Nineteen Canyons School District elementary school librarians completed a year-long program to become the inaugural cohort for Utah State University's new Certificate in Para-Librarianship. Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, these educators participated in a first-of-its-kind partnership designed to provide foundational training comparable to master's-level library programs.
The certificate program, developed by the Utah State University Instructional Teaching and Learning Sciences Department, offered three master's-level courses. Participants studied topics including media literacy, inquiry-based learning, and dynamic shelving. The curriculum was designed to help para-librarians and technicians navigate modern challenges such as artificial intelligence and digital information navigation.
Kelli Munns, a Professional Practice Professor at Utah State University, stated that the district was chosen for the pilot program due to its leadership. The program was suggested by USU graduate student Liz Miles to address the need for foundational training for paraeducators in Utah schools. According to Munns, elementary librarians are among the few adults in a school who see every student every day.
Librarians in the program reported that the training helped connect library activities directly to classroom learning. Nina Jenson of Peruvian Park noted that the practicum allowed her to observe experienced librarians and implement new ideas for classroom management and organization.
Gretchen Zaitzeff, a Canyons Library Media Specialist, said the partnership fulfilled a goal to provide quality training to support librarians. During an August ceremony, Canyons Instructional Supports Assistant Director Kenna Sorensen encouraged principals to view the program graduates as leaders within their schools.
The inaugural recipients of the certificate include:
Jessica Brown, Midvale Elementary
Becky Harris, Midvale Elementary
Shannon Brown, Granite Elementary
Stephanie Campbell, Crescent Elementary
Emily Dyler, Crescent Elementary
Cathy Collins, Canyon View Elementary
Heather Erickson, East Midvale Elementary
Kimberly Falkner, Silver Mesa Elementary
Candace Johnson, Silver Mesa Elementary
Lacey Haycock, Park Lane Elementary
Nina Jenson, Peruvian Park Elementary
Lisa Petersen, Peruvian Park Elementary
Sara Lee, Sprucewood Elementary
Lindsey Manning, Ridgecrest Elementary
Leesa Mansouri, Sunrise Elementary
Laura Naluai, Oak Hollow Elementary
Telima Smith, Glacier Hills Elementary
Dawn Sutherland, Glacier Hills Elementary
Lucie Chamberlain, Alta View Elementary
