National School Librarian of the Year is Really Local

The national School Librarian of the year is Todd Burleson of Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka.  See the School Library Journal article and announcement for more details.

Having worked several years ago with Todd at Hubbard Woods on creative and inventive projects like “The Sky’s the Limit” about all aspects of flight, I am personally very excited that his work as an educator is being recognized nationally.  Todd has been instrumental in collaborating with District 36 and the Parent-Teacher Organization to create a “libratory” at Hubbard Woods.  Having this IDEA LAB makerspace recognized on a national level is a wonderful affirmation of his – and the District’s – focus on the whole child.   Todd’s work has been profiled in the local press, including The Chicago Tribune, and is described in more detail on the Hubbard Woods School site and his blog: http://toddburleson.wixsite.com/hwsidealab

I was very fortunate to have viewed the many changes to the Hubbard Woods library in person during the celebration of Hubbard Woods’ 100th year.  And earlier this summer, Todd generously acted as a guest lecturer for a graduate Library Science course; he certainly was an inspiration to the new school librarians from all around Illinois. By far the favorite speaker, Todd's pictures and descriptions of the renovated space were very energizing for all involved.

It is so stimulating and motivating to see the many new spaces available to students in our community – whether it is the new library in W250 on New Trier’s Winnetka campus, the inviting look which has been created at Northfield, changes to the local public libraries, like Winnetka’s new children’s area, or the very innovative library space at Hubbard Woods School!  Congratulations to Todd – can’t wait to see what comes next!

Future Ready Librarians

I had the wonderful privilege of working with graduate students in library science this summer and one of the topics that really caught our attention is Future Ready Librarians. 

This initiative is part of the Future Ready Schools work which at least 2200 superintendents from 17 states (representing 16.3 million learners) have pledged to support.  That list includes local Winnetka D36.  Basically, the focus is on digital technology and transformative learning.

What is truly exciting for librarians is to see the advocacy tools for our profession – especially the Fact Sheet which is available at this link.  There also is a short video and some additional resources available here. An impressive set of thought partners, including real world practitioners like Mark Ray, Carolyn Foote and Joyce Valenza, contributed to this overview.

Take a moment and glance at these graphics… what do you notice?  

What do you see? Personalized Student Learning at the center?  The many, many facets of a school librarian’s role?  The opportunities for leverage and impact?  The focus on how we actively promote (builds, designs, empowers, leads, facilitates, etc.) student learning?  

I encouraged my graduate students to be proactive and initiate conversations on Future Ready Librarians with their administrators, particularly because these materials helpfully highlight the many ways in which school librarians are positioned as leaders in the digital transformation of student learning.  

Now, take a few moments and reflect on your own practices.  What are your strengths? Where do you want to grow this year so as to be more future ready?

School Library Month Resources

Happy April! Take a few minutes and celebrate School Library Month. 

Watch and SHARE this great, short new video from Common Craft called “Libraries in the Internet Age.”  They say, “We love libraries and librarians. We want them to succeed and we made this video to help the public understand how libraries have changed in the Internet Age.”

This year’s theme for School Library Month is “Your School Library Where Learning Never Ends” which reprises the very first theme celebrated 30 years ago on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. So much has happened since 1985 and so much innovation, imagination and collaboration is underway as essential school libraries transform learning across the country.  For a few more facts, browse this infographic from AASL which is available online (and for download) :

Also available to download is the recent American Libraries issue which was produced in partnership with AASL and focuses on advocacy for school libraries.

With articles titled “Do Kids Even Use the Library Anymore?” and “Creating Coalitions,” it is designed for librarians to share with stakeholders like parents, colleagues and administrators.  So keep sharing … it’s exactly what school librarians are all about … learning that never ends!