The Daring Librarian

Four years ago on Doug Johnson's awesome The Blue Skunk Blog a commenter named Glynda said " Doug, I just read in the SLJ that Teacher librarian Gwyneth Jones is now a board member of ISTE. Perhaps she can help ensure that administrators are not only aware of NETS-A but also following them. " ISTE NETS & the Common Core I recently ended that four year elected term on the ISTE Board of Directors and as I reflect upon my service, participation, and accomplishments balanced with Glenda's comment, I can say that if that was the sole standard of success - I failed! I couldn't then, and I can't now, "ensure" that admins are aware of NETS and I surely can't make them follow the NETS. I think we ALL must have an ongoing conversation with our Admin & staff about how we can integrate ISTE NETS into our daily instruction. Just like teaching technology in isolation, it shouldn't just happen once at a professional develo...

Introducing the SLJ Librarian of the Year Award Advocacy is always important. Advocacy for kiddos, teens, literature, creativity, giftedness, special needs, technology, a filterless society, community projects, connection with parents, geeks, goofballs, oh and LIBRARIES! Transparency IS the new black ! In our profession, being an advocate for your kids, your library,  your program, and yes...for YOURSELF is ESSENTIAL! I Nominate YOU to Nominate Yourself! You can and you should nominate yourself for this award. The first education honor or award I got was the  Teacher of the Year Award in 2001 from PBS & the NTTI (OMGosh the write up is hilarious! CD-ROM's & the Handspring Visor! LOL) , I filled out the paper, got my principal on board and went for it! And Kathy Schrock presented it to me! (I know, pinch me, right?) I was also the first school librarian to get that award, too! That felt awesome! If you win this one, you would be the first one to get it! Tha...

I was asked to give a short overview about advocacy for school libraries (and librarians) to the middle school media specialists in my district and created a Prezi giving quick highlights. I based it on the powerful & informative School Library Journal article co-written by Joyce Valenza and Doug Johnson that really spells it all out! Things That Keep Us Up at Night along with a few of my opinions thrown in for good measure. This incorporates a lot things that I've been thinking lately AND issues we've been discussing at the TL Virtual cafe and within the Geek Tribe. I foresee this evolving into a larger presentation at some point - because we're all passionate about keeping school libraries funded and staffed nationwide - and being the best teacher-librarians we can be! Get the BIGGER Prezi Experience HCPSS Library Media Wiki

Advocacy in Education is so important..now more than ever. ISTE10 Denver has many opportunities to involve yourself for advocating for our customers....the KIDS! Wanna know how? The following is from Hilary Goldmann, ISTE’s Director of Government Affairs : "Once again we have a dynamic line-up of advocacy activities at ISTE2010!! Thanks to all of you for your ideas, help, advice, support, guidance etc… Below is the line-up. • ETAN Booth - Raffle prize is an interactive white board donated by SMART, Technologies. Michelle and Barack Obama will make a cardboard appearance again. • Send a video letter to Congress – We will have flip cameras at the Advocacy Lounge and a script so attendees can send a video email to Congress. • YouTube ISTE Advocacy Channel – We now have an ISTE Advocacy YouTube Channel ! We will post video letters to Congress here and stream them at the Advocacy Lounge. • Collecting success stories at the Advoc...

Letters for Libraries: It's Not Just About Books. Funding for school libraries and funding for other student literacy programs (like the National Writing Project) is being threatened both federally and in states across the country. In the 21st century information environment, our students deserve and need your help in keeping their library/information literacy programs strong. Join us for a National time of Letter Writing ...NOW! Please, If you're reading this...the time is now....Here is a helpful SAMPLE LETTER from Carolyn Foote ...just copy & paste and do your part to save our profession! Commit to writing 3 emails or letters to Congress, the Department of Education, or your state legislature regarding library and other literacy funding. There are links and information below to help you. Issues: Background information (Joyce Valenza) Write your congressman: Write your Representative Write your Senator Write your State legislator Write the Dept. of Education **AskArne@...