Staff FAQs

What is the Otters Read Program, and how does it work?

Otters Read is an honors program open to all staff designed to encourage and reward staff who read books. Here are the highlights:

• Staff read and document 10 books during each school year.

•  Upon completion of book 10, staff meet with a group of colleagues and/or department members and complete a "book talk" each year.

•  We'll find a way to recognize staff each year for their reading.

• Staff who complete the program by the end of trimester 3 of their senior year will also be recognized.

What books count toward my 40?

• Your choice! Your colleagues, students, and your Joshua Scharnberg, can assist if any staff needs help finding something that fits their interests.

• Minimum length / time threshold. (one of the following):

  • • Print / eBook: ≥ 150 pages

    • Audiobook: ≥ 4 hours listening time

    • Graphic novel / illustrated book: ≥ 150 pages

    • Short-form collections (poetry/short stories/plays): at least 5 substantial pieces or a compiled equivalent ≥ 150 pages.
      
      

• Appropriate. If a book contains mature/sensitive themes, a clear content warning is advisable at the beginning of the "book talk."
  
  

• No summaries or secondary sources.

  • • SparkNotes, summaries, or movie-watches alone do not count. 

    • The student must read the actual text (or full audiobook). This aspect is, of course, on your honor.
      
      

• Limits & re-reads.

  • • Re-reading a book counts once per program year and requires a short reflection describing why the book was read twice and what was different the second time. Some books are that influential, I get it!
      
      

• Diversity of format encouraged.

  • • This is not required, but staff are highly encouraged to read a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. 

    • In addition, consider diversity of format: print, ebook, audiobook, translated works, graphic novels...

Am I allowed to list books that I have read for my classes?

Absolutely! Any book (non-textbook) that is read in its entirety may be listed, even if you use it for a class. The one reread per year may impact your selection here.

What is a book talk? 

A book talk is an opportunity for you and your colleagues to connect over books. A basic layout (instructions) will be linked on the Otters Read, Staff Edition main page. 

I didn't think I wanted to do Otters Read but now I do. Is it too late to change my mind?

We want all staff to reap the benefits of reading, but we also want to honor the hard work of others. To be fair, we ask that staff who join the Otters Read program late to make up for missed time. Please create a reasonable plan to make up for lost time, and make a plan for reading your 10 books per year and 1 book talk.

I have questions that were not answered here. Who can I ask?

You can reach out to Joshua Scharnberg in the media center.