Collaborating in a School with No Library

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, March/April 2019 Issue

By Lisa Gay-Milliken

Do you remember the first time you entered the school library as a child? I do. There were books everywhere. The librarian told me that I could borrow any of the books and take them home. Amazing! This excitement continued throughout the years. I couldn’t wait for book fairs. I joined the audio-visual club. I still was able to check out as many books as I wanted.

Fast-forward 16 years later. I accepted my first teaching position. I was a special education teacher in a public high school and there was a beautiful school library. The librarian, Cleo, was remarkable. I fondly remember her creating a special bookshelf for my students who were significantly challenged, to assist them in finding books easily. It was a rewarding 15 years with Cleo; therefore, I assumed that all students and teachers have similar experiences.

Unfortunately, I was wrong. There is no library in my current school.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking exclusive content.
Subscribe now for full access.
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Lisa Gay-Milliken taught high school special education in Bridgewater, VA, for 16 years. Currently, she is an administrator in a private day school for students with disabilities and a graduate student in the School Library Program at Old Dominion University. She has a BA in Special Education and an MEd in Special Education and Education Administration.

Education News

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.

STEAM and Civility: COSI Launches a New Learning Lunchbox

COSI's new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox is a hands-on science kit that helps students explore STEAM concepts while also learning the value of civility and civic engagement.

5 Reasons Why Green Schoolyards Earn an A+

Green schoolyards benefit the children who use them by improving mental health, physical health, and learning outcomes.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Lisa Gay-Milliken
Lisa Gay-Milliken
Lisa Gay-Milliken taught high school special education in Bridgewater, VA, for 16 years. Currently, she is an administrator in a private day school for students with disabilities and a graduate student in the School Library Program at Old Dominion University. She has a BA in Special Education and an MEd in Special Education and Education Administration.

Advertisement

Read More

Learning English Is Tough—Now Imagine Doing It with Dyslexia

How can we create truly inclusive environments that support students with dyslexia in our multilingual classrooms?

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

From Stress to Success: How EdTool Made Teaching Simpler for Ms. Taylor

Ms. Taylor is a busy teacher who has avoided digital tools whenever possible. It’s not that she’s against technology—she's just short time. Until she discovered an AI tool designed specifically for education.

Calmer Classrooms, One Breath at a Time: How Meditation Can Transform Behavioural Health

As we work to build classrooms that nurture both academic and emotional success, meditation serves as a simple yet powerful tool.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.

STEAM and Civility: COSI Launches a New Learning Lunchbox

COSI's new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox is a hands-on science kit that helps students explore STEAM concepts while also learning the value of civility and civic engagement.