197 freshman wrote media search papers with approximately 5 parenthetical citations per paper. Librarian Susan Stutzman checked all 985 citations and their bibliographies.

Stutzman also taught 5 lessons to each of the 8 freshman classes, or 40 lessons in total, covering topics including evaluating sources, paraphrasing, copyright law, searching databases and formatting in MLA style.

“You just have no idea how amazing she is,” English teacher Jody Weverka said. “She is so knowledgeable, helpful and supportive, and she has a real vision for the experience kids should be having.”

Although she has always helped with the I-search process, Weverka said that this year Stutzman has expanded the number of assignments that she coordinates and grades, with the goal of teaching research skills along with writing.

“We have really dialed it in and and come together as freshman teachers and Ms. Stutzman to standardize our expectations of the project,” English teacher Mercedes Foster said.

This year has been unique in that the English department has standardized project guidelines and length limits across all freshman classes.

“I want them to come away from the project as skeptical and ethical users of information,” Stutzman said.

Stutzman’s intensive help is not unique to the I-search. She also teaches sophomores working on papers in Modern World History, leading lessons about paraphrasing, finding credible sources and annotating bibliographies, history teacher Mark Cowherd said.

“She wants to help in any way she can,” Cowherd said. “She’s all about helping teachers and she wants to work with us.”

Both Weverka and Cowherd said that Stutzman truly embodies the title of teacher-librarian, a trait that follows her out of library.

Stutzman and English teacher Rosie Reid co-coach Piedmont teachers who are going through the National Board Certification process, which is designed to help teachers learn skills to teach better, Reid said.

“I picked her because she is so approachable and hardworking,” Reid said.

Although Weverka said that many librarians do not leave their desks, Stutzman feels otherwise.

“I’m not doing anything out of the ordinary,” Stutzman said. “A school librarian should be teaching.”