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“I feel it is so important that school librarians are recognized as educators who are often on the cutting edge of using new technology with K-12 students,” said Kay Hones, librarian for Stevenson Elementary School in San Francisco and one of this year’s honorees. “As a school librarian, I am often the first to try a new technology and quickly find a way to use it with all students.”

“I believe test scores and literacy rates will improve when all students have equitable access to high-quality library programs, including books, media, electronic, and primary resources that support student interest as well as curriculum,” she said.

Cynthia Trujillo, director of technology for Zuni Public School District, agrees that equitable access to technology is a key to students’ future success.

“The community also didn’t have the ability to connect, so I worked with the local phone company, CenturyTel, to provide everyone access,” said Trujillo. “By being able to connect to the internet, we’ll be able to share our culture with others, and vice versa.”

Recognizing the lack of discretionary funds for teachers, Henke—who was nominated by CoSN’s chief executive, Keith Krueger—launched www.grantwrangler.com, a free online listing service of grants and awards for teachers and students. This fall, an offshoot of the project, www.mygrantwrangler.com, will be the first social-networking site for both grant seekers and grant givers to share insights and experiences, she said.