Celebrate the many roles of the school library and teacher librarian

The role of the school library has changed a lot since the days of the stern, shushing librarian, but libraries are important as ever. April is School Library Month, and to celebrate, watch what happened on a recent school day in the bustling, vibrant library of Hilltop Heritage Middle School with teacher librarian Dawn Baughman.
As teacher librarians, Baughman and her colleagues across Tacoma Public Schools are trained educators who help students make sense of the modern information environment. They teach strategies for managing information overload and for determining the validity of online claims.
Baughman sees it as one of her most important duties to create a space where everyone feels welcome and safe. The library can be a refuge for students who need some time to themselves to unwind during the school day, and the librarian can be a caring adult who provides support that comes without the pressure of grading or assigning homework.
The library is also a place for students to express their creativity through art, crafting and STEM projects. And, of course, the library is still a place for students to expand their minds and exercise their imaginations through books.
Thank you to all our teacher librarians for the crucial role you play in promoting the academic and social-emotional growth of all TPS students!