Welcome!
The true power of school libraries and librarians is not in the resources that we amass, but in the relationships that we build and the connections that we foster. On this page, we will highlight ideas for collaborating with various stakeholders and explore ways to ensure that these experiences are effective and meaningful. By sharing the models and best practices implemented by other librarians, my hope is that you will be inspired and find fresh ideas to take back to your community as conversation openers for potential collaborations. I invite you to visit this page throughout the year for more ideas and updates as we connect across our shared professional community. Thank you for joining me!
Suzanne Sannwald
Teacher Librarian, West Hills High School, Santee, CA
Suzanne Sannwald
Teacher Librarian, West Hills High School, Santee, CA
Increasing Accessibility for All Students
by Suzanne SannwaldWhen thinking about the various departments and subject areas at my school, special education stands out as one of my strongest collaborative partners. During distance learning, I have found myself working closely with mild/mod program advocates to help students and families with general school access issues. Seeing the frustration of parents when navigating the many school technology systems and tools, I have focused my efforts on creating resources like a Distance Learning Launchpad template on Google Docs, which I help customize with students.
The beautiful thing is, while I created the "launchpad" to support students in our special education program, it has now been shared widely at my school and by colleagues across the district. This is a perfect example of universal design and how increasing accessibility for some students can actually benefit many more. Read More >>
Feature
Suzanne Sannwald reflects on the highlights of her collaboration with moderate/severe special education reading classes in the library, including collection development, browsing and communicating, and circulation and sharing.
Video
![Universal Design: Insights from Special Education to Help All Students [15:12]](https://schoollibraryconnection.com/assets/mediaserver/SLC/2259/2259831s.jpg)
In this conversation with Suzanne Sannwald, high school education specialist Autumn Sannwald shares some of the accommodations that she uses to increase accessibility for students, particularly during distance learning.
Video
![Collaboration in Special Education & Transition Programs [21:49]](https://schoollibraryconnection.com/assets/mediaserver/SLC/2257/2257355s.jpg)
In this video conversation, Suzanne Sannwald discusses the power of deep collaboration with Kiana Kapono, a transition teacher, and the impact it can have on students.
Lesson Plan
During distance and hybrid learning, it has become clear that students need to develop stronger email writing skills in order to effectively communicate their needs and questions with teachers and other adults. This lesson introduces the concept of self-advocacy and how to translate one's needs into a professionally worded email.
One-Question Survey
We wondered exactly how school librarians are ensuring that library programs are inclusive for all students, including those who are differently-abled, and we decided to reuse a question that Gail Dickinson asked back in October 2010: "How do you ensure the library program is inclusive for all students, including those who are differently-abled?"
Feature
The school library is a special place. Therefore, as managers of this special place we must go that extra step to be sure all are comfortable walking through the doors.
Dear Dara
SLC's advice columnist Dear Dara offers suggestions to an educator who seeks guidance for serving the needs of special education students on a multi-school campus.
Column
As the election approaches, we focus on digital resources that can help librarians and peer educators in the instruction of the electoral process.
Column
Taking your book club into the virtual realm? Here are the tools you need to connect and keep the fun going.
Column
As you consider your Web presence, take some time to look at your current site. Define goals. Do you hope for a more human connection through the site? More comprehensive offerings? Most importantly, what do your students need?
Feature
To ensure that deaf/hard-of-hearing students have the same access as hearing students to resources and programming designed to meet their learning needs, school librarians must consider the needs of these students in all aspects of library services.
Feature
If you've ever watched a child's expression change from "Huh?" to "Aha!"—that magical moment when understanding is achieved, when the lightbulb goes on, and the connections are made—you know the joy of witnessing a small miracle. That's what storytelling brings to the classroom, especially for children who have intellectual /developmental disabilities.
Feature
Welcoming makerspaces are a benefit to all, especially the differently abled student. Students with autism can thrive in our makerspaces through staff awareness and a few modifications to your program.
Webinars
In this webinar, our panelists discuss tools and strategies to help you support your students' mental health, from bibliotherapy to building resource partnerships to integrated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs.
Article
Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach to supporting mental health using literature. It is one of the embedded programs that forms our library's mental wellness foundations.