Branch Out is a biannual conference, which began in 1992, designed by and for library paraprofessionals, support staff, and media specialists. Its purpose is to bring library staff from around Minnesota together for career development and networking opportunities. Learn more on the Branch Out Conference Blog »
Marcel Proust was quoted as saying, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Travel can be a wonderful experiential learning tool. However, not everyone is able to invest the time and money necessary to travel. Edudemic posted a list of ten virtual resources to (re) discover the American West. Travel online along rivers, across deserts and over mountains-west.
Tip: This is a wonderful research tool for students and future explorers; Classify the biology of indigenous plants or animals living in national parks and monuments; Study the social divergence of California cultures; Learn the history of the “American West”; and more.
This April, more than 800 people attended the 25th Annual Book Awards Gala in Minnesota. The Friends of the St. Paul Library announced the 2013 Annual Book Award winners in 8 categories.
It is still April and a month long celebration of school media specialists, AKA teacher librarians. We received lots of positive feedback about our April 3rd post on 100 Things Kids Will Miss if they Don’t Have a Teacher Librarian in their School so thought our readers may want more of the same. Never stammer if asked what you do….have your elevator speech ready! To help you formulate or flesh out that speech, we recently uncovered another great document authored by Dr. Joyce Valenza/teacher-librarian at Springfield Township High School in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania and Gwyneth A. Jones, teacher-librarian at Murray Hill Middle School, Laurel, Maryland. Check out their document, titled What Do TL’s Teach?
We’ve Learned… is designed to keep our readers informed about news concerning personnel in CMLE libraries/media centers. Please keep us informed of any “happenings” regarding staff members in your area so that we can include them in the next write-up! Happenings can include: changes in staffing, awards, honors… you get the idea!
Debra Goerger, Media Specialist and Cheryl Dinkel, Assistant Media Specialist at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle (LPGE) Public School District will be retiring at the end of this year. Thank you for years of dedication and service to central Minnesota students! Kim Engle will continue at the PreK8 Media Center and Shirley Nies will be moving to the HS Media Center.