Earlier this week I was able to attend the Wisconsin Education Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) annual conference. The conference was three days of connecting, learning, and sharing. The first day, I was able to moderate three author panels. Moderating was new to me, but asking questions and hearing from so many authors (sixteen altogether!) was an amazing experience. WEMTA also had a Maker Space event going on after the author fair and I was able to pop in to ask questions and fiddle with things.
The second day I was able to go to Mr. Schu's best books session. I always love to hear him sharing his extraordinary book love. We got to hear a snippet of Raymie Nightingale and were treated to tons of excellent titles. He also gave away lots of books.
I had the opportunity to present on a panel about building your library with inclusive literature. CCBC librarians Megan and Meri were on the panel too along with Kelly Steiner, a middle school library media specialist.
The final day was quite busy. I went to a session on coding led by Casey Ineichen. She shared about how she has structured her coding club and gave us many great resources.
Robin Hoseman had a fabulous session about Maker Spaces. I am eager to get going with some of her suggestions.
Kevin Henkes spoke during our lunch hour and read his two recent books to us. He made us all smile and love him a little more. Since I was on the author committee, I got to help with the signing.
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| Resources from the final session |
I'm so fortunate that Sarah Wendorf invited me to be part of the author committee and I was able to participate. The conference and the people there taught me so much and it was fantastic to reconnect with people and meet many new friends.
It sounds like a wonderful few days, Crystal, and you were so busy! I've never seen Mr. Schu in person, and know he must be terrific. I hope you share more about your session on inclusive libraries.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had an awesome week of learning! I always love learning about new books. I am sure all the work you put in was appreciated.
ReplyDeletePD is wonderful when it is wonderful PD! Sounds like your day was filled with celebrations. Seeing and talking to authors is always a highlight.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous few days. Filled with new opportunities for you, lots of learning, and book love galore. It doesn't get better than this, does it?
ReplyDeleteOur school librarian was at this conference this past week too, which made me realize you are a WI blogger too! (I'm in Kenosha. You?) This conference looks absolutely amazing! How lucky you were to get to hear Kevin Henkes read and get more book recommendations from Mr. Schu. Thank you for sharing so many links too!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
What great days you had!
ReplyDeleteProfessional development like this really fills you up, doesn't it? I never tire of hearing John share about his favorite books; he brings such an infectious joy of reading. What a wonderful conference this must have been!
ReplyDeleteLearn and grow! Thanks for sharing all of your PD wonder, Crystal!
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