{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree","title":"The Ripple Effect of Relationships: How One Educator Builds Belonging","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/d2be4f4a\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":4082,"description":"What happens when a love of teaching, creativity and community transforms a school library into the heart of a school?\nIn this episode of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson talks with Kannan Cangro (M.Ed. '15), an award-winning school librarian whose innovative approach to literacy is helping hundreds of students discover the joy of reading and the power of belonging.\nKannan began her career as an elementary art teacher before finding her calling in school librarianship. Today, she serves as librarian at Claremont Elementary School, where she has built a library program grounded in equity, accessibility and meaningful relationships. Her work has earned regional recognition, but at the heart of her story is a commitment to ensuring every child feels seen, valued and connected to books.\nKannan reflects on how her Longwood graduate experience shaped her as both an educator and a leader, including the mentorship of faculty members like Dr. Audrey Church and the support of a close-knit cohort that continues to influence her work today. She shares how flexible, student-centered faculty helped make graduate school possible while modeling the kind of leadership she now brings to her own profession.\nShe also discusses the creative programs that have become hallmarks of her library, including her \"True Book Fair,\" which ensures every student takes home brand-new books regardless of financial circumstances, and her popular reading pet initiative that helps young readers build confidence and excitement around literacy. Through community partnerships, grants and a deep understanding of student needs, Kannan continues to expand access to books and learning opportunities for every child she serves.\nNow recognized as a leader in school librarianship, Kannan advocates for literacy, inclusion and innovation while helping students discover that reading can open doors to endless possibilities.\nIn this episode, Kannan talks about:\nThe Longwood...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/-Jp_7WohE_sbFyX8eFv54szFUXHyZ0PZGda5svIsH1s/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ3MDI4LzE3MDAz/ODcwNTUtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}