Today we conclude the first season of the Inspiring Learning Podcast with a very special guest- Cicley Lewis

Cicely was named the 2020 School librarian of the year and is the founder of the Read Woke Movement. She has been quoted as saying that reading is her superpower, and today Cicely elaborates on how she uses that power to inspire learning and impact her students. She also highlights the unique ability all school librarians have to impact learning - even in ways beyond books. We'll also hear her thoughts on the role of the school librarian amid the COVID 19 pandemic. Stay tuned...

Today I go behind the scenes at Follett and have a conversation with Laura Byars, one of the Follett Academic consultants who helps district leaders find the very best content for their students. Today you will learn about the work experience and passion for literacy that has led Laura to a career that inspires learning across the country... stay tuned.

Today I have a conversation with Ben Lundholm, and as you will hear he has worked with a variety of libraries over the years. In our conversation we focus on the true value of a school library. And as most of us know, there is a wealth of research that demonstrates the impact a robust school library has on learning; but as you'll hear, this may be only part of the story when advocating for the library. I think you'll also appreciate our reflection on the unspoken message that a library program communicates to the students. Stay tuned...

Today I have a conversation with Kate MacMillan who is the Coordinator of Library Services for Napa Valley USD. In this episode Kate talks about the importance of partnerships with the community, the need for the library to be flexible and nimble, and what a school library looks like when it genuinely feels an obligation to the community it serves... stay tuned!

This is the Inspiring Learning Podcast. On this podcast I have conversations with educators, librarians, and individuals who are inspiring learning in the classroom and beyond.

Today I have a conversation with Phelicia Lang. Phelicia's journey began when she was a stay at home mom, and noticed that books and material that reflected her own children were not locally available in the schools and libraries. As she sought out resources from across the country, she was inspired to pursue a Masters in Reading language arts with a focus on multicultural literature, along with a Reading Specialist Credential. Today she is not only a Reading Specialist, Literacy and intervention coordinator, Phelicia is the author of The Tay books, which she writes to assure students see themselves in literature.

In today's conversation you will hear about the people who inspired phelicia's journey, The Tay books which she writes to RAISE readers - these are 5 important elements that teachers can include in the classroom to engage early readers and Phelicia describes each one. Also for resources on multicultural books and a few of Phelicia's own recommendations, stay tuned...