HESTL EdCON26: Full Schedule

9:30am MDT

Brave Instead of Perfect: Smashing Imposter Syndrome in Order to Show Up for Kids (and Ourselves)!

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

They say comparison is the thief of joy, but in a connected world, the urge to compare ourselves, and our work, to the "rockstars" in our field can be both impossible to resist and professionally paralyzing. In this keynote, we explore ways to smash imposter syndrome, avoid comparison, and use our networks to pursue bravery instead of perfection so we can be the kind of librarians our kids truly deserve.

Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Jennifer LaGarde is a lifelong teacher and learner with more than 20 years in public education. She is passionate about leveraging technology to help students build authentic reading lives, meeting the unique needs of students living in poverty, and helping learners of all ages discern fact from fiction... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

Keynote

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

10:45am MDT

Reading Co-Pilots: Partnering to Help Every Student Grow

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Room 249 (upstairs)

Forget flying solo — literacy is a team sport. This session explores how librarians and teachers can co-navigate the shift from passive reading to genuine student agency, using Berthoud High School (~750 students, Northern Colorado) as a case study.

Participants will learn how Berthoud's library partners with ELA and cross-curricular teachers to build reading skills through independent choice books tied to required themes; how student reading surveys generate data that– with AI support– drives personalized book talks and "love notes from the library" tailored to individual classes; and how a schoolwide reading continuum gives students varied, scaffolded experiences across all four years of high school.
The session also spotlights a standout partnership model featuring ongoing reading conferences and close librarian-student interactions — moving the librarian from "one-and-done classroom visitor" to a consistent, meaningful presence in students' academic lives.

All strategies are practical, repeatable, and scalable for a range of school sizes and populations.

Speakers

Carin Barrett

Teacher Librarian, Berthoud High School, Berthoud High School

Carin Barrett has been teaching for 26 years. Formerly a Social Studies teacher, she has spent the last 10 years as the teacher librarian at Berthoud High School in northern Colorado.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Room 249 (upstairs) 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

Deep Dive

Target Audience Middle School, High School

12:30pm MDT

But I Saw It on TikTok: Helping Kids Navigate The Information Spaces They Use Most

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Liniger Hall

With over a billion active users and an algorithm that adapts to our behavior faster than we can double tap, TikTok has become one of the most powerful sources of information for today’s learners. It is also one of the most persuasive. In this session, we will explore how short-form video blends entertainment, emotion, and perceived authenticity to make even mis-, dis- and mal-information feel true. Together, we will unpack how TikTok’s design turns attention into profit and what that means for developing credibility skills in young people.

Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

Deep Dive

Target Audience Middle School, High School

12:30pm MDT

Empowered Librarian: Supporting AI Use to Boost Creativity

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Room 249 (upstairs)

Stop feeling overwhelmed by AI and start feeling empowered! This workshop moves beyond AI gripes to help school librarians navigate AI with confidence. We will first demystify chatbot capabilities by exploring a researcher-developed AI literacy tool. Then, we'll dive into three recent studies via interactive simulations to explore what researchers have discovered about how AI can both limit and boost creativity depending on the moves of the humans.

Through reflection and discussion, participants will leave with practical tools for fostering effective AI use for themselves, their students, and their staff — and the research-based insights to empower all three to use (or not use) AI to support creativity.

Speakers

Rebecca Kaplan

Teacher Librarian, Erie High School, St. Vrain Valley School District

Becca Kaplan loves libraries and public education; for the past 17 years, she's worked as a teacher librarian, teacher educator, university instructor, and ELA teacher. She earned her PhD in Learning Sciences at CU Boulder, and she continues to engage in education research today... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Room 249 (upstairs) 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

Deep Dive

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

12:30pm MDT

From Invisible to Indispensable: Advocating for School Libraries

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT

Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)

In an era of shifting budgets and evolving digital landscapes, the school library is more vital than ever—but does your community know that? This interactive session transforms library professionals into powerful advocates. We will move beyond checking out books to demonstrate how your program drives student achievement, fosters critical thinking, and serves as the heartbeat of the school community.

Participants will learn how to translate library data into compelling stories, build strategic alliances with stakeholders, and develop a personalized advocacy toolkit to ensure their program isn't just seen, but celebrated and sustained.

