teacher and an assistant principal in New Hampshire and Georgia public high schools. She earned her Masters of Education in Administration from Northeastern University and her BA from the University of New Hampshire.

Susan Ballard and Valerie Diggs "Use the L4L Shift Key to Make the Shift; Paradigm That Is!"
We are all familiar with the shift key on a computer keyboard.  What does it do?  The shift key can be used in combination with other keys to produce various modifications.  It also gives other keys alternate meanings - in the case of L4L, hitting shift for the number 4, converts it to L$L !  Susan Ballard, Chair of AASL’s Standards and Guidelines Implementation Task Force, and Valerie Diggs, MSLA Coordinator for L4L, will provide participants with information and strategies to implement AASL’s Standards for the 21st Century Learner and Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs. Focus will be on examining existing programs in order to identify key areas to modify and will also address the need to identify and overcome perceived barriers – including economic challenges.

Mitchell Chester Sunday Evening Honoree and MSLA Award Recipient
Mitchell Chester is Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education for Massachusetts.  The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is charged with the responsibility of ensuring improved teaching and learning in all of the Commonwealth's public schools.

Chester, a Connecticut native and began his career as an elementary school classroom teacher. In 1988 he was named a Senior Assessment Associate for the Connecticut Department of Education, and in 1993 was made Education Bureau Chief of the state's Bureau of Curriculum and Instructional Programs. He served as Executive Director of Accountability and Assessment for the Philadelphia Public Schools from 1997 to 2001. He moved to Ohio in 2001 to take on the role of Assistant and later Associate State Superintendent for Policy and Accountability. He remained in this role until 2006, when he was promoted to Senior Associate State Superintendent for the Ohio Public Schools. In this role he worked closely with Ohio State Superintendent Susan Zelman, and was responsible for education policy development, the state's accountability systems, alignment of federal and state policy and strategic planning for the agency.

Nancy Everhart "Visualizing the School Library"
Help me plan my media blitz that will get the nation focused on what 21st-century school libraries staffed with certified school library media specialists leaders look like. I hope to accomplish this by visiting an outstanding public or private school library media program in each of our 50 states during my AASL presidency and sharing my visits through online social networking both within the AASL community and with the world - hopefully with a major media outlet.  Let’s share ideas!

Dr. Nancy Everhart, AASL President-Elect, is an associate professor at the Florida State University College of Information.  At FSU she serves as Director of the school library media program and the PALM Center, an interdisciplinary school library research center.  She also teaches courses in multimedia production at FSU’s London campus each summer to graduate LIS students and current school library media specialists.  Her research focuses on school library leadership, successful technology integration, and school library evaluation. 

Beth Gallaway "Board Gaming and 21st Century Literacies" (Sunday) and "Creating & Managing Your Online Identity"(Monday)
Beth Gallaway was named a "Library Journal Mover & Shaker" in 2006 for her work in advocating for videogames in libraries. She is an independent library trainer/consultant specializing in gaming, technology, and youth services, and is a YALSA certified Serving the Underserved (SUS) trainer. Her book Game On! is forthcoming from Neal-Schuman in 2009.

"Board Gaming and 21st Century Literacies" (Sunday)
Learn how to launch tabletop gaming at your library, no matter what your size, space, staff or budget! Board games are a resource with curriculum tie-ins that library teachers can collect, circulate, and use in programming. The session includes justification for adding board games to your collection, advocacy tips for promoting games, an overview of home board games connected to educational standards, and a presentation of best practices in literacy based tabletop gaming in US libraries. Time to try hands-on board gaming will be provided; several games will be raffled off to participants.

"Creating & Managing Your Online Identity" (Monday)
What kinds of information are risky to reveal online? How does one separate a professional online identity from the personal? What is an avatar, and how do you create one? In this session, participants will discuss identity and how they represent themselves online, review some important safety tips, and preview selected web applications. Discover sites for avatar creation, easy tech programs, community building, and more.

Gregory Maguire  "Beneath the Moon and Among the Stars: A Novelist takes a Detour from His Wicked Orbit"

Gregory Maguire, best known for his adult novel sequence called , which has collectively sold five million copies and inspired the Broadway musical phenomenon WICKED, considers what it means to work creatively and even collaboratively in and with the shadow-light of masters such as L. Frank Baum as well as, this season, Hans Christian Andersen and Maurice Sendak.

Gregory Maguire, a founding co director of Children’s Literature New England 1987 to the present, is a novelist for adults and children, a critic and occasional reviewer for the Sunday New York Times Book Review, and a popular lecturer internationally. His life and work has been featured in recent years in a Sunday New York Times Magazine profile, on Oprah, and on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered”, to which he contributed and performed an original story that aired on December 25, 2008.

