Name: Nicole Waskie-Laura
Current Position:
School Library System Director for Broome-Tioga BOCES
Education:
BA, English Literature, SUNY Geneseo; MS, Information and Library Science, University of Buffalo, MS, Educational Administration, University of Scranton; Advanced Certificate, School Building and District Leader, Canisius College
What is the most interesting part of your job?
Having the time and capacity to be on the front lines of educational trends, changes, and research - as well as having the privilege of being a trusted communicator of that information to the librarians, teachers, and administrators in our schools.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
My first day on the job: 25 Kindergartners, one me.
What was your background before becoming a librarian?
My first "adult" job was in a school library. Prior to that, I was spending my summers scooping ice cream at a local shop.
What would you be doing if you weren't a librarian?
Something in graphic design or an Etsy-esque job: paper crafts, baking, party planning. I can throw a well-planned party like you wouldn't believe.
What is the most interesting issue in librarianship today?
The convergence of all subject areas toward a model of inquiry - English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science are all moving toward a focus on student-led discovery and construction of knowledge. It's an exciting time for school librarians since this is right in our wheelhouse.
What are you most proud of?
My husband and my two boys.
What other organizations are you involved with?
School Library Systems Association, NYS Educational Media and Technology Association, Roberson Museum and Science Center & WSKG Education Advisory Committees.
What advice would you give to a new librarian?
Find your niche within the profession. There is such a diversity of options for those trained in library science, find what you're passionate about and run with it.
What software/web tools do you use regularly?
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Drive, PicMonkey, FormSite.
Favorite social media platform:
Personally, Instagram; professionally, Twitter.
Favorite blog or website:
What do you do to relax?
Do something crafty, yoga, go exploring in the great outdoors with my kiddos.
What is the most daring thing you've ever done?
Jumped off a concrete breakwater in Denia, Spain.
What would you like to learn?
Oh, everything! I love learning. I could happily be a professional student. I'm intrigued by the neuroscience of learning. I also want to become fluent in another language - Spanish or Italian.
Is there anything about you that others would be surprised to know?
I have a homemaker's heart and a feminist brain.
Thank you Nicole!
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