112: Creating Literacy Programs That Connect Communities with Janet Wile

In this episode, we sit down with Janet Wile, Supervisor of Library Services for Central Unified School District in Fresno, California. Janet’s journey has taken her from history teacher to passionate advocate for school libraries and literacy programs. 

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

• Janet's innovative programs that get students excited about reading
• The challenges of encouraging literacy in a "book desert” 
• Partnering with Reading is Fundamental (RIF) and its effect on students
• The importance of creating welcoming, inclusive library spaces
• The role of school libraries in providing safe spaces for students

Janet offers us her incredible insights into building community connections through literacy and the power of putting books directly into students' hands. Her work highlights the transformative impact of innovative library programs on entire school communities.

GUEST BIO:

Janet Wile is the Supervisor of Library Services for Central Unified School District located in Fresno, CA.  She was the Teacher Librarian at Central East High School for thirteen years where she created long lasting programs, Athletes as Readers and Leaders (now in its 15th year), Slammin’ in Your Library (now in its 18th year) and was well regarded for her collaborative lessons in all subject areas. In 2014 Janet moved to the district office to oversee twenty two school libraries as well as Instructional Materials. Janet was fortunate to be a participant in the Lilead Fellows Program, an intensive professional development program which brought together district library supervisors from all over the country to equip and empower them to be effective leaders for change in their districts.  Her work in Lilead altered her advocacy including the role of Teacher Librarians in her district as well as expanded library hours for all sites.

Janet is also an instructor in the Teacher Librarian Credential Program at Fresno Pacific University, and well as a member of the California Recommended Literature List Committee. Janet served for five years on the California Young Reader Medal Committee and then served as Co-Administrator of the committee for five years.  Janet lives with her two beloved dogs and according to her co-workers, has more library t-shirts than anyone else they know.

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Send Janet and email at jwile@centralunified.com
• Learn more about the Rebel Project Literacy Curriculum, a fully integrated literacy and project based learning curriculum, at  projectup.us or inkwire.co/rplc 
• Get your copy of Rebel Educator: Create Classrooms Where Impact and Imagination Meet
• Learn more about Rebel Educator, explore our professional development opportunities for educators and students, and check out our project library.
• Visit us at UP Academy to learn more about our personalized and inclusive learning environment.
• Connect with Tanya and UP Academy on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram and learn more about her journey here.

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MORE ABOUT THE REBEL EDUCATOR PODCAST:

In each episode of the Rebel Educator podcast, I deconstruct world-class educators, students, and thought leaders in education to extract the tactics, tools, and routines that you can use as teachers and parents. Join me as we discuss how to shift the classroom, the learning environment, the mindset, and the pedagogy, to resist tradition, reignite wonder, and re-imagine the future of education.

This podcast is dedicated to all of the educators who work thankless hours to make our next generation the best it can be.  It was designed to begin conversations on how we can redesign education for the future of work and the success of our students.  It is meant for teachers, students, administrators, homeschoolers and anyone who interacts with and teaches youth.

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