Stefanie Hunt and students
This month, we are excited to feature an educator whose career has come “full circle,” from shelving Nintendo games as an intern to leading high school students through the digital and academic landscape of the 21st century.
Meet Stefanie Hunt
Title: School Librarian & Yearbook Advisor
School: Laramie High School
District: Albany County School District #1
The Path to the Library
Stefanie’s love affair with libraries began as a search for part-time work at the Laramie County Library. She started as an AV page (shelving Nintendo games!) and moved through almost every department—circulation, genealogy, cataloging, and children’s services. After a brief stint as a classroom teacher, she realized her true calling remained in the library. She earned her MLS with a K-12 Media Endorsement and served in various settings—from K-8 schools in Colorado and Wyoming to virtual school environments—before finding her current home at Laramie High School.
A Fun Fact: Always Evolving
Stefanie wears many hats! In addition to being the school’s yearbook advisor, she is currently working on completing some of the Wyoming Computer Science micro-credentials. While she didn’t initially expect computer science to be part of her library journey, she believes it is vital to evolve alongside the changing landscape of modern education.
Insights from the Library
The “Why” Behind the Work
Currently, Stefanie is enjoying a powerful “full circle” moment. Her favorite part of being at the high school is reconnecting with students she taught years ago in elementary school. Seeing the long-term impact of those relationships and watching her former “littles” grow into young adults is the ultimate reward.
What Parents & Students Should Know: The “Third Space”
“The library is an active, evolving Third Space designed to support both personal and academic growth,” said Stephanie.
Stefanie wishes more people understood that books are just one part of the connection. In her library:
- Equity is Priority: She ensures every student has equitable access to the digital resources they need to participate in their learning.
- Collaboration is Key: She offers hands-on help with capstone and research projects and collaborates frequently with the public library.
- It’s a Social Hub: At lunchtime, the library is a bustling community space where students are welcome to bring their lunch and simply connect.
Success in the Stacks: Monthly Magic
The most successful programs are the ones where they collaborate with community partners. Stefanie keeps the library vibrant with monthly themed projects and community-focused events:
- Blind Date with a Book: For February’s “Book Crush,” she wrapped books in paper and labeled them with only the first line of the story. Students picked their “date” based solely on the narrative’s hook!
- Haunted Wyoming: A massive success, featuring a scavenger hunt map that even included free tours of the Wyoming Territorial Prison
- Current Highlights: Monthly themed projects and displays, and ongoing reading appreciation programs
What Else?
Stefanie is a firm believer that the library offers endless opportunities for professional adventure. She recently attended a Library of Congress professional development workshop, where she learned advanced strategies for teaching students how to analyze and engage with primary sources.
“My position offers me the opportunity to constantly seek out new and fun ways to grow as an educator,” said Stephanie.