Written by Vicki Winstead
The TASL Conference is only a few weeks away and I am so excited! It has been so much fun planning for our “Dare to Imagine: Make it Happen!” TASL 2019 Conference. I hope everyone will be able to join us at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro September 29 – October 1.
We will kick things off with some terrific Pre-Conference sessions on Sunday. Get inspired at The New AASL Standards in Action workshop (free!) led by a group of fellow TASL members, or attend the 2020 SE-YA Kickoff (free!) at Barnes and Noble.
Don’t miss the chance to hear award-winning author Derrick Barnes (paid event) discuss how Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut changed his life and career as a writer. Mr. Barnes will also do a Monday morning session where he will share how his four sons inspired his book The King of Kindergarten.
I am thrilled to welcome an amazing group of talented authors to our conference. In addition to Derrick Barnes, you will not want to miss Robert Beatty, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld, Sharon Cameron, Julian Winters and Sheba Karim.
Tiffany Whitehead, the Mighty Little Librarian, will be our keynote speaker Monday during our annual luncheon and business meeting, and will present two additional sessions in the afternoon.
On Sunday evening, join us in the exhibit hall for heavy hors d’oeuvres and visit with exhibitors during the Vendor Reception from 6:00-7:00 pm. New this year is the addition of a cash bar, which will be open throughout the reception.
The Hip Hues T-Shirt Printing Press will be on hand Sunday night during the Vendor reception. Pre-order your shirt now and print it yourself at conference. Shirts may also be purchased the day of, at an additional fee. For more information, check out https://www.smore.com/abjt9
In order to reduce the amount of paper used (save the trees!) and keep conference costs low, we will not print the full conference program this year. Instead, I encourage you to visit our complete online schedule at https://taslcon2019.sched.com/ Download the SCHED app onto your mobile device, and create a FREE account to make and save your own personal conference schedule. Read all the session details and learn more about all the presenters.
A HUGE thanks for our conference sponsors, Bound To Stay Bound (Tri-Star), EBSCO (Two-Star) and State Standards Publishing (Friend). Our conference is even better because of your support!
We have many talented members presenting sessions for all levels-elementary, middle and high school. So many great topics too! From technology, library culture, collaboration, mental wellness and more. Click on over to https://www.tasltn.org/conference and to register by September 28. You don’t want to miss it!
Vicki Winstead
2019 President-Elect/Conference Chair
TASL Talks 
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