A library media specialist serves as both a school librarian and a teacher, advancing learning, collaborating with teachers on projects, and leading literacy initiatives. They create a safe space for students, encouraging independent reading and providing access to resources without monetary barriers.
Defending intellectual freedom ensures students have access to diverse books and resources that reflect their interests and needs. It prevents private decisions from limiting public resources, fostering an inclusive and democratic learning environment.
Schools can genre-fy their libraries, making it easier for students to find books autonomously. Keeping libraries open before and after school, building relationships with students, and creating welcoming spaces are also key strategies.
Many library media specialist positions are being defunded, especially in secondary schools, with paraeducators often replacing certified librarians. This trend undermines the complex role librarians play in fostering literacy and learning.
Collaboration can involve joint projects and programs that align with educational goals. Curriculum specialists should advocate for the inclusion of librarians in strategic initiatives to ensure a cohesive and supportive learning environment.
The book focuses on designing inclusive and engaging library programs for teens and tweens, addressing deeper issues like digital equity and cultural relevance. It provides practical advice on budgeting, programming, and aligning initiatives with ISTE Standards.
Librarians can use surveys, talk to students directly, and consult teachers to identify popular topics and books. This approach ensures the collection is relevant and engaging for the student community.
Students are increasingly requesting manga, graphic novels, and contemporary poetry like Rupi Kaur's 'Milk and Honey.' These genres serve as bridges between their everyday experiences and broader literary exploration.
Librarians should be proactive by understanding district policies, defending intellectual freedom, and communicating the importance of access to diverse materials. They must stand firm against efforts to limit educational resources.
The authors found the writing process collaborative and enriching, despite working through the pandemic. They valued pushing each other creatively and appreciated the opportunity to share their experiences and insights with the broader educational community.
Welcome to "Ask the Tech Coach," a podcast for Instructional Coaches and Technology Integration Specialists.
In this episode of “Ask the Tech Coach),” Jeff sits down with ISTE Authors Julia Torres and Valerie Tagoe to discuss the state of the Library Media Center and Library Media Specialist and the value they bring to our staff and students each day.
If you would like to be a part of future podcasts and share your thoughts, please contact the podcast). We would love to have you join the show.
- Are you a Tech Coach or looking to become one this year?
- Are you searching for support in your position?
The TeacherCast Tech Coaches Network), is a brand new Professional Learning Network designed specifically for Tech Coaches and designed to provide weekly support for all Instructional Coaches.
Julia E. Torres (@juliaerin80) is a language arts teacher and librarian in Denver, Colorado. An advocate for all students and public education, Torres is a frequent conference and event speaker, and facilitates workshops and professional conversations about equity, anti-bias/anti-racist education, culturally sustaining pedagogies and literacy in the digital age. She is a current member of the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Committee, a 2020 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and a past president of the Colorado Language Arts Society (a regional affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English). She holds a master’s of education in secondary education curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix, a master’s in creative writing from Regis University and a master's in library and information science from the University of Denver (2023).
**Social Links: **
- [**https://twitter.com/juliaerin80**](https://twitter.com/juliaerin80))
- [**https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015243520804**](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015243520804))
- [**https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-torres-9215a913b/**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-torres-9215a913b/))
- **IG: @juliaerin80**
Valerie Tagoe is a high school librarian in Texas. She’s a winner of the S. Janice Kee Award from Texas Woman’s University, and a past president of the Dallas Association of School Librarians. Currently, she’s a member of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the board, Tagoe is also active in the Texas Library Association (TLA) as a member of its Legislative Committee. She holds a Bachelor’s in French, with a Minor in History, from the University of Oklahoma; a Master’s of Bilingual Education from Southern Methodist University; and an MLS from Texas Woman's University.
- @bookmarksllc
Learn how librarians can positively effect change in areas like digital equity and inclusiveness, while creating powerful programming for middle and high school students.
Developing programs for learners can be an ongoing challenge for librarians – especially first-year librarians. Current books on the topic primarily focus on makerspaces or read alouds, and are aimed at elementary school grades, with a surface-level approach. This book addresses deeper issues that librarians face, while illustrating how to serve teens and tweens specifically by offering programming relevant to their lives.
The authors offer practical ideas for developing effective programming through collaborating with the community to develop and implement programs, connecting programs to ISTE Standards and curriculum, and addressing curricular and socio-emotional needs. They also share practical advice on budgeting and funding to support programs, scheduling, maximizing the use of technology to aid in programming and much more. The book also explores ways library programs can have a positive impact on school culture, such as addressing the digital divide, inclusion and cultural relevance.
This book:
- Discusses why programming is critical and covers how to develop library programs that are inclusive, culturally relevant and beneficial for students transitioning from high school to college.
- Shows how library programming aligns with American Association of School Librarians (AASL), Future Ready Librarians framework and the ISTE Standards.
- Provides checklists and templates to help readers develop their own programming ideas and lesson plans.
- Offers guidance on building consensus from various stakeholders and involving students, faculty and community in the development of programs.
- Shares stories from librarians in K-12 and higher education, addressing how they design their programs and offer career and educational paths for students.
Programming for teens and young adults is a catalyst for learning and exploration. The activities and learning experiences shared in this book will empower librarians and deepen student learning.
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is home to a passionate community of global educators who believe in the power of technology to transform teaching and learning, accelerate innovation and solve tough problems in education. ISTE inspires the creation of solutions and connections that improve opportunities for all learners by delivering: practical guidance, evidence-based professional learning, virtual networks, thought-provoking events and the ISTE Standards). ISTE is also the leading publisher of books focused on technology in education. For more information or to become an ISTE member, visit iste.org). Subscribe to ISTE’s YouTube channel) and connect with ISTE on Twitter) or Facebook).
ISTE books and jump-start guides address both established and emerging industry topics, and are aligned with the ISTE Standards, providing clear, practical guidance to help educators meet the standards. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, librarian, district leader or teacher educator, ISTE books are your answer to effective districtwide PD and professional learning to meet your goals or tech initiatives.
Subscribe to the ISTE Books Update) newsletter for exclusive savings and updates on books, author events and more.
In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:
- [Librarians: Digital Literacy Experts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/librarians-digital-literacy-experts/id1441555733?i=1000433762895))
- [https://libslide.org/](https://libslide.org/))
- [https://www.freadom.us/](https://www.freadom.us/))
- [TeacherCast.net/VoiceMail](http://www.teachercast.net/VoiceMail))
- Twitter: [@AskTheTechCoach](http://twitter.com/askthetechcoach))
- Email: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]))
- [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-tech-coach-podcast-for-instructional-technology/id1067586243))
- [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3X8JwTCC5eeWUff8FHFeKR))
- [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5jYXB0aXZhdGUuZm0vYXNrdGhldGVjaGNvYWNoLw))
- [Amazon Music](https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dd92d8f6-fb5c-401b-9267-214dc5274709/ASK-THE-TECH-COACH))
- The TeacherCast Educational Broadcasting Network | [@TeacherCast](http://www.twitter.com/teachercast))
- Ask the Tech Coach Podcast | [@AsktheTechCoach](http://www.twitter.com/askthetechcoach))
- Jeff Bradbury | [@JeffBradbury](http://www.twitter.com/jeffbradbury))
- Susan Vincentz | [@](https://twitter.com/sv314dws))[sv314dws](https://twitter.com/sv314dws))
Are you enjoying the TeacherCast Network, please share your thoughts with the world by commenting on iTunes) today? I enjoy reading and sharing your comments on the podcast each week.
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- TeacherCast Podcast ([http://www.teachercast.net/tcp](http://www.teachercast.net/tcp)))
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