[SLI-public] Congratulations, Paula Michalak!

[sliadmin at suffolknet.org]

For Immediate Release

May 4, 2022

 

Paula Michalak, District Librarian at Silver Creek Central School District
is Certified Sustainable 

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative has recognized Paula Michalak as a
leader in sustainability.

 

            New York State - May 4, 2022 - Paula Michalak, District
Librarian at the Silver Creek Central School District in Silver Creek, NY
has been certified through the award-winning Sustainable Library
Certification Program. Paula is the second school librarian to be certified
through this program, the first of its kind in the world, through the
Sustainable Libraries Initiative
<https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/> . 



Paula Michalak, District Librarian at Silver Creek Central School District
with her Sustainable Library Certification Program Certificate.

Paula's mentor for the Sustainable Library Certification Program, Dr. Jen
Cannell has offered guidance throughout the school year to assist Paula as
she completed the benchmarks that make up this substantive and reflective
program. Regarding Paula's certification, she stated:

 

"It is clear that Paula has been systemically working to integrate the
ideals of the SLCP into her program, even before she began working on the
benchmarks. It is wonderful to read about all she is doing to truly
integrate the principles of sustainability into all areas of the curriculum.
She is developing strong relationships and advocating for student needs in
order to ensure that transformative learning takes place. It is especially
impressive that she has worked to connect people, ideas and resources."

 

The comprehensive Sustainable Libraries Certification Program for School
Librarians requires each member to work through Action Items in five
categories covering the three pillars of environmental, social, and economic
sustainability included in the Triple Bottom Line definition used by the
Sustainable Libraries Initiative. Focusing on Community Involvement, Leading
Beyond the Library, Social Equity and Resiliency, Standards and Curriculum,
and Collections, all program participants choose from the suggested actions
to identify those that are most beneficial to their libraries. Working
through these actions, reflecting on their impact, and sharing these
resources as they move through the program, they are creating a community of
practice that is moving their schools and communities towards a more
sustainable future.

 

Pursuing this certification has helped Paula focus her efforts for the
benefit of her students, school, and community. As she worked through the
Action Items, she was able to reflect and demonstrate to her administration
and community that the school librarian plays a vital role in students'
leaning and community engagement. Her efforts have helped to elevate her
role and have gained her much deserved recognition. She reflects:

 

"I believe a school librarian has a unique responsibility to always be
current in teaching trends, collection development needs, technology,
advocacy for literary needs, while also keeping a birds eye view of the
curricular needs throughout the grade levels. School librarians can speak to
vertical and horizontal alignment in a way many people cannot, and have a
unique ability to see trends within student learning to help students
achieve. the school library is a great place to develop connections with
students and families through programs created and run by the school
libraries, like the High School Internship Program or MS Minecraft Club or
Elementary Lego Robotics or Newspaper Club.The SLCP helped me clearly
articulate the many aspects of being a school librarian and the clear
benefit of a school librarian in any school."

 

For the 2021-2022 school year, there is a cohort of 12 School Librarians in
New York State enrolled with the goal of becoming certified in June 2022.
These participants have individual guidance from a mentor and regularly
scheduled online group meetups and work sessions. Working together, sharing
resources, and being able to network with other school librarians who are
advancing the principals of sustainability in their buildings keeps these
participants engaged and motivated to take action. 

 

The Sustainable Library Certification Program is now enrolling School
Librarians throughout New York State, Public Libraries nationwide, and will
launch an Academic Library Certification Program in the fall.

 

For more information:

Annemarie Gordon, Sustainability Coordinator

Sustainable Libraries Initiative
<https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/> 

sliadmin at suffolknet.org

 

 

 


 <https://sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org/> 

 

 

Annemarie Gordon

Sustainability Coordinator

Suffolk Cooperative Library System
<https://portal.suffolklibrarysystem.org/> 

sliadmin at suffolknet.org

631-286-1600 x1355

 

 

 

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