Are Librarians the Most Underrated Educators? with Jillian Pratt

In this episode of the Play It 3 podcast, hosts Rick and Tisha discuss the joys of autumn and childhood games, leading to the introduction of their guest, Jillian Pratt, a modern librarian. Jillian shares her journey through education, emphasizing the importance of creativity in teaching and how librarians play a crucial role in empowering students through creative projects. The conversation highlights the need for teachers to integrate technology and foster student voice and choice in learning, ultimately preparing them for the future. In this engaging conversation, Tisha, Rick, and Jillian explore the vital role of creativity in education, the importance of student engagement, and the evolving responsibilities of librarians. They discuss how creativity fosters problem-solving skills necessary for various careers and the need for educators to rethink traditional assessment methods. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by students with dyslexia and the innovative strategies librarians employ to support learning in schools.

00:00 The Joy of Autumn and Childhood Games

05:15 Introducing Jillian Pratt: A Modern Librarian

12:45 Creativity in Education: A Journey Through Teaching

21:27 Empowering Students Through Creative Projects

30:20 The Role of Librarians in Modern Education

40:40 The Importance of Creativity in Education

45:09 Engagement and Disengagement in the Classroom

52:13 Supporting Students with Dyslexia

56:17 The Evolving Role of Librarians

01:01:37 The Heart of the School: Librarians' Impact

01:12:58 Rethinking Assessment in Education

About Jillian Pratt

Jillian Pratt is the Director of Digital Learning and Library Services for Comal ISD, where she leads innovation in instructional technology and empowers educators and students through meaningful digital learning. With 18 years of experience in education—including six as a school librarian—Jillian brings a deep understanding of how technology and literacy intersect to create engaging, future-ready learning environments. Her work focuses on building digital fluency, supporting 1:1 device implementation, and transforming libraries into dynamic hubs for collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Jillian is passionate about designing professional learning that is practical, purposeful, and rooted in equity and access.

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