In RISD, school librarians are known as LITEs, or Library and Information Technology Educators. All of the LITEs in RISD have classroom teaching experience and a master’s degree. April is National School Library Month, and RISD will be highlighting some of the wonderfully talented LITEs across the district all month.
Becky Kline has been in RISD for 21 years, and this is her seventh year as the LITE at North Junior High. She taught science and biology at the junior high prior to moving to the library. She brings a data-driven, scientific approach to her role as a LITE. She shows students how to learn through exploration.
“Teaching our students proper research skills is a key focus for me,” Kline said. “It’s important for our students to know that effective research, along with utilization of databases and proper citation techniques, are not only vital for current and future academic success, but also beneficial for life beyond the classroom. As a LITE, I fulfill various roles, including teacher, program administrator, and instructional partner. I have the opportunity to interact with and support every student on campus. My first priority is to create an inviting and safe library environment where all students enjoy learning, reading, and spending time. It’s extremely important to me that our students know I value and respect them, and that they belong in the library. I also firmly believe and strive to show students that the right books can turn anyone into an avid reader. I want every one of our scholars reading and enjoying books!”
Kline enjoys collaborating with and assisting North’s teachers and the junior high’s PTA, which will be supplying gift cards this month to the winners of a student poetry contest later in April. Kline also runs a March Madness-styled book tournament with the North Book of the Year to be announced soon.
North Principal Doug Planey said Becky is a consummate professional educator. “She is dependable, loyal, and comes to work to make a positive difference in the lives of every student, every North staff member, and everyone in the Pearce learning community,” Planey said. “She is well-respected at North and RISD, and is a joy to work with each day!”
“I believe my greatest contribution to student learning is encouraging a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving by providing comprehensive resources, promoting independent exploration, and supporting teacher directed research,” Kline said.” Ultimately, I hope to inspire a love for reading and learning that extends beyond the library and the classroom.”
