About

Welcome to The Cardigan Papers. This project sprang from an ongoing research project I began in the wake of the 2016 presidential election when, like many people, I was reminded of the fascinating and complex relationship between the news media and our democracy. I wanted to learn more about how journalism has influenced America throughout history and how people in power have sought to exploit or curtail this influence. I’m also interested in figuring out how to bring this history to life with students.

I am here to share and, more than anything, I am here to learn. I claim no expertise in journalism or American history, but I believe that we all need to learn more about both in order to sustain a healthy democracy. I also believe that school librarians are uniquely poised to teach news literacy, either in isolation or in collaboration with classroom teachers, in this moment of renewed interest in civic education.

My career in education began in 2001 and includes:

• 7 years teaching middle school math, science and technology classes in South L.A. in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
• 3 years teaching middle school math and science in New Orleans charter schools.
• 3 years as a PreK-8 school librarian in New Orleans.
• my current position as the Director of Libraries at Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie, Louisiana.

Thank you for stopping by.