Libraries have historically been a place where upper-class, white, educated persons come for knowledge. I'm here to change the perception of libraries and make a space for our students where Hogwarts meets Starbucks and they see themselves as welcome, accepted, and wanted in the library. I have striven for over 20 years as an English teacher to help kids have greater literacy skills for without them, an education, financial stability, and success are harder than ever. Only 36% of our students are reading at proficiency for their grade. The biggest challenge with changing attitudes about reading is that you only get better by doing more reading. How do you connect kids with books? You make an irresistible space, fill it with great works of literature, and talk to them about who they are, what they believe, where they want to go. Then you teach them to read.
I moved into a library this year where the average book was dated from 1985, the layout suggested we prized books over students, and the overwhelming message was...stay out! I am determined to change this! My vision is truly Hogwarts meets Starbucks. I've started a student-run coffee shop in the library, am updating the collection slowly but surely, building reading relationships with our students. To create a welcoming space, I've reached out to every resource I can to make our space culturally, educationally, and socially a significant place for our students to meet their favorite author, character, or hero. We are blessed with a rotunda with 2-stories of windows that face Northwest. If you know anything about Minnesota in the winter, it's really cold. I would really appreciate the addition of a little electric fireplace to help create a cozy, warm, and welcoming space for students.
About my class
Libraries have historically been a place where upper-class, white, educated persons come for knowledge. I'm here to change the perception of libraries and make a space for our students where Hogwarts meets Starbucks and they see themselves as welcome, accepted, and wanted in the library. I have striven for over 20 years as an English teacher to help kids have greater literacy skills for without them, an education, financial stability, and success are harder than ever. Only 36% of our students are reading at proficiency for their grade. The biggest challenge with changing attitudes about reading is that you only get better by doing more reading. How do you connect kids with books? You make an irresistible space, fill it with great works of literature, and talk to them about who they are, what they believe, where they want to go. Then you teach them to read.
I moved into a library this year where the average book was dated from 1985, the layout suggested we prized books over students, and the overwhelming message was...stay out! I am determined to change this! My vision is truly Hogwarts meets Starbucks. I've started a student-run coffee shop in the library, am updating the collection slowly but surely, building reading relationships with our students. To create a welcoming space, I've reached out to every resource I can to make our space culturally, educationally, and socially a significant place for our students to meet their favorite author, character, or hero. We are blessed with a rotunda with 2-stories of windows that face Northwest. If you know anything about Minnesota in the winter, it's really cold. I would really appreciate the addition of a little electric fireplace to help create a cozy, warm, and welcoming space for students.
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