Author Archives

Sam Northern is a National Board Certified Teacher-Librarian at Simpson Elementary School in Franklin, Kentucky. He currently serves as President of the Kentucky Association of School Librarians. In 2014, Sam was selected for the Fulbright-Hays Summer Seminars Abroad Program where he spent four weeks in China. Since then, Sam has voyaged to Antarctica as a National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow and worked aboard a research vessel on the Atlantic Ocean as a NOAA Teacher at Sea. From January to April 2018, Sam traveled to Finland as part of the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program to research best practices for project-based learning. Connect with him on Twitter @Sam_Northern and Facebook @themisterlibrarian.

• Announcing this Year’s AASL Best Digital Tools for Teaching and Learning

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 05/16/2022 • ( 0 )

  

  Tools are used to install ceiling fans, repair leaky faucets, plant flowers, and make other improvements. Tools can also be used to support educators’ teaching practices and students’ learning experiences. When it comes to classroom tools, people often think of… Read More ›

• Digital Poetry Slam

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 04/13/2022 • ( 0 )

  

  It is no wonder why April has been deemed National Poetry Month. Early spring is filled with inspiration. The longer days and warming temperatures seem to improve my mood and stir my creativity. What a great time for reading and… Read More ›

• Tools to Excite Student Videographers

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 07/14/2021 • ( 0 )

  

  Since waking up this morning, you have probably viewed, shared, or posted dozens of pictures or videos. Our daily lives seem to be bombarded with visual imagery. For example, I regularly view YouTube videos to solve problems, watch documentaries to… Read More ›

• Your PLC Starter Kit

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 06/21/2021 • ( 2 )

  

  I love summer. Who doesn’t? Summer break gives me time to relax with family, travel to new places, make home improvements, and recharge my professional battery. One of my favorite things to do during the summer holiday is connecting with… Read More ›

• Kentucky’s Inaugural Mid-Autumn Meeting

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 01/13/2021 • ( 0 )

  

  Changes made to teaching and learning this past year have also meant changes in the way educators experience professional growth. More and more school librarians and classroom teachers turn to social media for professional development (PD). Many in-person events have… Read More ›

• Turn to Your School Librarian for Leadership in Online Learning

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 10/30/2020 • ( 0 )

  

  School librarians have many roles, among which are teacher and instructional partner. AASL’s position “The Strategic Leadership Role of School Librarians” notes, “The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) supports the position that full-time certified school librarians provide effective leadership… Read More ›

• A One-Page Site for Using and Sharing Creative Works

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 09/01/2020 • ( 0 )

  

  For many students, much of the 2020-2021 school year will consist of virtual classrooms, digital sources, and blended learning. Distance learning comes with many challenges but even more opportunities. There are opportunities for students to build knowledge as part of… Read More ›

• Distance Read-Alouds

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 03/19/2020 • ( 6 )

  

  Note: This post was updated to reflect US Copyright Law. Many students are now learning at home due to COVID-19. For my elementary school students, story time is an important and exciting part of the day. How will students hear… Read More ›

• Project RAP

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 12/02/2019 • ( 1 )

  

  Young learners come to the school library possessing skills and talents just waiting to be revealed. The school librarian also possesses talents. The librarian knows how to connect students with literature that incites curiosity. The librarian knows how to select… Read More ›

• Coming to Kentucky: 2019 AASL National Conference

  By Sam Northern, Ed.D. on 10/15/2019 • ( 0 )

  

  On November 13, Louisville, Kentucky, will welcome school librarians and other educators from across the country for the 2019 AASL National Conference. The AASL National Conference & Exhibition is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school… Read More ›