Middle school Media Specialist Lara Rude has garnered a 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award from the Utah Education Association. Photo credit: Park City School District
Among our nation’s Chalkboard Champions are many outstanding Teacher Librarians. One of these is Lara Rude, a middle school Media Specialist from Park City, Utah. She is one of ten educators in her state who have received a 2023 Excellence in Teaching Award from the Utah Education Association.
Lara works with sixth and seventh graders at Ecker Hill Middle School in the Park City School District. Among her co-workers, Lara has a reputation for promoting a love for reading and literacy that influences the entire school community. For example, Lara established a “One Book, One School” program on her campus. In this program, all students read and discuss the same story. In addition, Lara arranges for authors to visit the school, fostering a deep connection between students and reading.
Lara has a profound passion for students and for reading, especially now, during a time when book banning is becoming more and more prevalent. “I love the kids, they are the best, and I love helping them find books that they want to read,” she declares. “I feel that everyone has the right to read what they choose to read. Clearly, we need boundaries with age levels, but I also think it is so important for kids to see—we call it windows and mirrors—books that you see yourself in, but also books that allow you to see other people,” she continues.
