Vermont Fest 2024: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

10:00am EST

Create a Group of Student Technology Experts in Your School!

Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST

What if we told you there was a way to empower students to become leaders in their school community while also saving you time and work? Creating and leading a group of student tech experts is the answer!

At Cambridge Elementary School, we've been building our team of fifth and sixth grade "Technology Ambassadors" for over eight years. Students meet weekly to practice various technology skills, and then apply what they've learned by helping in our school community. The Technology Ambassadors assist around the school with tech issues, become our school photographers, produce a school newscast, assist younger students with using new tools, and more!

In this session we'll share successes, failures, and tips to help you build a group like this at your school! Although our experience is with fifth and sixth graders, the ideas could be easily applied to middle and high school as well.

Speakers

Faith Horton

Educational Technology Integration Specialist/Enrichment Teacher, Lamoille North Supervisory Union

Faith Horton has been an educator for over 20 years in both Vermont and Colorado. After spending 15 years as a 3rd-5th grade classroom teacher, her interest with technology integration and passion to seek innovative practices led her to pursue an Ed Tech endorsement. She feels grateful... Read More →

Jeremy LaClair

Technology Coordinator, Cambridge Elementary School / Lamoille North SU

I've been in the role of Technology Coordinator at Cambridge Elementary School (Lamoille North Supervisory Union) for the past ten years, and have been interested in the world of computers for as long as I can remember. I work hard to make sure that students have access to the technology... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Escapade I

Fri Block A

Grade Span Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Tags Advocacy & Leadership, Digital Literacy & Citizenship, STEM/STEAM & MakerSpaces
Level Emerging
Theme Improving Classroom Practices with Technology, improving-classroom-practices-with-technology

10:00am EST

Empowering Educators: An AI Toolkit & Resource Guide for the Modern Classroom

Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST

Escapade II

In this session, we will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the educational landscape. Educators will gain access to a practical toolkit filled with AI-driven tools and resources that can enhance and streamline instruction to foster student engagement. As we navigate these new technologies, we'll also discuss the magnitude of change required—rethinking traditional teaching practices, integrating AI into everyday learning, and ensuring equity and access for all students. This session is designed to empower teachers to confidently adopt AI, transforming their classrooms for the future.

Speakers

Patricia Aigner

Director of Technology, Rutland City Public Schools

Patricia Aigner serves as the Director of Technology for the Rutland City Public Schools in Rutland, Vermont. She is licensed as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. In 2020, Patricia received the Frank Watson Lifetime Achievement Award from Vita-Learn. Recently, she was featured... Read More →

Friday November 8, 2024 10:00am - 10:55am EST
Escapade II

Fri Block A

Grade Span Early Elementary School, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Post Secondary
Tags Advocacy & Leadership, Digital Literacy & Citizenship, Digital Resources & OER, Pedagogy, Flexible Pathways, Research & Information Literacy, Standards & Curricula, STEM/STEAM & MakerSpaces, Digital Storytelling, Student Voice
Level All Levels
Theme Improving Classroom Practices with Technology

2:45pm EST

Library Advocacy and Act 150

Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST

Escapade II

The VSLA Leadership and Advocacy Committee will explore the critical role of advocacy in school libraries, with a focus on building strong relationships with stakeholders and decision-makers.

They will also examine Act 150, which requires Vermont school districts to establish library material selection policies and procedures that protect students' intellectual freedom. The session will cover the efforts that led to the passage of the law and its anticipated impact on libraries. Attendees will learn how to prepare for the law's implementation in 2025.

Speakers

Stephanie Sherman

Librarian, Middlebury Union High School

intellectual freedom, library advocacy, critical information literacy, technology and media literacy

Rebecca Sofferman

Librarian, Colchester Middle School

Rebecca Sofferman is the school librarian at Colchester Middle School in Colchester, VT. A graduate of Syracuse University’s iSchool (MLIS), Rebecca was previously district librarian and technology coordinator for the Tupper Lake Central School District in Tupper Lake, NY, an elementary... Read More →

Charles Dabritz

Susie Snow

Teacher Librarian, Hiawatha Elementary School

Susie Snow is a teacher librarian at Hiawatha Elementary School in Essex Junction, VT. She received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Vermont and is licensed as a K-6 Educator, K-12 Librarian, and K-12 Educational Technologist.

Friday November 8, 2024 2:45pm - 3:40pm EST
Escapade II

Fri Block D

Grade Span Early Elementary School, Elementary School, Middle School, High School
Tags Advocacy & Leadership, Library Management
Level All Levels
Theme Library Leadership & Management