Mitali Perkins "Books Between Cultures"
Mitali Perkins was born in Kolkata, India and immigrated at age seven to the States with her family. She studied political science at Stanford University and public policy at U.C. Berkeley, surviving academia thanks to a steady diet of children’s and YA books from libraries. Mitali’s award-winning books for young readers include Monsoon Summer, The Sunita Experiment, Rickshaw Girl, Secret Keeper, and the First Daughter books. She also posts at "Mitali’s Fire Escape", (mitaliblog.com), a popular blog where she invites discussion about books and life between cultures, and speaks frequently at schools, conferences, and libraries. Mitali lives in Newton, Massachusetts with her husband, teenagers, Labrador retrievers, and ferret.

Dr. Ross Todd KEYNOTE: "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow?  Key Challenges Today for Tomorrow’s School Libraries"
Dr Ross Todd is Associate Professor in the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He is Director of the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL), at Rutgers University.  CISSL fosters the transformative role of school libraries in 21st century schools, their integral role in the learning fabric of schools, and their role in ongoing school improvement and reform.  His primary teaching and research interests focus on adolescent information seeking and use. The research is multi-faceted, and includes: understanding how children learn and build new knowledge from information; how school librarians and classroom teachers can more effectively empower student learning; and how the development of information and critical literacies through guided inquiry and constructivist learning approaches lead to deep knowledge and deep understanding. He has published more than 120 papers and book chapters and has been an invited speaker at many international conferences, most recently in Sweden, Trinidad, Croatia and Norway. 

Carol Gordon "What it Means to be Literate in the Digital Age"
Carol is Professor at Rutgers University and Co-Director of Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL)

What does it mean to be literate in the Digital Age? Is there a difference in the literacy and the learning that is shaped by reading a book and playing a video game? Literacy is the ability to understand, interpret, create and communicate all forms of information. This presentation examines traditional literacy as it relates to print and electronic text as well as the multiple literacies that have emerged from non-print media. What and how are our students learning in these diverse contexts? General principles of learning that are embedded in visual and textual environments are discussed in terms of their similarities and differences. Text and image-based literacy are explored with regard to self-directed learning and its relationship to critical thinking and problem-solving. What are the implications of these literacies for teaching and learning in school libraries?

Carol Gordon is Associate Professor at the School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University and the Co-Director of the Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries. Her research interests include the information behavior of children and adolescents and teaching and learning through school libraries. She has been a teacher and school librarian in public and private elementary, middle and high schools in the U.S. and abroad. Before coming to Rutgers, she was Head of the Educational Resources Library at Boston University and served on the faculty of Education. She has written two books and numerous articles, an online information literacy tutorial, and delivered many presentations on information literacy, the information to knowledge connection, authentic learning, the Information Search Process, Guided Inquiry, action research, summer reading, reading for understanding, and the use of technology to promote critical thinking

Regional Library System Staff "The Real Deal:  Regional Library Systems"
Regional Library System Adminisrators & Youth Service Consultants: 
Michael Colford, Carolyn Noah, Sunny Vandermark, Greg Pronevitz, Cindy Roach, John Ramsay.
The Regional Administrators and Youth Service Consultants bring diverse and strong backgrounds to their positions.  Most of all, we are strong advocates for libraries. The Regional Library Systems offer an array of services and support for school libraries. Join regional staffs and members to hear first hand how school library members have used regional services to enhance the resources offered by library; broaden the library’s outreach in the school; and for professional development. Regional services are free and available to all school libraries that meet membership requirements. Find out what the requirements are and why you should join and use your region. 

Paul Milhailidis and Valerie Diggs "Media Literacy in 21st Century School Libraries: Enabling New Teaching Practices & Learning Outcomes for the Information Age" 

Dr. Milhailidis is Assistant Professor of Media Studies, Hofstra University; Valerie Diggs is Department Head of Libraries, Chelmsford Public Schools (Note: this is a "mother-son team" presentation)

In a world where students are bombarded with media messages on a daily basis, how they are taught to think about these messages is increasingly vital. It is not only important for students to have the skills to critically examine information, but also to make the connections between media and their lives on a daily basis. And how can school libraries help them gain a healthy skepticism of media? This session will provide Library Teachers with the opportunity to actively evaluate a selection from a variety of media sources. Media Literacy will be defined in the context of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. The presenters will lead an active exploration of media literacy outcomes through nuanced analysis of a variety of media messages.  Participants will help in the creation of their own definition of media literacy as well as take strategies and curriculum-related ideas learned in this workshop to back to their school libraries.

Pat Keogh "What’s New in Children’s Books"     
Pat Keogh is a Lecturer on Children’s Literature.
This session will look at fiction and nonfiction books of the 2009 publishing seasons that librarians might consider for purchase.

