Contact:
Roger Jarman, School Library Journal, rjarman@mediasourceinc.com, 646-380-0746
Brittany Sullivan, Scholastic, bsullivan@scholastic.com, 212-343-4848

NEW YORK, NY – August 25, 2016 – The 2016 School Librarian of the Year Award winner and two finalists were announced today by School Library Journal (SLJ). Sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, this award honors K–12 school library professionals for outstanding achievement and the exemplary use of 21st-century tools to engage students toward fostering multiple literacies. The 2016 School Librarian of the Year, Todd Burleson of Hubbard Woods School in Winnetka, IL, will receive a $2,500 cash award and $2,500 worth of print and digital materials from Scholastic Library Publishing. Laura Gardner of Dartmouth Middle School in Dartmouth, MA and Anita Cellucci of Westborough High School in Westborough, MA were both selected as finalists and will each receive $500 in materials of their choice from Scholastic Library Publishing.

The September 2016 issue of School Library Journal featuring winner Todd Burleson as the cover story is currently available in print and online. To read the full article, visit: http://slj.com/librarianoftheyear

A panel comprised of industry professionals including 2015 School Librarian of the Year, Kristina Holzweiss, judged all nominations based on several criteria including: exemplary service to fulfill the needs of students and the school community; creativity in programming and use of content; collaboration with teacher peers, staff, and administrators; demonstrated student engagement; exemplary use of technology tools; and more.

Quotes about the 2016 School Librarian of the Year Award:

Todd Burleson, 2016 School Librarian of the Year
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the 2016 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year. I've never worked harder or had more fun than my time working with students and encouraging collaboration in the library. My passion for learning, I've been told, is slightly contagious and I am excited to share my experiences and continue my professional growth with educators across the country.”

Kathy Ishizuka, Executive Editor, School Library Journal
“These outstanding educators provide an inspiring model for us all, demonstrating how individual, impassioned leadership can make a difference in the lives of young people. School Library Journal is honored to highlight their work through the School Librarian of the Year Award, which underscores the critical role of librarians and media specialists in supporting student engagement and learning. SLJ looks forward to working with the 2016 honorees in advancing the profession and raising awareness in the broader community of the great work that librarians do.”

Allison Henderson, Vice President and General Manager, Scholastic, Library Publishing Division
“These passionate librarians have transformed their schools’ libraries into vibrant spaces that present learning in interactive and exciting ways, paving the path for student success. At Scholastic, we believe recognizing the hard work, creativity and dedication of teacher librarians like Todd Burleson is important to showcase how their roles enrich schools and communities. We are excited to see how the School Librarian of the Year Award winners will share with their peers, fostering future generations of creative-thinkers and joyful readers throughout the country.”

About the 2016 School Librarian of the Year Winner and Finalists:

2016 School Librarian of the Year Todd Burleson, Hubbard Woods School, Winnetka, IL
Transforming Hubbard Woods School’s library into an IDEA Lab—an integrated, technology-driven space where students can exercise their creativity—has been the highlight of Todd Burleson’s seven-year tenure as a library media specialist. In an effort to enhance classroom learning and empower students to think critically, Burleson, director of Hubbard Woods’ resource center, established daily blocks of time where students are welcomed into the lab to experiment with hands-on makerspace activities including coding, assembling robots, woodworking, sewing, laser cutting and 3D printing. Burleson extends this theme of innovation outside the library by engaging families in fun competitions and training them to use new technology. When he isn’t working with K–4 students or their parents, Burleson presents his best practices with the library community and colleagues at national conferences, on his blog, and through professional development seminars within his district.

Finalist Anita Cellucci, Westborough High School, Westborough, MA
Library teacher Anita Cellucci created a dynamic and collaborative safe haven for students at Westborough High School, based on a school-wide Guided Inquiry Design Process. Working closely with teachers and guidance counselors, Cellucci used this research model to support students’ social-emotional learning, encouraging them to take the lead in their own individualized learning experiences using print and online tools. In response to a growing number of mental health issues within her school, Cellucci secured a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, which promoted awareness and established coping strategies for teachers, students and the community at large. Cellucci also serves as a coach for the school’s Poetry Power Club and the Teen Advisory Board, regularly speaks at education conferences, and facilitates professional development programs.

Finalist Laura Gardner, Dartmouth Middle School, Dartmouth, MA
Through the ongoing support of parent and student volunteers, teacher librarian Laura Gardner, NBCT, established a dynamic makerspace in the Dartmouth Middle School library. Every day, students are empowered by choice as they explore their creativity using the library’s research and makerspace tools including a Lego wall, green screens, Touchcast, and more. To further engage students through leadership opportunities, Gardner brings young volunteers to conferences and committee meetings to present on their unique work in the library. Using social media, Gardner actively stays up-to-date with new technology, shares regular updates with families, and proudly celebrates her students’ accomplishments.

(Click the image below to open a hi-res version in a new window)

To learn more about the 2016 School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year Award, visit: http://www.slj.com/awards/school-librarian-of-the-year.