Did you know that as a school librarian, you have an incredible super power? This power can increase teacher retention, improve academic achievement, and change your school culture. What is this magical power? It is professional development for teachers. Let… Read More ›
The preschool program at my school focuses on using the students’ interests and the world around them to guide classroom themes. Being from Michigan, we see very distinct seasonal changes. What animals do during each season is often observed by… Read More ›
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 ›
I always feel like after Christmas, the school year is halfway over. I think students feel the same way, too. Seniors get what we affectionately refer to as “senioritis.” While families, educators, and mentors do their best to prepare them… Read More ›
Through the hustle and bustle of the ending semester and winter holidays approaching, I can’t help but think of next semester. I’m a planner. This time of year I begin to plan activities and collaborations, New Year’s Resolutions, and advocacy… Read More ›
This year one of my professional goals was to reflect on how I was promoting a positive reading culture at my school and develop ways to improve it. Improvement implies there is something wrong with what is currently being done…. Read More ›
With the arrival of the holiday season, I have been taking stock of the many things for which I am thankful. I wanted to share some of these reflections, as I think they have some direct bearing on being a… Read More ›
The beginning of the holiday season made me think about caring for others and building trust with students. When I was the librarian in a middle school, one way that I made connections with students was starting clubs. The clubs… Read More ›
Several years ago when my co-librarian switched from working in a law library to working in a public school library, her internship was something like our school district saying, ”We’re desperate. You’re hired.” A few years after that it was… Read More ›
Stress management is not a skill that comes naturally. It must be taught. I recall a health class early in my high school years in which we discussed stress management techniques: yelling into a pillow, writing in a journal, talking… Read More ›