Katie Cerasale-Messina "Web 2.0 Made Easy (Even a 2nd Grader can use it)!"
Katie Cerasale-Messina is a Library Teacher at Whelan Elementary, Revere.
This session is geared towards elementary school librarians who have limited experience with Web 2.0 technology and those who are looking for new ideas to bring back to their classes and to adapt for their own lessons. We will take a look at various Web 2.0 applications and how they can be used in an elementary school library or classroom. Librarians will see how using blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, podcasting, and open source web sites can make their jobs a little easier and their lessons more engaging to our techno-generation. The presenter will model how to use at least two of these applications and attendees will leave with several ideas on how to use Web 2.0 applications in their libraries right away.

I began working in libraries at the age of 14 when I started volunteering in my town’s public library. I received my MLIS from Simmons College in 2004. Currently working as a Library Media Specialist at the AC Whelan Elementary School in Revere, MA- which is an extended day school and I absolutely love it! Besides libraries- my passions are reading, writing, music, and history.

Judi Paradis "Become an Advocate for Your Library: MSLA Advocacy Wiki" http://mslaplanning.pbworks.com/
The MSLA Advocacy Wiki is an important resource library teachers can use to advocate for their library programs to parent groups, administrators, principals, school boards, local legislators, and teachers. What material is gathered there? How it is updated? How can you use the materials?

Judi Paradis has been a library teacher at the Plympton School in Waltham MA for the past 7 years, and prior to that worked in school and public libraries in Arlington.  She was the co-chair of the MSLA Advocacy-Legislative Committee from 2005-2009, and currently serves as the Secretary of the Executive Board (NOTE—I’m being hopeful here!).  Judi also teaches online courses in finding resources online and project-based learning for EDCO and Framingham State College.

Melissa Stewart "The Science of Reader’s Theater "
Melissa Stewart, Author http://www.melissa-stewart.com
Picture books can easily be adapted into Readers Theater scripts that children will love practicing and performing. This session explains how to choose science books that are perfect for RT and how to create scripts that teach meaningful science lessons and build fluency at the same time. Melissa Stewart is the award winning author of more than 100 science books for children. Her newest picture book, Under the Snow, is a Junior Library Guild Selection for Fall 2009. Melissa holds degrees in biology and science journalism. 

Valerie Diggs "Transform Your School Library into a Learning Commons"
Valerie Diggs, Director Libraries K-12, Chelmsford Public Schools Valerie's Bio
What does it take to transform a school library into a Learning Commons? Who are the key players, and just how is this done? What is a Learning Commons? Why should I want to change the name and image of my school library? How do I accomplish this change? Do I have to give up control of my space to those I share it with? Benefits of a Learning Commons will be discussed, including benefits to learners first and to the school community as a whole. Flexibility and creativity are key components of the Learning Commons. This session will also discuss the concept of empowerment: of both the learner and teacher. Are you ready for change that will have an effect on the entire school community? We are not talking about large expenditures of money or massive renovations, but a change in how space is used.

Robin Brenner  "What’s Hot in Graphic Novels"
Robin Brenner, Teen Librarian, Brookline Public Library http://www.noflyingnotights.com
Join local graphic novel and manga enthusiast (and librarian) Robin Brenner for a look at what’s hot in graphic novels this year.  Discover the elements that make the format unique, where to find information, and how to select and maintain a collection. Receive a core titles list of both old and new titles.  Learn how to use graphic novels to investigate different kinds of literacy (visual, textual, combinations), inspire critical thinking about literature, and encourage student creativity. Robin Brenner is the editor in chief of “No Flying No Tights ”, the graphic novel review website, and has written reviews and features for Library Journal, School Library Journal, Good Comics for Kids, and the Graphic Novel Reporter.  She was a 2007 Will Eisner Award judge, a 2008 Eisner Award nominee for her book, Understanding Manga and Anime, and is the Chair of Great Graphic Novels for Teens in 2008. 

Anne-Marie Ross "Making the Connection – Grade 3, Massachusetts Social Studies Frameworks, Literature, Research and a Fixed Schedule – Making it all Work!"
Anne-Marie Ross, Library Teacher at Plymouth Elementary School
This session will focus on how we can enhance and support the 3rd grade Social Studies Frameworks through literature and research skills using a fixed schedule.

I have been a librarian, unified media specialist, library media specialist, library teacher for a VERY long time!  I was born and grew up in the Plymouth Massachusetts area where at young age I developed a love of reading and history.  After more than a decade of living away from Massachusetts, I came home to live by the sea.  I have worked in the Plymouth Public School System since 1997.  I have 2 almost grown up sons.  When not working I enjoy working in my gardens and local politics.

