School Librarian

Name: Fran Feeley

Education:  BA in Psychology with Business Minor, University of Notre Dame;
                   MA in School Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo
                   Computer Career Program, DePaul University;
                   Master of Library and Information Science, Dominican University;
                   National Board Certified Teacher

Where were you born and raised? Buffalo, New York

Position and Start Year at IAMS: School Librarian, Fall 2006

Why are you in education? Education is the most powerful means of change, both at the individual and the collective level. It is a privilege to witness and contribute to the educational development of young people at the start of their life journey.

What are your hobbies and interests? Reading, swimming, singing, cycling, skiing, politics,world affairs.

What are your guiding principles? Be yourself, love yourself, be kind to others, and always do your best.

What are the traits you admire most in others? Patience, kindness, intelligence, determination, and a good sense of humor.

What do you believe your main role is as school librarian? My role is to help students cultivate good reading habits and to seek out books for information and enjoyment. My role is also to teach students to navigate the vast information landscape and to participate in the global information community – as users and creators of information – judiciously, productively, and responsibly.

Where did you learn Spanish? I spent two summers studying Spanish in Guadalajara and later two more summers hanging out in Mexico City. Somewhere in there I began working with Spanish speaking students and familiesin my earlier role as a CPS school psychologist. I continue to learn Spanish wherever I am!

What attracted you to a dual-language program? I jumped at the chance to work in a setting where different languages and cultures are celebrated and regarded with great importance and respect. It is wonderful to work with colleagues and families who also recognize that knowing multiple languages can deeply enrich one's life.

What do you think is the greatest benefit of being bilingual? Being bilingual broadens one's perspective, inspires inquisitive thinking, and deepens one's sense of connectedness with others. It also allows you to make a lot more friends!