Leathersich Named Library Media Specialist of Excellence

Becky Leathersich, chair of the M.S. in Library Media program, was honored as a Library Media Specialist of Excellence at the New York State English Council (NYSEC) Fall Conference.

This award recognizes a library media specialist who cultivates a passion for reading, takes significant steps to provide students with diverse and inclusive texts, and who fosters research and student inquiry in collaboration with classroom teachers.

“I'm honored to be recognized as a Library Media Specialist of Excellence by NYSEC. School librarians and English teachers are natural collaborators who share a commitment to developing lifelong readers, critical thinkers, and informed citizens,” said Leathersich. “This award reflects my journey as a librarian, my growth as an educational leader, and my continued commitment to leading school libraries grounded in a student-first purpose, diversity, and integrity.”

Her nominator stated, "Becky's career as a librarian has been an impressive one across multiple contexts, first as an elementary and middle school librarian then an academic librarian, and now as the chair of the M.S. in library media program at St. John Fisher University, teaching future school librarians.”

“Books are a powerful way for students to make sense of themselves, those around them, and the world, and can inspire students to make changes that go beyond the school walls,” Leatherstitch added.

As chair of the M.S. in library media program, Leathersich works to strengthen the presence of school librarians across New York state, support their professional development, and create a sense of community among the library media students, alumni, adjunct faculty, and stakeholders.

“School librarians play a pivotal role in a school community, leading student-led inquiry and the development of information literacy skills, promoting a love for reading, and providing school-wide instructional leadership,” she said. ”Our graduates are exceptional educators. Each year, it fills me with pride knowing that they are filling vacancies for this integral role, even sometimes revitalizing closed school library programs, and making a direct impact on student success and well-being.”