Every person has a story to tell. That’s as true for children as it is for established writers. Most high school teachers are familiar with the college essay crunch that starts at the end of junior year, heats up in… Read More ›
teacher collaboration
Finding Joyful Moments
We Choose Our Focus This school year has been like no other. Educators are struggling to figure out what works for themselves and their students amidst unprecedented turmoil. Although the temptation to “doom scroll” beckons, I’m trying to choose wisely…. Read More ›
Getting to Know Your School Librarian from a Safe Distance
I am starting a new position in a new school in a new district this fall after working for 16 years in my previous district. With safety guidelines related to the global pandemic, I know that the way I have… Read More ›
Take a Deep Breath!
This spring was uncharted territory for everyone. Everything we thought we knew about how to do our complex and multifaceted jobs as educators was called into question. But this isn’t new for us school librarians. Innovation and iteration, thinking critically… Read More ›
Finding Collaborative Points from a Distance
Turning learning on its head. As much as we all want to return to in-person learning, we are all preparing for a future of at least some distance learning. Many, many teachers still prefer some type of lecture, and this… Read More ›
Collaboration with Choice Novel Studies
English Class: Choose Your Own Book Really? In English class?! We get to choose? Choice Novel Studies (CNS) are beginning to ripple into our high school English department, with great benefits. Our circulation numbers in the library increased by over… Read More ›
Gallery Walk, A Novel Idea!
During the last six weeks of school, the ELA department has a novel of choice unit. Each English teacher does novel of choice differently; while some allow their students to simply choose whatever book they want, others want to create… Read More ›
Poetic Expressions: Slamming in the Library
Nine years ago I transitioned from my position as an ELA teacher to school librarian. Eager to make an impact in a new environment I applied for and received the Ingram-White Castle Foundation Grant, which enabled me to create the… Read More ›
The Missing Link with Teachers
How many of us have gotten that sinking feeling during a lesson or presentation that we’ve lost some participants? The dazed or bored look, side conversations, and of course, looking at the phone. You stand there explaining some idea or… Read More ›
Open Door vs. Out The Door Policy
The best administrators are those who welcome conversations and new ideas, collaborations, and support. Many school administrators accomplish this lofty goal by instituting an “open door” policy where teachers and students can feel free to come in if the door… Read More ›