Speakers

Sheena Kelly

Digital Media Literacies Coordinator, Thompson School District

Sheena Kelly is a strategic library leader with fifteen years of experience across diverse library settings, recognized for her expertise in inclusive programming, technology integration, grant management, and professional development.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)

Deep Dive

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

1:40pm MDT

Whose Library Is It Anyway? How Student Leaders Drive New Ideas

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 1:55pm MDT

Liniger Hall

What happens when you give elementary students a seat at the table? In this fast-paced session, discover how forming a Student Library Leadership Team transformed our library from a place students visit into a space they truly own.

Learn how handing over the reins to a dedicated group of young leaders sparked innovative programming, boosted peer-to-peer engagement, and brought fresh, kid-approved ideas to the stacks. We’ll cover the logistics of starting a team, the surprising initiatives they’ve led, and why student voice is the secret ingredient to a thriving library culture.

In just 15 minutes, you’ll walk away with:

A simple framework for recruiting and organizing a student leadership team.
Real-world examples of student-led projects that increased circulation and engagement.
Strategies for balancing student autonomy with your library’s learning goals.

SEATING GUIDANCE: The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session. Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.

Speakers

Michelle White

District Elementary Librarian, Weld RE-4 School District

Michelle White is a District Elementary School Librarian in Colorado with 29 years of experience spanning school, public, and academic libraries. Her diverse career includes roles as a District Coordinator, college reference librarian, and school administrator. Across every role, she remains dedica... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 1:55pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

EdTalk

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

1:40pm MDT

Beyond the School Day: Caregiver Insights on Book Access

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT

Liniger Hall

Drawing on qualitative interviews with 20 caregivers participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, this EdTalk explores how families experience book access and shared reading-- and what these insights mean for school librarians.

Participants will learn how consistent access to high-interest books supports children’s motivation and reading identity, how caregivers describe children’s engagement, and how gaps in access outside of school shape students’ relationships with reading. Attendees will gain practical strategies for strengthening home–school literacy connections, promoting programs available to families during school breaks, and using caregiver perspectives to support equitable access to literacy resources beyond the school day.

SEATING GUIDANCE: The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session. Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.

Speakers

Staci Koutsoukos

Student

Staci Koutsoukos, PhD, is an educational researcher and community literacy consultant and the founder of Community Insights Consulting. Her Spring 2026 dissertation examined caregiver experiences with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, with a focus on how consistent access to books... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

EdTalk

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

1:40pm MDT

Find Your Vibe: Feature Walls & Micro-Genre Displays

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT

Liniger Hall

Does your library feel like a curated bookstore — or a daunting warehouse? For many students, a wall of alphabetized spines is more intimidating than inviting. This session explores how to transform your space into a browse-first destination using high-impact genre feature walls and rotating micro-genre displays, without rearranging your entire collection.

Drawing on visual merchandising techniques, you'll learn how to group books in ways that mirror the "shopping" experience students already love: identifying trending sub-genres (think Cozy Fantasy, Fast-Paced Thrillers), designing eye-catching focal points, and using displays to spark independent discovery. Carin will also share a DIY plan for creating B&N-style tables even when you only have one copy of most books. Whether you're working with a big budget or just spare shelf space and a printer, these strategies are practical, scalable, and ready to implement.

Participants will learn how to:

Apply retail-inspired wayfinding to make collections more navigable and enticing
Design a genre feature wall that simplifies browsing for reluctant readers
Curate rotating micro-genre displays responsive to student interests and trends
Help students independently find their next read (no staff intervention required)

Speakers

Carin Barrett

Teacher Librarian, Berthoud High School, Berthoud High School

Carin Barrett has been teaching for 26 years. Formerly a Social Studies teacher, she has spent the last 10 years as the teacher librarian at Berthoud High School in northern Colorado.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

EdTalk

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

1:40pm MDT

Teen Clubs: In Person, Digital, and Beyond!

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT

Liniger Hall

Teens need opportunities outside the classroom to connect, build friendships, and fuel a love of reading, and school and public librarians are uniquely positioned to create them. Through our experiences with the Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award and Douglas County Library's Teen Library Connection, we'll share what we've learned about launching and sustaining book clubs and beyond, both in person and online.

You'll hear our stories, pick up practical strategies for recruiting members, structuring meetings, and choosing the right format for your community, and yes, we'll even show you how to run a digital murder mystery together!

