The new year is upon us. For some it rolled around quickly, while for others it may have taken longer to get here. Regardless of your point of view the new year offers us all a time of reflection and… Read More ›
Community/Teacher Collaboration
Providing “Moderation In All Things” Ed Tech
Ho Ho Holy Moly! I spent time with my nephews this holiday. The oldest boy is 10, and he is starting to stretch both physically and mentally into the adult he will become. Seeing him reminds me of when I… Read More ›
The School Library, Makey Makey, and Learning
This month, when deciding what to blog about, I waited to start writing until after I finished a two-day collaboration with a visionary teacher at my high school using Makey Makey STEM kits. She is a creative, dynamic teacher, and… Read More ›
A Community That Reads Together
My hometown has a population of approximately 55,000 people and seven school districts. These districts have always acted as rivals rather than schools that form a united community of students. Three years ago my superintendent and I decided to attempt… Read More ›
The Blended Learning-Ready School Librarian
Districts across the country are beginning to focus on personalized learning for students and staff. As we look for ways to meet students where they are on the educational playing field, blended learning’s flexible style is a natural fit…. Read More ›
Using School Library Newsletters to Communicate
As in many schools, my high school library is a hub of our building. Hundreds of students walk through our doors each day; administrators stop by; teachers are posted to duty at the circulation desk every period; custodians and security… Read More ›
Read Alouds in Secondary School Libraries
Students sitting on the carpet in a semi-circle listening to a captivating story is what comes to mind when I think of read alouds. Unfortunately, this is a rare sight in secondary schools; why do we stop reading aloud as… Read More ›
Examining the Word “Literacy”
I recently became curious about how the word “literacy” has been paired with other words to create terms all librarians use within their practice. Curiosity surfaced when I read the term “innovation literacy.” Thinking I had hit upon a new concept,… Read More ›
Research, information literacy, and independent study
Independent study thrives in my school library, which situates us in the center of our schools’ goals. According to my schools’ strategic plan, we aim to: …foster a school environment and academic program that demands students join in the design… Read More ›
Growing Capacity through Collaboration
I have always considered myself fortunate to work in an evolving profession where no two days, classes, or units of study are the same. The needs of the students are constantly changing and so am I. My growth is compounded… Read More ›