In the Media
2022 Nebraska Librarian of the Year
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Doug Keel was awarded the 2022 Nebraska Librarian of the Year Award. Doug Keel is the school librarian at R.M. Marrs Middle School, one of three middle schools in the Omaha Public Schools offering a dual language program.
Nominated by Colleen Nieland, she states, "Whenever someone asks me who is a model librarian, Doug’s name is the first one to come to mind. Doug was my unofficial mentor when I entered the library profession 15 years ago. The very first library meeting, Doug offered to help with anything I needed. I’m not sure what my first year as a librarian would’ve looked like without Doug, I have called on him countless times during my career as a librarian for ideas and feedback. Doug is one of the most creative and innovative librarians that I have had the pleasure to work with." "Doug is one of a kind." Doug is in the NSEA Voice Magazine. His article is on page 11. Check out his KETV7 story here! |
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Distinguished Administrator Award
Tucker Tejkl, was awarded Distinguished Administrator by the Nebraska Association of School Librarians by Dr. Christine Haeffner (NSLA President-Elect). The Shelby-Rising City Public Schools Superintendent received the award before his school staff. Although a new superintendent, “no one has had more of a positive effect on my school library than him” states Mandy Peterson who nominated him for the award.
She shares the many ways he had positively impacted the Shelby-Rising City School Library. “He asked what my goals and priorities were so he could support them, and he asked about my concerns. My major concern was a safety issue, and he worked to get maintenance, the school board, and the public library (with whom we share the space) all on board to address that concern. He has continuously promoted and enriched my school library efforts. He always shares what the school library is doing on social media. He was a guest reader for my library classes when I was unexpectedly gone.”
He is active in many aspects of the library program.
Peterson and Tejkl worked together to update the school library’s policies this year. Which were updated unanimously with no changes. During a three-week period , which included the library’s annual Change War and Book Fair. Mr. Tejkl went above and beyond. “In 2021, our change war raised $1333. For the Change War this year, Tucker suggested coming up with tiers of fundraising and having the administration team do silly things. Because of his efforts, we raised a staggering $4287! This money went to pay for incentives and get books into the hands of students through our first Husky Heart program. This allowed kids to choose any book for free at the book fair, update classroom libraries PK-12, and improve our overall school library. We installed bins for board books and early chapter books, clear shelf inserts so we could forward face some picture book shelves, and added two spinning units to house our leveled readers. We were also able to add 2 Dash coding robots with accessories, Book Buddy kits, and Rubik’s cube kits to keep our kids engaged. He amped students up by getting on the school roof in the mascot costume and waving to them before school, getting duct taped to the wall, and getting slimed while eating crickets.
“He’s also gone to bat for school libraries and school librarians as an advocate to the Nebraska State Board of Education and legislation. Mr. Tejkl has made many phone calls and written many emails to address concerns regarding proposed bills, the attack on school libraries, and the superintendent’s view of what is really happening in Nebraska schools. When the opportunity arose to join with AASL as part of an administration group, he jumped at the chance to apply.
"Tucker Tejkl is a powerhouse of enthusiasm and support for all of his students and teachers - including the school library."
(photo credit to Emily Blackburn)
Other Headlines
Seeing Red Podcast
KETV
Lincoln Journal Star
Nebraska Public Media
I Love Public Schools: Syracuse Public Schools -- Jamie Hestermann
Lincoln Public Schools: Belmont Elementary -- Ronda Deabler
Today Show: Kooser Elementary School, Lincoln Public Schools -- Betsy Thomas
KMTV Local news: Bryan High School, Omaha Public Schools -- Gavin Flint
KETV
- Nebraska librarians not staying quiet on proposed changes from the Nebraska Department of Education
Lincoln Journal Star
- Editorial, 6/16: Librarian change would have a ripple effect
- Proposed changes could lead to end of librarians in Nebraska schools, advocates say
Nebraska Public Media
I Love Public Schools: Syracuse Public Schools -- Jamie Hestermann
- The New Library Learning: From Escape Rooms to Book Tastings, Mystery Skypes and Coding Ozobots, watch what happens in school libraries today.
Lincoln Public Schools: Belmont Elementary -- Ronda Deabler
- Pandemic Stories: School Libraries Unleashed "The pandemic has affected education in countless ways for countless people. That certainly includes librarians across Lincoln Public Schools. The following video, filmed during first quarter, follows one librarian through her day and offers a glimpse of the myriad challenges and the ways she and her colleagues adapted. It’s the first in a series of videos about teaching and learning during a pandemic."
Today Show: Kooser Elementary School, Lincoln Public Schools -- Betsy Thomas
- Inspiring elementary school librarian gets a heartwarming surprise: Continuing TODAY Loves Teachers, a special series marking Teacher Appreciation Week, Hoda Kotb profiles a school librarian in Lincoln, Nebraska, who has launched her own TV series from her basement, which has become must-see TV for kids. Hoda reveals a heartwarming surprise waiting on her front lawn: 40 new costumes for her show!
KMTV Local news: Bryan High School, Omaha Public Schools -- Gavin Flint
- Bryan High School librarian finding creative ways to keep students engaged virtually: Gavin Flint reenacts historical events virtually