S2 E13: On the power of the library to connect, inspire and engage students

In this episode, we bust the myth of libraries as ‘silent spaces’ and explore their vibrant possibilities with Jade, Teacher Librarian and NSW Premier’s Programs Officer.Follow Jade’s pathway to retraining as a teacher librarian, a unique role where her passion for literacy, student wellbeing and a love for reading can truly thrive.From ‘Throw Rug Thursdays’ and ‘Murder Mystery Mondays’ to pop-up playground libraries and chess competitions inspired by The Queen’s Gambit, Jade shares creative ways to bring books to life and spark student engagement.New and aspiring teacher librarians will find practical tips on building a student-led library team, collaborating with classroom teachers, and integrating the library into key learning areas (yes, even mathematics and science!).We also dive into Jade’s involvement with the Premier’s Reading Challenge – exploring why students should participate and how teachers can embed it into everyday classroom practice.Join us for inspiration, ideas and heartfelt stories that reveal why the library truly is a thriving hub of curiosity, creativity and connection. We acknowledge that this episode of the Teach NSW Podcast was recorded on the homelands of the Darug people. We pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples listening to the Teach NSW Podcast today. Connect with usIf you would like to provide feedback or suggestions for future episodes, please contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get in touch with the Teach NSW Podcast team. Follow the Teach NSW team on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be the first to know when new episodes are released.Resources and useful links:Teach NSW - become a teacher in a NSW public school and find out how a career in teaching can open doors for you.NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge - get involved in the annual Challenge to encourage a love of reading in students from Kindergarten to Year 10.NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge Book Lists - access the Premier’s Reading Challenge reading lists, organised by Challenge level.Teacher Librarian Statewide Staffroom - connect and share advice, resources and learnings with other teacher librarians in NSW public schools.