#GoodTrouble
Last year I had the
opportunity to hear Civil Rights Leader, John Lewis speak. During this
speech, he talked about the 'Good Trouble' he had found himself in over
the years. 'Good Trouble,' for him meant standing up for what was
unjust, unfair and not right.
Over my
career as a school librarian I've worked in five schools where I've
gotten into trouble for standing up for my students. My trouble has
included:
- Engaging students and parents in advocating for the purchase of new books for the library
program.
-
Working with a team of teachers to stand up to a administrator and
encourage them to put
'children, not employees first,' in making
decisions that would impact the learning community.
- Challenging district officials on the dismissal of certified librarians.
- Advocating for certified school librarians on a national level using social media.
Oh
yes, I got into trouble and continue to do so. I don't regret any of
my actions. Children's lives are at stake and the fight continues. The
school librarian can impact the emotional and social lives of the
children that they serve by
- Guiding students to books that are of interest to them,
- Help students apply 21st Century learning skills they have learned while navigating the internet,
- Maintaining a library environment that is a safe haven.
Libraries
are game changers and equalizers for school children/young adults,
especially those living in poverty. I will continue to get into 'Good
Trouble,' because our nation's children deserve it.
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