Title: Creating A Learning Commons Through Makerspace and Experiential Learning (Katrina Zannier and Tania Castillo, CCISD)

Session description: Discover the impact of instructional collaborations in empowering learners. Transform your library into a learning commons with dynamic activities that are hands-on and TEKS aligned.  We will share curriculum-connected makerspace and experiential learning activities that we have successfully used in our libraries with all content areas. 

Presenter bio: Tania Castillo is the librarian at Brookside Intermediate School in Friendswood, Texas. This is her 25th year in education and 10th year as a librarian. She sponsors a makerspace club on her campus.  In addition, she hosts Mega Family Makerspace Nights for her campus community.  She has presented at ALA, TLA, TCEA, AASL and Setting the Trend Librarians as Leaders.  She is enthusiastic about books, learning, collaborating, makerspace, and everything that makes things better for students.  You can follow her on X @BIS_library and on Instagram and TikTok @librariancastillo  -  Katrina Zannier is the librarian at Victory Lakes Intermediate in Clear Creek ISD.  She strives to create a library program where all students feel welcomed and have varied opportunities to learn, grow, and make connections.  She hosts book clubs and both open-ended and curriculum-connected makerspace activities.  She has presented at ALA, TCEA, TLA, and CCISD’s Setting the Trend.  This is her 27th year in education, and she remains excited and dedicated to continuous personal growth to create the best educational experiences for her students. 

Title: Engaging Art Workshops for Youth (Nicole Moraw, ARTreach)

Session description: ARTreach engaging art workshops can be customized for any age group and any theme/curriculum topic. We have many art workshop ideas that could be a great addition to makerspace areas in middle school libraries. ARTreach will lead a fun art project for this session, while informing participants about how they can bring ARTreach onto their campus to enhance imaginative and creative learning. 

Presenter bio: Nicole Moraw is the Executive Director of ARTreach. [www.artreachtexas.org]  ARTreach is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that serves the Houston area. ARTreach delivers engaging and impactful art programs, led by professional teaching artists. We primarily serve youth (with a focus on youth in under resourced communities), senior citizens, and youth/adults with disabilities. We also serve the community at large at festivals and community events. We partner with school districts to provide after school programs, summer camps, and special events. 

Title: Unlocking the Full Potential of Student Assistants (Tashauna Wardsworth-Thomas, CFISD)

Session description: So, you've enlisted student assistants—what's next? Dive into lessons crafted to transform student assistants into efficient library contributors. These lessons not only assign responsibilities but also inject an element of enjoyment into the learning experience. Join us in exploring how to maximize the potential of your student assistants. 

Presenter bio: Tashauna Wardsworth-Thomas currently serves as a middle school lead librarian, the 1:1 campus coordinator and the tech liaison at Hopper MS in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. Prior to coming to Cypress Fairbanks ISD she was an Information Literacy Specialist at Stehlik Intermediate in Aldine ISD. During the pandemic she used her role as the tech liaison to create tailor made professional staff developments using Zoom, Google Classroom and Schoology to usher staff into virtual learning.  It was then she leaned into designing lessons for student assistant learning virtual and in person. When not on campus you can find Mrs. Thomas fine tuning her technology skills as a MIE certified and Google Level 1 & 2 educator at home with her husband and their Yorkie Sir Phillip Michael Thomas. After serving many years as the Worship Tech Director she now spends her Sunday’s in Kids Ministry helping kids learn about God and how to begin a personal relationship with Him. You can contact me via email at Tashauna.wardsworththomas@cfisd.net or follow me on Twitter @MrsWWT .