Kellie Clinton (MSLIS '20) is the librarian at Westview Elementary School in Champaign. She is also the recipient of a 2024 Shining Star Award, given by the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation to Unit 4 teachers who are nominated by their peers and show "exemplary service, extra effort, enthusiastic attitude, and innovative ideas that noticeably benefit their students." Her nominator highlighted Clinton's impact on the school, such as installing a Little Free Library and Buddy Bench, running a book club for upper-grade students, and hosting a morning coffee club to foster relationships with parents.
Where do you work and what is your role?
I work as a school librarian for Champaign Unit 4 Schools at Westview Elementary School. The school has around 450 students across grades K-5.
What do you like best about your job?
I love that I get to work with every student in our school every year. The students who were in kindergarten when I started are now in the 4th grade, and it has been so fun watching them grow and getting to teach them different things each year.
Why did you decide to pursue a degree in LIS?
I had a really great experience doing research with my high school librarian, and I was able to serve as a student volunteer for three years in that same library. Then, as an undergraduate at the University of Illinois, I started working in two of the libraries on campus. When I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do after college, working in a library setting seemed like a natural fit. I had also considered becoming a teacher, so I combined libraries and teaching and ended up in the iSchool’s K-12 Licensure program!
How did the iSchool help you get to where you are today?
As a K-12 licensure candidate, I had to complete a semester of student teaching. My academic advisor took such care when considering where to place me for my student teaching, making sure that it was a good fit for both me and the school. She did such a good job placing me that I ended up getting a job at the same school where I did my first bit of student teaching!
What advice would you like to share with iSchool students?
Take advantage of all the things the iSchool has to offer, especially for K-12 licensure students. Utilize the Center for Children's Books to familiarize yourself with current and upcoming publications, volunteer in local schools and libraries to get firsthand experience, and talk to your professors and peers about their experiences. It's amazing how small the library world is (especially in K-12 education). After you graduate, you'll end up working with folks who took classes with you or who once mentored you.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
In my spare time, I like to read, take care of my crowded collection of houseplants, and go on adventures with my dogs.