The South Dakota State Library (SDSL) provides leadership for innovation and excellence in libraries and services to state government. SDSL is a division of the SD Department of Education.
SDSL’s Training Coordinator acts as the liaison for 400+ school libraries across the state by providing a variety of outreach and programming services as well as professional development, help desk support, and advocacy for school libraries and school librarians. The Training Coordinator is committed to empowering school librarians, enhancing their knowledge and skills, and supporting and elevating the role of the school librarian and the school library as a vibrant center of learning and engagement.
ExCITE! 2025
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
ExCITE! (Exchange, Create, Infuse, Transform, Energize) is a flexible, engaging, and personalized online professional development course designed for school librarians, classroom teachers, and other education professionals. This course modernizes professional learning by offering micro modules, allowing participants to choose their own learning path while earning professional development credit.
This year's ExCITE! course is structured around the South Dakota School Library Standard of Textual Literacy, focusing on reading engagement for academic and personal growth. The course blends self-paced learning, live discussions, gamification, and practical application, making it both interactive and impactful.
WHEN: Summer 2025
WHO: All South Dakota school librarians, educators, and other library staff are welcome!
WHERE: Online via Canvas
COURSE CREDIT: Earn CECHs, Grad, or Undergrad Credit
COST AND REGISTRATION: No cost if completing for CECHs, Participants pay for G/UG credits via USF
HOW: Instruction will be provided through asynchronous Canvas assignments. Instructional methods will include a digital learning platform, class discussion, independent forms of communication, collaborative innovation work time, and the use of digital tools.
Questions? Contact Scottie Bruch at scottie.bruch@state.sd.us.
The School Librarian Leadership Retreat will not be held Summer 2025.
LMOD School Library 101 Course
This on-line course focuses on the unique aspects of school librarianship and what it takes to create an impactful school library. Topics include Implementing Policy and Procedure, Managing Behaviors Like a Pro, Practicing the Power of the Pause, Advocating for the School Library, Collaborating and Connecting Locally and Globally, Transforming the Library Space, Facilitating Innovative Programming, Understanding Current Trends, and Leading from the Library. This is a professional development opportunity specifically for anyone who works in a school library or who would like to work in a school library.
Course Offered
Fully online and self-paced via Canvas (suggested time frame is 6 weeks)
Course Credit
2 grad/undergrad credits through USF
OR 30 continuing education contact hours (CECHs) issued by the SD State Library
*Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 30 hours of your time.
Cost and Registration
No fee if registering for CECHs
$45 per credit if registering for grad/undergrad credit ($90 total); payment will be direct to USF
Evaluation Criteria
Participants will complete all asynchronous requirements and a course project.
Library Methods On-Demand: Information Literacy Course
Learn all about Information Literacy, which is the second strand of the SD School Library Standards. Topics covered in the course will be related to the research process from start to finish. This is a professional development opportunity for librarians, teachers, specialists, para-professionals, administrators, and coordinators.
Course Objective
Information Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the research process from start to finish.
Course Offered
Fully online and self-paced via Canvas (suggested time frame is one month)
Course Credit
2 grad/undergrad credits through USF
OR 30 continuing education contact hours (CECHs) issued by the SD State Library
Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 30 hours of your time.
Cost and Registration
No fee if registering for CECHs
$45 per credit if registering for grad/undergrad credit ($90 total); payment will be direct to USF
Evaluation Criteria
Participants will complete all asynchronous requirements and a course project.
Library Methods On-Demand: Civic & Ethical Literacy Course
Learn all about Civic & Ethical Literacy, which is the third strand of the SD School Library Standards. Topics covered in the course will be related to the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living and learning in an interconnected world. This is a professional development opportunity for librarians, teachers, specialists, para-professionals, administrators, and coordinators.
Course Objective
Civic & Ethical Literacy: Students recognize the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living and learning in an interconnected world.
Course Offered
Fully online and self-paced via Canvas (suggested time frame is one month)
Course Credit
2 grad/undergrad credits through USF
OR 30 continuing education contact hours (CECHs) issued by the SD State Library
Readings, viewings, activities, projects, and evaluations are designed to equal a total of 30 hours of your time.
Cost and Registration
No fee if registering for CECHs
$45 per credit if registering for grad/undergrad credit ($90 total); payment will be direct to USF
Evaluation Criteria
Participants will complete all asynchronous requirements and a course project.
Library Methods On-Demand: Book Study on "The Artful Read-Aloud"
For this book study, you'll read and complete online journal entries/assignments for the book, "The Artful Read-Aloud", by Rebecca Bellingham.
Credit Information:
Earn 15 CECHs from SDSL
Book Information
The Artful Read-Aloud: 10 Principles to Inspire, Engage, and Transform Learning
Author: Rebecca Bellingham
ISBN: 9780325109169
Participant is responsible for book purchase
Objectives
Students will discover 10 principles to an effective and engaging interactive read-aloud.
Students will reflect on each of the principles outlined in the book
Students will practice implementing the principles outlined in the book.
Students will gain knowledge about innovative ideas that will enhance the effectiveness of their read-alouds.
Evaluation Criteria
Chapter readings and activities
Optional online discussion
Final project
Evaluation survey
"The Joy of Reading"
Join us for an inspiring book study designed specifically for school librarians (and open to all librarians and other educators), focusing on Donalyn Miller's "The Joy of Reading". In this course, we'll explore practical strategies to rekindle the love of reading in students, build a vibrant reading community, and engage even the most reluctant readers. Through thoughtful reflection, applicable activities, and collaborative planning, you'll discover how to create a reading culture in your school that fosters joy, choice, and lifelong literacy. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow librarians/educators and reimagine the impact of reading in your school/library!
Online via Canvas
Earn 15 CECHs upon successful completion of the book study.
You will need to acquire your own book for this book study:
"The Joy of Reading"
Donalyn Miller and Teri S. Lesesne
2022 Heinemann
ISBN: 978-0-325-06156-6