Librarian Spotlight: Library Media Teacher Richard Winters
Today’s librarian spotlight features Richard Winters, the library media teacher at Wasco Union High School Library in Wasco, CA.
How long have you been a librarian?
Five years
Why did you want to be a high school librarian?
The love of the research process and teaching it, the love of books, and the chance to work with all students instead of the limited population you encounter in the classroom.
What steps led you to your current position?
I taught English and ELD (English Language Development) in high school and my department head early on was also the librarian. I used to keep the library open after school for my students to do research. I enjoyed teaching the process, helping them find things, and, of course, books. My department head sent me to a fair for potential library students and wanted me to enter because of my love for what the library entails. So, all of that combined with the chance to work with “toys” (technology) is what drove me to this position.
What has been your favorite library program or activity?
My assistant and I host a podcast every school month where we (along with other students and teachers) review books, movies, video games, talk about school activities (like the international economic summit, Link Crew,
etc.).
Are there any upcoming programs or events you’re looking forward to?
The next big event is the end of the WWE Reading Challenge, which I love as a big wrestling fan.
What is the best part about your job?
Working with students and technology, because they have such great ideas to expand what we do such
as the podcast, blogs, websites, etc.
Do you have any favorite online resources?
The Unquiet Librarian is brilliant and provides great resources for librarians. For students I like Facts on File.
What are some of your favorite books, series, authors or genres?
Pendergrast series, Stephen King, Agatha Christie and I recently found I really like Cynthia Leitich Smith.
Any other favorite pop culture stuff (movies, TV, music, games)?
I LOVE video games, 360 rules, I even do video walkthroughs (tigerwalkthrough.com) that i started recently. We are not really into TV in my family, but I enjoy movies (Star Wars, Pump Up the Volume and anything Bruce Campbell does).
Vampires, werewolves, or zombies?
Vampires! Werewolves slobber too much and zombies are so slow (yes, Zombies are slow! I do not know where they get this moving quickly stuff from!)
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