Presenter: Name: Betsy Thomas

Title: Library Instructional Leader
Organization/School: Lincoln Public Schools

Program Description
Get ready to dive into an exciting journey of collaboration and creativity! Discover how the Lincoln Public Schools Library Services Department teamed up with school librarians across the district to design a dynamic and engaging elementary library curriculum that does it all—captivates students, supports teachers, and bridges the gap between schools and families.

In our wildly popular, standing-room-only 2023 Being Essential AASL presentation, we revealed our elementary curriculum packed with 44 engaging lessons per grade level—everything you need to make learning unforgettable! With lively teaching slides, detailed lesson plans, quick-reference summaries for classroom teachers, and interactive materials that bring lessons to life, this free curriculum is a game-changer. Many lessons feature fun story connections or read-alouds, and we’ve even included take-home resource fliers to get families involved and extend learning beyond the classroom. It’s a vibrant, student-centered toolkit that’s got everyone talking!

But wait—there’s more! We didn’t stop at elementary. We’re excited to unveil how we’ve expanded this free curriculum to include brand-new secondary lesson options. Over the past two years, this curriculum has leveled up with fresh updates and new features. We’ve added more creative twists, interactive elements, and brand-new lesson options to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners.

Whether you're a curriculum newbie or a seasoned pro, come discover fresh, fun ideas to make your library the heart of the school and show everyone why librarians are truly essential. All of our resources are free to use and adapt to your curriculum needs!

Learning Objectives
Understand the Collaborative Process: Learn how the Lincoln Public Schools Library Services Department worked alongside school librarians district-wide to design an engaging, dynamic elementary library curriculum that supports both students and teachers.

Explore Curriculum Features: Discover the key components of the 44 lessons per grade level, including lively teaching slides, detailed lesson plans, quick-reference summaries for teachers, and interactive materials that bring lessons to life.

Identify the Role of Family Engagement: Explore how the curriculum incorporates story connections, read-alouds, and take-home resources designed to foster family involvement and extend learning beyond the classroom.

Learn About Curriculum Expansion: Gain insight into how the elementary curriculum has been expanded to include new secondary lesson options, offering creative twists and fresh updates to meet the needs of today’s learners.

Get Practical Ideas for Library Impact: Walk away with fresh, fun, and practical ideas to make your library the heart of your school, inspiring both students and teachers while demonstrating the vital role of librarians in education.

Program Outline
1. Welcome & Introduction
Greet participants and introduce presenters.
Share session goals and format.

2. The Urgency: Why This Session Matters
Discuss the elimination of librarian positions and the need for advocacy.
Explain how a structured library curriculum strengthens our role.

3. Showcasing the Elementary Library Curriculum
Overview of the curriculum (44 lessons per grade level).
Key features: lesson plans, teaching slides, take-home resources.
Real-world success stories.

4. Hands-On Exploration & Discussion
Participants explore sample lesson materials.
Small-group discussions:
What stands out?
How does this align with your work?
What could you implement?

5. Expanding to Secondary: The Next Evolution
Overview of secondary lesson options.
How middle and high school librarians can adapt the framework.

6. Action Planning & Next Steps
Guide participants in setting implementation goals.
Encourage sharing and networking.
Being Essential, Chapter Two: Expanding Library Curriculum Across Grade Levels

Grade Level: Not grade specific

Session Strand: Teaching & Learning

Presenter
Emily Jacobs

Emily Jacobs is a Library Instructional Leader for Lincoln Public Schools. She previously served as a school librarian at Pyrtle Elementary and as a Social Studies teacher at Southeast High School. Emily holds a Master’s degree in Secondary Education, along with endorsements in History/Political Science, School Library, and Curriculum Administration. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) and earned her graduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

Originally from Omaha, NE, Emily now calls Lincoln, NE home. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog, Banjo.

Joy Harvey

Joy Harvey has served as the Coordinator of Library Services for Lincoln Public Schools since 2017. She began her career teaching special education for nine years in Liberty, Missouri, and Lincoln, Nebraska, before becoming a school librarian in 2009. In her current role, she supports school librarians through resources, coaching, digital content curation, multicultural book initiatives, and collaboration with curriculum leaders. Joy also serves as President of the Nebraska School Librarians Association and on the State Advisory Council on Libraries. In her free time, she enjoys reading (of course!) and knitting.

Betsy Thomas

Betsy Thomas is the Library Instructional Leader for Lincoln Public Schools, a role she's held since 2022. She began her career as a social studies teacher before finding her true calling as an elementary librarian in 2008. After serving in the Council Bluffs and Elkhorn public school districts, she joined Lincoln Public Schools in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Betsy's work on the LPS Daily Learning Challenge was featured on the Today show as part of their 2020 Teacher Appreciation Week. Her dedication to providing daily read-alouds earned her the 2020 Twilight Award from Chance the Rapper and General Mills Box Tops for Education, as well as the 2021 NSLA Distinguished Educator of Literacy Award. She earned her undergraduate degree from Hastings College (It's a Great Day to Be a Bronco!) and her graduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

In her free time, you can find Betsy traveling, curled up with a good book, or cheering on the Huskers. #GBR!


Chris Haeffner

Chris Haeffner serves as the Director of Library Services for Lincoln Public Schools, where she supports 60 school library programs in growing curious, critical and creative thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers, and conscientious digital citizens. She is passionate about helping school librarians develop instruction that is important, engaging, and valued throughout the school community, as well as working with district leaders to ensure that school library programs are leveraged within the districts to make a significant impact on students, teachers, and families.



Description: Elevate Your Library’s Impact!

Discover how Lincoln Public Schools Library Services partnered with librarians to create a dynamic library curriculum that engages students, supports teachers, and connects families.

In our standing-room-only 2023 AASL session, we shared a free, ready-to-use elementary librarycurriculum packed with 44 lessons per grade level—complete with teaching slides, detailed plans, quick-reference summaries, interactive materials, and take-home resources. Now, we’re back with even more!

This year, we’re unveiling brand-new secondary lesson options and exciting updates designed to meet the evolving needs of students. With fresh interactive elements and creative twists, this curriculum is a game-changer at all levels.

Whether you're new to library curriculum or looking for fresh ideas, this session will inspire you to make your library the heart of the school. All resources are free to use and adapt!