SEATING GUIDANCE: The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session. Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.

Speakers

Gwen Swierczek

Librarian, Douglas County Libraries

Gwen Swierczek has worked in public libraries since 2012, from shelving to paraprofessional to adult librarian, finally settling in children and youth librarianship. She has a Masters in Library and Information Science from Emporia University. She has created elaborate programming for people from all... Read More →

Amanda Samland

Head Librarian, Regis Jesuit High School

Amanda Samland is the Head Librarian at Regis Jesuit High School, where she oversees both campus libraries and works to create welcoming, student-centered spaces that encourage reading, curiosity, and connection. She enjoys partnering with teachers, supporting student research, and developing progr... Read More →

Sara Van Hall

Librarian, Douglas County Libraries

Sara van Hall has worked in public libraries for over 16 years, everywhere from a materials handler to a paraprofessional to a librarian. She has a BA in History from the University of Northern Colorado, an Elementary Teaching Certification from Metropolitan State University, and a Masters in... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

EdTalk

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

3:30pm MDT

Cartoons, Comics, and Graphic Novels...By Students?!

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)

What happens when students' love of graphic novels becomes the engine for a STEAM project? The Art of Storytelling (Denver Public Schools) is a first-year initiative where student work culminates in a public showcase and an interactive cartoon panel. Leave with concrete takeaways and activities for engaging students and teachers in creative storytelling.

Speakers

Jenn Brown

Library Services Coordinator, Denver Public Schools

From higher ed to schools, Jenn has worked in libraries for 18 years. She is currently a support librarian for the Denver Public Schools district. Besides reading and brain puzzles, she loves hiking and playing games with her friends and family.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)

Deep Dive

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

3:30pm MDT

The Great Book Breakout

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

Liniger Hall

No matter the age of the student, book escape rooms are your ticket to increasing student engagement with reading and other positive social and cognitive learning goals. Attend this session to see how escape rooms can be modified for all ages, all time frames, and all learning modalities to create an inclusive environment for book studies to flourish.

Participants will:

Understand the research for PK–12 students that supports interactive escape rooms and critical thinking stations
Identify the benefits of this learning strategy and its role in improving student engagement and positive reading outcomes
Discover the basic steps to set up a book-based escape room
Gain practical tools and strategies to implement programs based on their comfort level and age range/target audience
Create a collaborative collection of ideas and contacts to strengthen their professional learning network

Speakers

Erica Leu

Teacher Librarian, Cresthill Middle School, Cresthill Middle School

Erica Leu is a certified teacher librarian with a passion to collaboratively and creatively build literacy, technology and critical thinking skills in both students and staff in the ever-changing information and literacy landscape. She has 19 years experience in education in PK-8th grade schools... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

Deep Dive

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

3:30pm MDT

The Snowball Effect: Turning Small Library Wins Into Big Schoolwide Impact

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

Room 249 (upstairs)

It's not only the $5,000 author visits or schoolwide literacy nights. Sometimes the small, low-stakes things are what grow your library's presence as the true center of your school. Join two veteran librarians to explore how everyday "low-stakes" wins create a snowball effect that builds momentum, drives building-wide engagement, and positions your library as indispensable.

In this interactive session, you'll walk away with practical strategies in three key areas:

Scalable Success: Leverage competitions, book clubs, and simple programming to build an undeniable library presence — without burning out or breaking the budget.
Tell the Story: Use data and community impact to connect your library's "why" to the values your administrators already care about.
Grow the Presence: Transform small-scale events and activities into meaningful family and community partnerships that extend your reach beyond the building.

Libraries die as silent rooms — they thrive as buzzing hallways. Learn to articulate your impact, track what matters, and grow your presence from the shelf all the way to the front office.

Speakers

Michelle White

District Elementary Librarian, Weld RE-4 School District

Victoria Berg

District Middle School Librarian, Weld RE-4 School District

Victoria Berg is a Middle School District Librarian for Weld RE-4. She has worked in public and school libraries for over six years with kids from birth to age 18 and she loves helping students find out they belong in libraries.

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
Room 249 (upstairs) 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

Deep Dive

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

9:30am MDT

10:45am MDT

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1:40pm MDT

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3:30pm MDT

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