NSLA Librarian Spotlight - Meet Megan Huenemann

We want you to meet some of our talented Nebraska school librarians.  In today’s librarian spotlight, you will meet Megan Huenemann, librarian at Norris High School.

NSLA:  Hi Megan can you tell us a little about yourself and your journey to becoming a librarian?

Megan: I am a teacher/librarian at Norris High School. I am in my 14th year of education having started as a high school English teacher for 3 years before transitioning to 1/2 English 1/2 Library. Currently I am both the high school librarian and I teach a few sections of reading strategies, a class for our struggling readers. I achieved my Bachelor of Arts in English from Nebraska Wesleyan. I went on to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for a post-baccalaureate teacher certification in English and English as a Second language where I also achieved a Master of Arts in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education (Language, Literacy and Culture concentration). Then I finished up at the University of Nebraska- Kearney with a Master of Science Education in Instructional technology with a school library concentration. 

​NSLA: What do you like most about being a librarian?

Megan: What I like most about being a librarian is getting to help so many different students to find something that might interest them, especially when they say they hate reading and finally find something they enjoy. I love when they come to talk to me about what they read and how books impact them.

​NSLA: What is one of your favorite lessons to teach?

Megan: I love teaching about finding trustworthy sources and how to be on the lookout for fake information or farce websites. It is always fun to have students look at a website like dhmo.org (which is an oldie but a goodie) and see when students pick up on what the website is really talking about.

NSLA: Tell us about one of your favorite library programs?

Megan: One of my favorite programs is hosting a Bob Ross painting night. We watch a Bob video and paint along with it. The students have loved it! We did oil paints the first time, which did cause a bit of a mess so we tried acrylics the next time. Less messy but not quite the same. We might try a different technique the next time.

NSLA: What is your favorite book, author, series, or genre?

Megan: I do not have a specific favorite author as I enjoy so many but my favorite book is To Kill A Mockingbird. I also love mysteries, sci fi and historical fiction. I specifically love historical fiction as I love reading about lesser known events and getting perspectives on what some experiences where like during those events or at different time periods. 

NSLA: What are some ways you promote digital literacy and critical thinking in your school?

Megan: I try to promote literacy by having fun and eye-catching displays, doing my best to find varying topics and genres that students will enjoy, and having teachers model good reading habits. We also have various challenges throughout the year and offer prizes such as a coffee/hot chocolate certificate for students to get a drink  from our Kcup collection or reading themed stickers for chromebooks and water bottles or even fidgets like stress balls. 

NSLA: How has NSLA helped you grow professionally? 

Megan: I have enjoyed attending conferences such as NETA and hearing/seeing what different librarians are doing around the state. With the rise of book challenges I have also very much appreciated the resources NSLA has curated to aid and guide through the tumultuous times.