Education Resources
Library literacy and support for local educators and students
Newsletter Q&A with Kristie Faust
Kristie is Applegate School's ERC Assistant.
What drew you to a career in education?
I wanted to find a job that would fit with my children’s school schedule, and I’ve always loved working with kids and reading, so having my own kids who struggle in school really drew me to working in the SPED department.
What has been a really rewarding/stand out moment in your career?
I feel like I’m still really new to this! I’ve only been working for the school district for a few years, but a rewarding part of my career is watching the students I work with “get it.” When the puzzle finally clicks, and they realize that they are getting better at reading! It becomes FUN!
The relationships I have with students are so precious to me, and I love coming to work even on the hard days.
What books are you currently reading or are on your TBR list?
Right now, I’m neck deep in grad school so I’m reading a lot of textbooks and not as many “fun” books. But I have a pretty extensive “To Be Read” list that I’m going to tackle this summer! Some of the books are on parenting neurodivergent kids (I have two of them!), DIY soap and beauty products, canning and gardening, and lots of different science fiction books and dystopian novels. One book I can’t wait to read is called First, We Make the Beast Beautiful by Sarah Wilson about living and coping with anxiety.
Do you have any advice to share with educators?
As a coworker, I don’t think I have anything to give as advice to educators, but I would say keep encouraging us “newbies” to this career and giving us advice/grace! I admire the teachers I work with so much, and I learn something new every week from them.
As a parent, I would say THANK YOU to the teachers who work with the hard kids, the neurodivergent kids, the hyper kids….two of my kids are “those” kids and I’m always thankful for the intentionality my sons’ teachers give them in terms of instruction and direction. Keep up the good work!
Is there anything happening at your school that you wish to highlight?
Our awesome school librarian just got a grant for $5,000 of new books - She’s amazing and has brought so many new titles and life into the library! All the students look forward to library time and I want to highlight all the hard work Ms. Diana puts into making our library incredible and fun!
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Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
Jude worries for her family members left behind in Syria as she forges a new sense of identity shaped by friends and changing perspectives as she adjusts to a new life in Ohio.
Grade Level(s): 6th-8th | Genre: Realistic fiction
Lexile: 930L