Otters Read for Staff

Purpose of the Program

The goal of Otters Read isn’t just for students—it’s for all of us who value lifelong learning and curiosity! By participating, staff will:

• Read more for personal enjoyment and professional growth.

• Reinforce that regular reading can improve focus, creativity, and performance in both professional and personal life.

• Generate meaningful conversations about books and reading with colleagues and students.

• Celebrate the accomplishments of staff who make reading a priority.

• Serve as role-models for students and fellow colleagues

• Become confident, curious, and lifelong readers.
  
  

How the Program Works

Reading Goals

• Read 10 complete books each school year. Books can be read anytime—during summer, breaks, or the school year.

• Books required for classes or professional development count if read in their entirety.

• Keep a running record of books you read in this Google Sheet.
  
  

Book Talks

• Complete one book talk each year with a small group of staff or your department (maybe during a department meeting?).
  
  

• Formats may vary, but typically:
  
  

  • Share about your books verbally with your group.
    
    

  • Engage in a discussion with your peers about characters, plot, themes, or connections.
    
    

  • Consider creating a visual aid, such as a Google Slide, poster, or simple handout.
    
    

• Book talks are meant to spark conversation and inspire others, not be a formal presentation.
  
  

Recognition & Rewards

Instead of graduation cords, staff will earn recognition that is fun, meaningful, and community-oriented:

• 10 books: Name added to the Staff Wall of Readers.

• 20 books: Receive a funny book lover pin.

• 30 books: Enjoy a special bookmark or reading-related gift.

• 40 books +?! Some of us will be at KSS for many years, equivelant to many, many books. I'm open to ideas to recognize this accomplishment!

• End-of-year celebration: TBD.
  
  
  

Extra Notes

• You may backdate books you have read since June 2025 to get started.

• If you want, you can pair this with student reading initiatives—modeling reading habits in your classroom, participating in book talks with students, or sharing recommendations.

• Beyond rewards, Otters Read for Staff is a professional and personal honor that you can cite on résumés, professional portfolios, and grant applications. More importantly, it’s about cultivating and modeling the joy of reading.

Summary

• Read your books.

• Discuss your books.

• Print your record sheet.

• Sign your record sheet and bring your record sheet to Joshua Scharnberg in the library.