“When Internet use first became widespread there was speculation that librarians would become obsolete,” said Garry, a National Board Certified Teacher and media specialist at Wilson Middle School. “In reality, librarians are more essential than ever. We teach students to sift through the mountain of information available, and show them ways to evaluate and use quality information.
“We’re more than books, we’re teachers,” Garry said.
The committee of 12 — who come from all over the United States — will update and modernize the National Board Library Media standards to reflect what teacher librarians do now, she said.
“Twenty-first century skills will be a huge part of that, I’m sure,” Garry said. “Mastery of 21st century skills will help our students compete and succeed in an ever-evolving world. We are preparing students today for jobs that have yet to be invented — jobs we can’t even imagine.”
Garry was invited by the Ohio Department of Education to apply for the appointment.
“She showed strong leadership qualities,” said Emma Parkerson, consultant to certification standards and assessment. “We are looking for an educator in the classroom ... preferably a national board certified teacher who can represent the diverse spectrum of knowledge that a library media specialist has.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2158 or lebbing@coxohio.com.
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