Laura Luker is the Library Teacher at Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School in Hadley
and is the MSLA Executive Board Member responsible for Professional Learning.
and is the MSLA Executive Board Member responsible for Professional Learning.
Every year, I look forward the the MSLA conference as a time to network with colleagues, hear speakers and attend workshops, see the newest and best items that vendors have to offer, and head back to school with batteries recharged and new ideas in mind. This year was no exception. If you weren’t able to attend the conference, you can read about the highlights below and see photos from the event here! (Also, remember if you took photos at the conference, you can feel free to add them to the album above. We love crowdsourced photos!)
We kicked off the conference Sunday morning by continuing last year’s tradition of Ignite Talks. These short, pithy, talks are meant to ignite a spark in the mind of the audience, and this year’s presenters did just that. All three talks shared a common theme: the ways that librarians can lead the culture shift in their schools. Kate Powers talked about the power of apps used as tools and not just toys. Linda St. Laurent talked about leading the shift toward using technology in powerful ways. Finally, Emily Bredburg shared her knowledge of the Constructivist educational philosophy and student-centered learning.
We kicked off the conference Sunday morning by continuing last year’s tradition of Ignite Talks. These short, pithy, talks are meant to ignite a spark in the mind of the audience, and this year’s presenters did just that. All three talks shared a common theme: the ways that librarians can lead the culture shift in their schools. Kate Powers talked about the power of apps used as tools and not just toys. Linda St. Laurent talked about leading the shift toward using technology in powerful ways. Finally, Emily Bredburg shared her knowledge of the Constructivist educational philosophy and student-centered learning.
Gregory Maguire and Jane Yolen (Photo credit: Nathan Byrnes) We kicked off the conference Sunday morning by continuing last year’s tradition of Ignite Talks. These short, pithy, talks are meant to ignite a spark in the mind of the audience, and this year’s presenters did just that. All three talks shared a common theme: the ways that librarians can lead the culture shift in their schools. Kate Powers talked about the power of apps used as tools and not just toys. Linda St. Laurent talked about leading the shift toward using technology in powerful ways. Finally, Emily Bredburg shared her knowledge of the Constructivist educational philosophy and student-centered learning.
The Ignite Talks were followed by our Sunday opening keynote speaker, A.S. King, who delivered a heartfelt and thought-provoking talk about the importance of listening to young people and allowing them the space and time to process trauma through writing and other means. This was a highlight of the weekend, as King’s advice felt especially crucial and timely in light of recent school shootings and the resulting upswell in youth activism.
New this year were our author lunches. Sunday’s lunch attendees listened to a moderated discussion between authors and illustrators Mike Curato, Marcella Pixley, Elly Swartz, Matt Tavares, and Lisa Yee while enjoying a lunch buffet. Monday’s lunch featured a once in a lifetime event - over lunch we watched as two literary legends, Jane Yolen and Gregory Maguire - had a “fireside chat” on stage. The conversation was a treat, as was helping Jane Yolen celebrate the publication of her 365th book!
After the Sunday’s sessions were over, attendees had the opportunity to browse the vendor hall and to make their way through our IdeaLab, where award winners and other MSLA members presented table-top displays of innovative and successful projects in their libraries this year. Much like our awards dinner, the IdeaLab provides a welcome opportunity to connect with colleagues and recognize their hard work.
Our final event for Sunday was the annual awards dinner, always a welcome opportunity to honor the brightest stars in our profession. Our dinner keynote speaker was Jennifer Casa-Todd, teacher-librarian and author of Social Leadia. Casa-Todd delivered a message that rounded out the day nicely, echoing some of the sentiments of our morning Ignite Talkers. She spoke of allowing youth to harness the power of social media, using it as a tool for change and social justice.
Monday morning began with our third keynote speaker, Thomas Murray. Mr. Murray serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools and has written several books on the subjects of educational innovation and professional leadership. He spoke of the Future Ready schools initiative and the key role that school librarians can and should play in the shift toward the future.
We wrapped up the conference with a presentation of the findings of the Massachusetts School Library Commission, which was tasked with studying and quantifying the state of school libraries in Massachusetts. This was a great closing event and should serve as a rallying cry as the inequities in access that the Commission has brought to light will serve as a major focus of advocacy for MSLA in the coming years.