School Library Journal Leadership Summit Recap

What is SLJ Leadership Summit? 13th year Brings together librarians, educational leaders and tech innovators, as well as authors, illustrators and publishers Discussing issues that matter in education How we, as leaders, can approach the tough subjects. This year’s topic: Confronting our Literacy Crisis

John Green! The internet cannot fix what is wrong with the internet “I have 2 decades of experience navigating the internet and I need an expert to help”... The importance of this book 1:1 work is the most influential work The bigger the reach, the more shallow the impact 70-80%

Is it good for kids? A librarian can do that... Administrators Panel Is it good for kids? A librarian can do that...

Project Lit @projectLitcomm @jarredamato #projectLITbookclub

How do we “solve” our literacy crisis? In order to increase the time children spend reading… We need to make reading a habit, which means.... We’ve got to make it accessible AND enjoyable If we increase BOOK ACCESS + improve READING ATTITUDES, we will see better READING OUTCOMES

Put simply, books... Change lives Transform communities Make us kinder, better, more empathetic humans Make it easier for us to have the hard, yet necessary conversations

Mr. Amato’s Top 10 Tips for creating a positive reading culture Give students consistent time to read Give students choice Create a nurturing reading environment Be a reading role model Know your students (relationships matter) Instill a growth mindset in students Help students set personalized reading goals Encourage reflection Discuss & celebrate reading ALL THE TIME Don’t give up

Major Challenge Facing Today’s Reader Smartphone addiction & technology/social media distractions Lack of time (responsibilities at home, jobs, homework, extracurricular activities, etc.) Lack of interest, motivation, and/or confidence Limited book access (diverse book access, in particular) No quiet places to read

What is project lit? A national grassroots literacy movement, a network of passionate teachers and students who work together to increase book access & spread book love.

What is project lit? Donate any books (used or new) Buy one of their recommended reads Find locations for LIT book clubs Have LIT book club fundraisers Invite the community in to discuss great books with the students Invite other educators to join the LIT community

Graphic Novels in the Classroom http://bit.ly/SLJABC Classroom activities, podcasts, video clips and other possible graphic novels Comics are generic enough more people relate to them

Graphic novels in Classroom Books are windows vs. mirrors Librarians have so much power... “I wish we had more time to discuss” “I’ve had conversations about race but never with white people The classroom is a safe place to have the tough discussions

Tamiko Brown, SLJ School Librarian of the Year, 2017 LEADERS… Build trust Practice and promote resilience Practice thoughtful reflection (what can I do different?) My Take Home: Life Changing Book Lists

Superintendent’s Panel Know who and what you are Educate your heart first Everyone’s a Coach Tell your story

Trust Me: Literacy for Research readersbeadvised.weebly.com

Resources New to Me Newsela Newseum https://tinyurl.com/yb73z9he

Stick Together

Contact Information Amy Hertzberg Nevada Middle School ahertzberg@nevada.k12.mo.us @bookgirl1004