Welcome to this month’s School Library Spotlight! We are thrilled to feature an educator who brings a diverse professional background and a deep passion for literacy to the Wyoming library ecosystem—Michelle Ottoes, Elementary Library TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) for Laramie County School District #1 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The Path to the Library
Michelle’s journey to the library is paved with a wealth of unique experiences. Before finding her home in school librarianship, she taught secondary history, political science, and English. Her career also includes time as a paralegal and serving as the head of the Wyoming State Bar Foundation. Her transition into the library world began close to home. While her two daughters were in school, Michelle served as PTO President and a dedicated library volunteer. Today, she is furthering her expertise by working toward a Master’s of Education in K-5 Literacy at the University of Wyoming.
A Fun Fact: Life on the Road
When she isn’t in the library, Michelle spends her summers on a national tour! For many years, she has worked with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps out of Casper. During their 3½-month tour across the U.S., Michelle helps feed the corps from a commercial kitchen built into the back of a semi-truck!
Insights from the Library—The “Why” Behind the Work
For Michelle, the magic of the job lies in two specific moments:
1. The Connection: Finding the “just right” book for a student at the exact moment they need it.
2. The Story: Engaging students with the sheer beauty and power of storytelling.
What Parents and Students Should Know
“The school library” isn’t just an elective or place where books are shelved—it’s a class! The library is a classroom and is a core part of the academic day. Students spend three hours a week in the library, which includes dedicated time for quality instruction in essential lessons. Unlike public libraries, school libraries have a “captive audience,” ensuring every child receives these foundational skills. Students’ time in the school library has numerous benefits, including the acquisition of literacy, research, and critical thinking skills and responsible digital citizenship.
Michelle’s Curated Recommendations
- For the Modern Parent: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt and Digital Delusion by
- Jared Cooney Horvath.
- For Literacy Lovers: The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease and Thirty Million Words
by Dana Suskind. - Michelle’s Tech Pick: Novel Effect — A brilliant app that uses voice-recognition to play music and sound effects that sync perfectly with your voice while reading aloud to children. It also includes lesson plans and activities.