Reflecting on #EdcampLibraryPromise
Last summer, there were fabulous professional development opportunities for teachers of all kinds in our area. The one missing piece, we felt, was PD for us–school librarians! Every school in Klein is fortunate to have professional librarians on campus each day, and there was no targeted training for us in our area. Time for a road trip!
In June, we traveled to Frisco, TX to attend Edcamp Library. We had no way of knowing what an inspiration it would be for us! That morning, it was clear that the librarians in the north Dallas area had a real sense of community. Neighboring district librarians seemed to know each other and to already be working with each other at some level. It was an AMAZING day of learning: highly personalized, authentic, fun and engaging! We left feeling inspired to create this atmosphere and this type of event in the Houston area. If not in Klein, then where?
We knew we needed to grow as a community of learners and leaders, so when Rachel Trotter and Nicole Shepard supported our idea to establish more regular, Library PLC meetings, led by librarians, change was afoot. We would work to strengthen our library community first, and then focus on providing a learning event unlike any offered to librarians in our area before. Edcamp Library Promise became a reality on February 23!
Klein Librarians pulled together and worked to organize this opportunity for librarians from eight or more different districts, all over Texas. Participants generated discussion ideas for over twenty-five sessions, ranging from How to Prepare for Elementary Summer Reading to Redesigning Your Library Space. Each discussion was led by an Edcamp participant interested in the topic. The power of the Edcamp model is that participants feel engaged in the learning because they are meeting with people who are passionate about the same ideas, and all are joining in because they choose to be. Powerful personalized learning!
It was an exciting day of learning, and we are already looking forward to a bigger, better Edcamp Library Promise 2020!
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
Help Us Share Your Story
There are so many incredible individuals in the Klein Family making a lasting impact on our community. We want to recognize and celebrate our leaders and learners that are cultivating talent, building relationships, reimagining learning and making Promise2Purpose a reality daily. Share your story here: https://kleinfamily.net
