About

Michelle Harris began her library career as the "Storytime Lady" at the local public library in the late '90s. In 2007, she completed her Master's in Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois and began as the District Librarian (actually, only librarian) at Heyworth CUSD #4 which is a village just outside of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Our district serves 900+ students in PreK-12 and has two libraries: one elementary and one junior-senior high school. Michelle is the only Librarian for both, but does have an aide in each. In 2019, she added the Technology Specialist certification to her list of mad skills. In 2019 she began teaching STEAM classes for the district, too. Combining books and tech has always been a passion as she has spent the past 15 years helping students and teachers find credible research, awesome books, and use cool tech skills from Google Docs to Robotics and everything in between! Besides books and tech, Michelle loves kayaking, mocha lattes, and sunshine. harrism@husd4.org

Anna Hanrahan taught third grade for 17 years at Heyworth Elementary School before pitching the idea in 2017 to revive the district's Gifted Program combined with a new STEAM program. Administration loved the idea and the LEAP Lab (Learning Enrichment Activities Program) was born. Students visit the Lab on a rotating schedule so that all classes from 1st through 6th have an opportunity to experience the hands-on learning and STEAM curriculum. STEAM lessons are mostly taught in a whole-group setting where all students are learning about the same topic in conjunction with a hands-on activity. Makerspace time is when students can gravitate toward the topics and/or skills that interest them individually. It is also a place where students can invent, explore, and find information and solutions through their own process. The PALS (Proficient and Accelerated Learning Students) Program is separate from LEAP. PALS are a small group of students from grades 3-6 who have exhibited gifted and talented qualities and have been identified through testing and recommendations. Anna has her master's degree in Reading, gifted education endorsement, is a Level 1 and 2 Google Certified Educator and is working toward Google Certified Coach status. Anna left Heyworth Elementary in Fall of 2021 to work for educational technology company Trafera. Anna also really loves sloths.

Books + Makerspace presented at:

AISLE (Association of Illinois School Library Educators): Fall 2020

IETC (Illinois Education & Technology Conference) November 17, 2020

AISLE (Association of Illinois School Library Educators): November 8, 2021 (Michelle, solo)