Collaborating for Sustainability: How School Libraries Can Support the SDGs
Join us for an exciting session as we delve into the crucial role of libraries in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering collaboration for sustainability! Libraries, as dynamic community hubs, possess incredible potential to drive positive change and empower individuals and communities towards a sustainable future. In this session, we will explore innovative ways libraries can actively contribute to the SDGs, leveraging their unique resources, services, and networks. Through discussions, case studies, and practical examples, we will unveil the many opportunities for school libraries to make a significant impact on embedding the SDGs into their programming. Discover how libraries can promote environmental stewardship, social equity, economic empowerment, and inclusive education, aligning with the diverse objectives of the SDGs. Uncover the power of collaboration as we explore partnerships between libraries and their learning communities, amplifying collective efforts towards achieving the SDGs. 

About Martha Bongiorno
Martha is an award-winning school librarian and immediate Past-President of the Georgia Library Media Association. She is known for her advocacy of student voice and agency with an innovative approach to librarianship that emphasizes creative expression. With a focus on SDGs and SEL, Martha envisions a future where school libraries are central to empowering the next generation of thoughtful, community-minded individuals.

About Meggan Ford
Meggan Ford is the librarian at Johns Creek High School. She is a national speaker and currently serves as the President-Elect of the Georgia Library Media Association. Meggan is deeply committed to integrating sustainability, creativity, and SEL into her library programming. She is also an ISTE-certified educator, Adobe District Leader & Innovator, and Microsoft innovative education expert. In 2021, her library won the Georgia Library Media Association Exemplary Library Program, and in 2020, she became the Library Media Specialist of the Year for Fulton Schools.

Worldschooling Quest: Empowerment Hubs
Are you looking to transform the educational experience for your students and children? The will to learn is not limited by the walls of a classroom. We're creating empowerment hubs, centered around global goals (UN SDGs), to action problem solving with measurable positive impact. Join us to learn about how you can get financial support to make meaningful projects a reality.

About Jessica Tyerman-Marsh, Adnan Iftekhar, Marc Prensky
Jessica is an international educator and social enterprise director with 18 years’ experience educating learners of all ages. She obtained a Master’s in Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology while working on a federal grant with her University of Southern California professors. As an instructor for her alma mater, she helped student teachers acquire credentials and infuse technology into their classrooms. She’s lived in several countries, working in schools as a teacher, coordinator and librarian. She has conducted professional development in the US, Italy, Germany and the UK. Meanwhile, Jess has designed curriculum, a SaaS product, presented at conferences and contributed to educational articles and textbooks published internationally. As a Google for Education program manager, she advocated for educational organizations across the UK and Ireland to implement gamified and adaptive learning technologies. She believes that literacy skills (of all types) are essential to promote lifelong learning and has helped teachers and pupils achieve success through strategic support. 

Marc Prensky is the award-winning author of 10 books, the coiner of the term “digital natives,” and an internationally-acclaimed keynote speaker and consultant.. Marc has presented at major conferences in over 45 countries on six continents. He founded and currently runs The Global Institute for Empowerment, Accomplishment, & Impact by Young People, (eai-institute.org.) and The Two Billion Kids Project (twobillionkids.world). Marc’s most recent book is EMPOWERED!: Re-framing ‘Growing Up’ for a New Age. He is currently completing his 11th volume, THIRD MILLENNIUM KIDS: a guide for adults born in the second millennium preparing children born in the third. Marc can be contacted at marcprensky@gmail.com.

Adnan Iftekhar has taught dance, biology, math, computer science, design, social innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, yoga and acrobatics to students ranging from 2-82 years old. With 25 years of experience in school systems, he has devoted his time to both work and play. He has been a featured speaker at various events in the US and abroad, including keynotes in China, Mongolia, Pakistan and the US. He developed a program called "Teaching with Purpose: The Intentional Use of Technology, and AI" which he taught to hundreds of educators in Pakistan and Mongolia, resulting in a group of tech-savvy and pedagogically motivated instructors proficient in Google for Education. He recently worked with the Mongolian government on an educational transformational program to bring about 1:1 chromebooks for K12 students, admin and teachers. Along with founding a nonprofit and a yoga studio in San Francisco, he established a software consulting firm, several online businesses, and a boarding school in Vermont. He even designed his own yoga mat, which he sourced from Alibaba and sold over 10,000 units on Amazon. Recently, he held positions at Google as a Program Manager and Learning Platform Strategist and now serves as the CEO of Catalyst Consulting.

Empowering Voices: Global Collaboration Clubs uniting students for Global Advocacy
The forthcoming presentation will spotlight the advantages of participation in global collaboration clubs. These clubs serve as catalysts for students to engage with global challenges transcending the confines of traditional classroom settings. They inspire students to articulate their learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, thereby enriching their problem-solving, communication, and listening skills, while also fostering an appreciation for global perspectives. Moreover, participation enables students to compare situations in their respective countries, facilitating a deeper understanding of global issues. Additionally, it provides opportunities for students to embrace differentiated learning approaches, catering to individual needs and preferences.

About Geetika Pant
As the Training and Development Coordinator for Asia at the JDO Foundation, based in Delhi NCR, India, I fulfill multiple responsibilities. Alongside my primary role, I also hold positions as the Global Club Coordinator and a club leader within the organization. My achievements include being honored twice by the British Council for excellence in facilitating international collaboration as an International School Coordinator. A project I am particularly proud of is "Waste to Wonder," an ongoing initiative within my global collaboration club. This project focuses on fostering social entrepreneurship among students, empowering them to create innovative solutions for waste management.

10 Ready-Made Lessons for Promoting Sustainable Development Goals Awareness
Join us in an enlightening pre-recorded session that delves into the realm of global awareness and sustainable development goals. My presentation, offers a comprehensive collection of 10+ ready-made lessons designed to foster understanding and inspire action towards the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Explore diverse topics, engage with impactful content, and discover effective strategies to promote SDG awareness in educational settings and beyond. Be part of the movement for positive change and learn how these lessons can empower individuals and communities to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.

About Sheryl Place
Meet Sheryl Place, a passionate veteran educator with 40 years' teaching experience. She understands the joys and struggles of educators around the world and now helps teachers transform paper activities into interactive, digital lessons. Sheryl is a sought-after presenter at conferences and loves sharing best practices and connecting with attendees on a personal level. In addition, she is an experienced virtual school instructor and holds a Master's Degree in TESOL from the University of Miami. When she's not working, Sheryl enjoys running, mentoring, and exploring national parks. Connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky, and Twitter to learn more.