Shannon Miller
"A great librarian becomes the heart of the school: a leader, a connector, and a champion for all students."
Shannon Miller, District Teacher Librarian and Innovation Director
Van Meter Community School District
Van Meter, IA
What has been one of your favorite or most engaging activities you've done with students in the library this school year?
One thing I've really loved this year is how we're using technology and STEM materials with our students. One highlight has been how students are connecting with information and turning it into their own books and stories using Book Creator. We're intentionally tying it into research - students take what they've learned and transform that information into original stories. We've even connected this work with Adobe's AI image generator, which has been really fun, even with our youngest learners. Another favorite addition this year has been ChompSaws from our friends at STEMfinity. They're safe saws that students from preschool all the way through 12th grade can use. It's been incredible to watch - just yesterday I was with preschoolers cutting their own pieces for art projects, and then seeing high school students use the same tool to create intricate designs. It's rare to find a tool that works across all grade levels like that. What I really love is that it gives kids a chance to unplug from technology and create with their hands. A four-year-old recently cut a tiny piece of cardboard, decided it looked like a dinosaur, and turned it into this wonderful piece of art. Moments like that are just magical. We're actually expanding our school right now in Van Meter - adding classrooms, a new library, a STEM room, and a makerspace. I can't wait to have open times before school, after school, and at lunch again, because those are where kids really explore their passions and start imagining future careers, even at very young ages. Libraries bring together student passions, curiosity, and opportunity. They're about much more than books - they're about experiences and creating a place for all students.
How does your library help create stronger connections across the entire school community?
A strong librarian and a strong library program are really the glue that holds things together. We're connecting students with resources, books, experiences, and people - whether that's teachers, the public library, or even connections around the world. It's also about collaboration: helping teachers and students make sense of all the information and resources available, and bringing it together in a thoughtful way for kids, teachers, and families. I'm really excited about what the new library space will mean for expanding beyond the school. We've had clubs like Girls Who Code, tech leadership groups, and even virtual book clubs that connect with schools across the country. What makes this especially exciting is that our town is also building a new public library at the same time as the school library. I serve on the Public Library Board, and we collaborate closely - we're even using the same architectural firm, which has allowed us to think intentionally about shared opportunities. I'm passionate about supporting families, especially with digital media literacy and summer reading. The new space will allow us to bring fresh ideas and experiences to families and the broader community through that school–public library partnership.
How do you help students think critically about what they read and watch in an online world?
That's a huge part of my role. I now work primarily through collaboration with teachers, supporting digital and media literacy across all subject areas, including AI literacy. I look for opportunities to push into classrooms when lessons connect to research, new resources, or current topics. I'm also part of every teacher's Google Classroom, which allows me to see what's happening and offer timely support. A lot of it comes down to conversations. Students, especially in grades 4 through 6, ask incredible questions. They see me as someone they can go to, and I take that responsibility seriously. We also support this work with books, online resources, and schoolwide events like Digital Learning Day and Hour of Code, so these conversations stay front and center. Families have big questions too. Over the years, those questions have evolved from passwords and devices to much larger concerns about online content, AI, and media. I try to provide families with tools and resources they can use at home. One great example is The Achievery from AT&T, which is free and offers excellent content for both kids and adults. We also collaborated with our school resource officer to teach online safety in a way that informs rather than scares students. That kind of partnership really strengthens trust and community.
If you had five minutes at a principal's conference to explain the power of the library and media center, what would you say?
I would emphasize how critical it is to have a strong librarian and to support that librarian with help. Librarians wear many hats and are leaders within the school. I've seen firsthand how leadership from the library can make or break a system. When administrators look for a librarian, they should look for their best teacher - someone willing to lead, take risks, collaborate, and try new things. A great librarian becomes the heart of the school: a leader, a connector, and a champion for all students. We listen to kids, amplify student voice, and empower them. That's the true power of the library.
Lightning Questions
1. What book are you reading now?
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.
2. Who is the ONE person you follow on social media that you always learn something from or who makes you laugh?
Kaleb Wyse from Iowa - he lives on his family farm and shares life, home, and garden content.
3. Favorite tech tool currently?
Book Creator.
4. What is the best part about your role that others might not realize?
I love collaborating and co-teaching with our teachers, administrators, and even our families. I love making a difference throughout the community by leading from the library in so many special ways.
5. What is one piece of advice you've received that has been the most beneficial to your career?
One of my administrators once told me to enjoy the little things students do throughout the day - to take time to listen, talk, and enjoy the joy and excitement every day.
6. Where can people find you?
You can find me at The Library Voice and @shannonmmiller on social media.
