Alumna and Fox Chapel Librarian Laura Ward Reflects on School of Education Experience, Outstanding Pennsylvania School Library Award Alumni Profile
Meet Laura Ward '05 '19
- Job Title & Employer
- High school librarian, Fox Chapel Area School District
- Majors/Programs
- Secondary Education, Leadership and Administration-Ed.D.
- Hometown
- Chester, W.Va.
- High School
- Oak Glen High School; New Cumberland, W.Va.
- Now Living In
- Dormont, Pa.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Coaching girls' wrestling and girls' and boys' tennis, riding my bike, running, reading and yoga.
"I think the one thing that I am the most proud of is the culture that I created in the library. It’s definitely a place that students want to be and somewhere they seek out during the school day."
As the librarian at Fox Chapel Area High School, Point Park University alumna Laura Ward's hard work was recently recognized with the Outstanding Pennsylvania School Library Award from the Pennsylvania School Library Association (PSLA). The award celebrates outstanding school library programming, instruction and services, which are integral to the students' education.
In the Q&A below, Ward reflects on the exciting recognition and her Point Park experience.
Why did you choose Point Park for your bachelor’s and doctoral degrees?
I chose Point Park for my bachelor’s degree in secondary education because the campus was conveniently located, and I was able to earn my teaching degree while still working full-time. When I decided to work toward my doctorate, Point Park had just recently begun offering the Ed.D . in Leadership and Administration. I loved my time there as an undergraduate, and I loved the professors and the support they offered students. The Ed.D. program worked for my schedule, and I found once again the same supportive environment and outstanding professors.
What did you enjoy most about each experience?
While I did enjoy studying literature, the truth is that the most enjoyable part of my Point Park experience was meeting my husband while getting my bachelor's degree. He graduated a semester before me, but we had quite a few classes together.
During my doctoral program, I became friends with three principals from nearby schools. We nicknamed ourselves "The A-Team." We worked together on all group projects, read each other’s drafts of our dissertations and went to each other’s defenses. Their friendship is one of the best parts of my degree. I’ve also been able to collaborate with other members of my cohort.
Briefly describe your career path and what you love about your current role.
I taught in Baltimore County Public Schools for two years after graduating from Point Park. I loved being in the classroom, but I missed Pittsburgh. My husband and I moved home, and I was a substitute teacher for a few weeks before getting hired at Fox Chapel Area School District. I’ve been here for 17 years now, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
I taught English for six years and have been in the library for the other 11. I love being the librarian because I get to interact with almost all the students in the building. I get to see them in classes but also in study halls and in club meetings. I forge relationships with them and get to know them in a different way than I did in the classroom. I also love talking about books. One of my favorite things to do is find a book that a reluctant reader will like. They are always doubtful, but it’s satisfying when I am successful and hand them a book they won’t put down.
How did the Ed.D. program foster your growth?
The Ed.D. program reminded me that I am capable of succeeding. During my second year in the program, I was asked to run for vice president of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, which meant I would eventually be president of the statewide association. During that time on the board, I thought back to the leadership classes that I took, books I read and our class discussions. I used the lessons I learned about effective leadership and applied my skills.
Even though I was used to being in front of a room full of students, I always get nervous in front of peers. I gained the confidence to present at national school library conferences by giving presentations in every class and defending my dissertation, "Evaluating the Relationship of School Librarians and Academic Achievement: A Qualitative Study of Standardized Reading Test Scores in West Virginia Public Schools," a topic I am deeply passionate about.
Tell us about the award you’ve received from the PSLA and what it means to you.
The Outstanding Pennsylvania School Library Award looks to see how well school libraries implement the American Association of School Libraries (AASL) National School Library Standards. The first time this award was given was in 1976. It’s an honor to be in the company of so many wonderful school library programs across the state.
The Fox Chapel Area High School Library exceeded the award criteria with regard to the six foundations found in the library standards: inquire, include, collaborate, curate, explore and engage. When it comes to things like collaborating and engaging, it isn’t always with classroom teachers, but it can be with student clubs or community groups. It’s fun to see how we’ve stretched the typical definition of these ideas and included so many people in our school community. I’ve always known that our school library is a special place. I'm just glad that other people can see it now.
What are some of the activities you’ve done to enhance the library that you’re particularly proud of?
I love doing the March Madness Tournament of Books each year. It’s fun to see which book emerges as the victor (usually Harry Potter for nostalgia reasons). I also really enjoyed the escape room that I created as a unit review for a world history class even though it was a flop. Creating the Shelf Care Club and reading so many intense books with students is a highlight for sure. I think the one thing that I am the most proud of is the culture that I created in the library. It’s definitely a place that students want to be and somewhere they seek out during the school day.
What keeps you engaged in the education field?
I’m active in both AASL and PSLA. I love learning what other school librarians are doing and working to see if I can make it happen at Fox Chapel, too. The friends I’ve made in these associations are a wonderful reminder that there is an amazing network of school librarians, not just across Pennsylvania, but around the country. I am the chair of the ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant and work with school librarians around the country to select a winner of this outstanding professional development grant for other members of the AASL. This is a fun way to see what other state associations are doing to help their school librarians grow in the profession.
What advice do you have for current students considering a career in education?
Be a school librarian! It’s the best job you could have!
Why would you recommend Point Park’s School of Education to an aspiring educator?
There is so much to love about Point Park’s School of Education, from the faculty and variety of classes to the flexibility in schedules. It’s a great place to study, and being in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh makes it perfect.
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