Presenter: Paul Farbman

Session Title: Excel for Graphics? From Maps to Blueprints, the Tool You Never Realized You Had
Strand(s): Technology TE
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

"You did that using Excel?" Most people see Excel as Microsoft's spreadsheet program, but looking outside of this box, attendees will learn how to create maps, blueprints, and other practical applications. We will explore what the component cell can do, and especially how it can be creatively manipulated.

Presenter: Lesley Farmer

Session Title: School Libraries around the World
Strand(s): International INT
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

Have you always wanted to see what other school libraries look like and what they do? See photos of school libraries from around the globe and hear about their activities as experienced by a librarian/educator. Learn about opportunities to network internationally!

Presenter: Lesley Farmer

Session Title: Library eLearning Spaces
Strand(s): Management MA, Technology TE
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

The library is the new info commons and melds formal and informal learning settings. See how physical and cyberspace can be shaped to foster 21st century learning for millenials.

Presenter: Matthew Faulkner

Session Title: A Taste of Colored Water
Strand(s): Author AU, Diversity DI
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

2008 saw tremendous changes in our nation's attitude towards race relations, bigotry, and tolerance. "A Taste of Colored Water," written and illustrated by Matt Faulkner (Simon and Schuster), is a story about two children attempting to experience what they see as magical "colored water." Matt Faulkner will present his story along with the process by which the story was produced and relate some of his experiences in reading the story to children and adults since the story's release.

Presenter: Karen Findlay

Session Title: Collaborate with Teachers to Incorporate 21st Century Skills & Help Students Negotiate the Research Process
Strand(s): Information Literacy INFO, Technology TE
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

Participants will learn successful strategies to help their students get a better understanding of the research process in relationship to literary criticism and the comparison of major literary works. We will go over the process of creating "Google sites" that incorporate all of these components. Participants will learn how students can share their sites with their classmates. By sharing these sites, it will allow students access to this information outside of the classroom.

Presenter: Deborah Ford

Session Title: So You Think You Can Speak: Tips for Public Speaking
Strand(s): Management MA
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

Deborah Ford's alternate personality, Aunt Betty, returns to CSLA to give participants the secrets to successful presentations. Tips for public speaking can earn you advocacy, funding, or Teacher of the Year. Whether you are speaking to a small group or a large crowd, tips for speaking to colleagues, students, and school boards will be presented in a humorous fashion. Join Aunt Betty as we look at tips for planning, presenting, and evaluating your public speaking event or occasion.

Presenter: Deborah Ford

Session Title: What's New in Children's Books
Strand(s): Literacy LI
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

What's hot for 2009? What are the Newbery, Caldecott, and Printz contenders? Deborah Ford will fast talk some of the best books of 2009. Strategies and resources for using these books will also be given. Annotated bibliography will be available for participants.

Presenter: Deborah Ford

Session Title: Scary, Gross and Enlightening: Books for Boys 2009
Strand(s): Literature LI, Management MA
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

Who says boys won't read? Deborah Ford will fast talk some of the best books for boys of 2009 books that will hook them from the cover to the last page. Strategies and resources for using these books will also be given. An annotated bibliography will be available for participants.

Presenter: Jeffrey Frost

Session Title: State Budget and Legislative Update
Strand(s): Advocacy AD
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

This session will provide CSLA Conference delegates with information on the status of the current state budget, outline the possibility of additional education budget cuts that may result from the current budget shortfall, and highlight some of the key legislation that has been introduced in 2009.

Presenter: Janice Gilmore-See

Session Title: Libraries & Professional Learning Communities
Strand(s): Collaboration COL
Presenter Biography

Session Description:

Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are intended to help educators employ best practices and share strategies by working together to achieve the best learning opportunities for their students. The school librarian can benefit from both participating in a Library PLC and by being a part of the many departmental or grade level PLCs on campus. Learn how PLCs change the school culture with collaborative teams leading the way. As more schools and districts begin implementing the PLC model, make sure the library is represented, and you are ready to be a part of these new opportunities.