Laurie Belanger  "Find Your Students’ Voice with VoiceThread!"
Come to a class that you can take back to your school and use immediately! We will be looking at a web tool that allows students to learn, collaborate with others and the world, and incorporates many types of media. The best thing about our workshop is that it is free to use and needs no software or downloads on to your computers! Learn some ways to start doing fun book talks, and book rants. Begin to plan lesson presentations for your teachers on “how to hook up their own DVD”. Create class discussions on images, documents, videos that will entice the reluctant learners! This tool will be a wonderful item in your professional arsenal for the visual, artistic, and auditory learner. Come in for a spell and walk away with the ability to “WOW” your staff!

Laurie Belanger is a school librarian who has taught in elementary, middle school, and public libraries. She holds a master’s degree in library science and bachelor’s in elementary education. Laurie is best known in her school for making things happen, whether it is filming presentations on the fly or going to the faculty’s classrooms to sign them up for a library visit and collaborating on a new project. Laurie is a former member of the MSLA Scholarship Committee and hopes to rejoin the board when her kids are a little older. She gives workshops for teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents on topics that include: Blog’s and Wiki’s and how to use them, Finding Videos and more for your classroom, Using Thinkfinity-find your lessons! New Teachers-how to find articles for your Master’s Degree courses, and more! She is a guest lecturer at Simmons College for the “Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Strategies for Library Teachers” course and hopes to share her information with you!

Donna Guerin and Patricia Carbone  "Fun with Research: Helping Students Master 21st Century Skills"
Students can become successful researchers if librarians and teachers work together and model what real researchers do to answer questions and solve problems. Come, relax and share what works! The focus is on incorporating a user friendly research model across the curriculum, identifying the skills young students and even teachers need to become problem solvers and effective and efficient users, producers and presenters of information. During a hands-on session, the presenters model the successful strategies they use to integrate a research model and teach questioning, searching, note taking, citing, organizing and presenting skills.

Donna Guerin, a retired Director of Library Information Services for Palmer Public Schools and a past president of MSLA, is currently a national education and library consultant, a senior instructor in the Graduate School of Education, School Library Teacher Certification Program at Cambridge College, the Springfield campus, and an Intel Master Teacher and Thinkfinity trainer. 

Patricia Carbone, a retired K-8 ELA Coordinator for Palmer Public Schools, is a national educational consultant with particular expertise in integrating 21st century skills across the curriculum. Pat is a certified Thinkfinity and IIM (research model) trainer and an Intel Master Teacher.

Sharon Shaloo  "Programming from the Massachusetts Center for the Book"
Sharon Shaloo is Executive Director of the MA Center for the Book http://www.massbook.org/
Learn about the many programs that the Massachusetts Center for the Book sponsors:  
*Letters About Literature, a national reading and writing promotion
*Massachusetts Book Awards and new Recommended Readings list 
*Literary Map of Massachusetts
*Literary Landmarking
*Read This Book! early reading program *National Day of Writing, Oct. 20, 2009 

Maureen Ambrosino & Sarah Sogigian  "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: New Teen Books Fall 2009 Edition"
Maureen Ambrosino is the Youth Cunsultant at CMRLS; Sarah Sogigian is the Youth Consultant for both Metrowest and Boston Regions
They’re back, with the semi-annual list of what’s good, bad, and just plain ugly in new YA Lit.  (You may get to hear about some titles before they're even on sale.) This session will present fun and interesting books that will be appreciated by readers in your libraries. Want a sneak peek as to what Maureen and Sarah are reading? Join us on Goodreads.com!

Laura Beals D'Elia  "My Favorite Tools"
Laura Beals D’Elia is the Library Teacher at the Fay School
Using technology and web 2.0 tools is a great way to engage students, deliver instruction, and enhance your library web site. I have found a handful of tools that I enjoy using for teaching 21st century skills, making my library web site more interactive and promoting the library. One of my latest projects includes the animated video “The Library Gadget 3000” which was featured at the 2008 MSLA Conference Exploratorium. Let me show you all of my favorite tools (such as blogs, screencasting, VoiceThread, GoAnimate and embeddable code) and the ways in which I have used them in my library and classroom. I will also show you where to find additional web 2.0 resources.

Laura Beals D’Elia has been a librarian at the Fay School in Southborough, MA. since 2002. She has a BA in English and children’s literature from Framingham State College and a MLIS from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. In 2001, she worked on a grant-funded project for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District called Web on Wheels where she performed storytelling and technology programs to elementary schools promoting the library and the library’s web site. Laura is currently the author of the blog Read This Book! http://ldelia.edublogs.org/ which reviews and recommends new and classic books for fourth and fifth graders. Her animated video, “The Library Gadget 3000,” was featured in the winter 2009 MSLA newsletter http://maschoolibraries.org/content/view/610/306/ as well as being displayed at the 2008 MSLA Annual Conference Exploratorium.