Professional Learning Opportunities February 2022

February is set to be a massive month for professional learning. There are so many amazing learning opportunities for school librarians. Whether you want to attend an online event or pick up some extra reading, there is sure to be something that will inspire you. 

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Webinars

Library Lovers’ Day and Other Advocacy Ideas for Term 1 – ASLA – 2 February 2022 – 7:30pm – Members $20, non-members $40 – online

Mastering the Art of the Book Review – Stephanie Sendaula – 2 February 2022 – 4pm EST – online

How do you recommend books to your students – Mel Walker, Rhonda Creasey and Megan Light with SLANSW – 15 February 2022 – online

Harnessing the Power of Awe Within our School Libraries – Belinda Cameron with EduWebinar – Wednesday 16th February 2022 – 7pm AEST – Free for members, $40 non members – online.

Navigating Banned/Challenged Books – Stephanie Sendaula – 23 February 2022 – 4pm EST – online

Reading Forum Series 2022 – Session one: Publisher Showcase – SLAV – 24 February 2022 – 4:30pm AEDT – online

Conferences

Ontario Library Association Super Conference Gather – 1-5 February 2022 – conference fees involved – online

California School Library Association Virtual Conference – 11 and 12 February 2022 and 19 and 20 February 2022 – conference fee involved – online

Alaska Library Association Conference – 24-27 February 2022 – conference fee involved – online

Articles and Blog posts

Looking to grow your PLN? Or maybe you just want to know what a PLN is? Check out this post from Megan Banker at TeachThought. What are the best social networks for teachers to grow their personal learning networks?

Want to extend your students? Want to engage them? Want to use all the senses to make the library a fun place to be? Check out these ideas. Beyond the Brain: Dynamic school libraries encourage thinking with an extended mind

Want to engage your students in writing as well as reading? Check out this post by Ally Fitzpatrick via EduTopia – 5 ways to increase students’ engagement in writing. 

Have you been following the work of the Great School Libraries campaign? They have shared a report exploring the work they have done and what they have achieved for school libraries in their Phase 1 of fighting for school libraries. – The Great School Libraries campaign End of Phase 1 Report

Okay, this one is not going to surprise librarians but in case you need some evidence or support, you might be interested in EveryLibrary Institute’s research paper Could School Librarians be the secret to increasing literacy scores?

COVID is still impacting our libraries, but will these past few years have an impact on the lasting legacy and support for school libraries? Anticipating the post-covid pivot for school librarians

Lucas Maxwell never disappoints and now he’s back to share some tips on how to engage those teens who hate reading. What to do when a teen tells you they hate reading.

Do not underestimate funny books. Scholastic tells us why – Why funny kids’ books are an important part of your child’s library

Want to market your school library but feel you don’t have the time? Want to be more productive? Angela Hursh shares 7 Essential Habits of Highly Effective Library Marketers. 

Book Lists

I’m always looking for more mystery books, especially that suit my younger teen readers. This list has us covered – 60 Best middle-grade mysteries to read.

Need more books to temp you and your readers? Check out the list of 68 Most Anticipated YA Novels of 2022

Want to know what was popular last year? SLJ share their Best Books of 2021 from picture books to YA, non fiction and beyond.

Need more diverse books in you library? Check out this list of Seven Not-To-Miss 2022 YA Books with Latinx Protagonists.

Read for Empathy Collection 2022 

Resources

Capstone have shared this very cool poster about graphic novels  – Graphic Novels Are Real Books

Need to defend graphic novels? Again?!? Amanda Jones has you covered and shared this amazing Wakelet of resources. – In Support of Graphic Novels and Manga.

Do you find yourself not taking a lunch break or added to playground duties as well as trying to open the library at lunch? The NSW Teacher Federation have an interesting information sheet for teacher librarians that might be of help

Looking for something new to add to your school library activities or programs? Teen Librarian Toolbox has you covered with their incredible and extensive TPiB (Programs) list

Need an engaging way to have students test their media and digital literacy skills? Check out this fun quiz from The News Literacy Project 

Awards

The International Association of School Librarianship offer a range of awards, grants and celebrations of excellent. Check out what is currently open and apply now. – IASL Awards

Get Involved

The Students Need School Libraries Campaign are looking for a new person to join the Leadership Team. I have been part of this team for a number of years and highly recommend this. Perfect if you are looking for an opportunity to make a different in the world of Australian School Libraries. Find all the details on the Students Need School Libraries website.

Want more professional learning?

Check out my professional learning series or have a look through last month’s professional learning list.