Judith Hayn is a teacher’s teacher. Having spent 15 years in the classroom, she is now stationed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she prepares graduate students to go into schools and spread the love of literature. As a member (and past chair) of the International Reading Association Special Interest Group-Network on Adolescent Literature, she focuses on teen lit and prepares practical applications of YA books with her students. In turn, those applications and ideas are run as “Putting Books to Work” features on Reading Today Online.
How did you begin your career, and what led you to your current position?
I began my teaching career in Omaha, NE, in an urban junior high where I taught what was called Unified Studies, both English and Social Studies in a block time period. Then I taught that subject in Topeka, KS, finally moving on to high school English to finish my 15-year public school career. I came to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2006 to help the English Education program maintain its NCTE accreditation since I am a long-time program reviewer, lead reviewer, and auditor.
What’s the mission of the Special Interest Group-Network on Adolescent Literature (SIGNAL)?
Our current mission is increasing membership, however our organization is committed to helping middle and high school teachers incorporate young adult literature into their classrooms. We focus on practical implications of including YAL in curriculum and offer strategies for doing so. We also encourage classroom-based research teachers can adapt for their own use. Our website offers information about membership and our SIGNAL Journal. Please visit the site to join and examine the calls for manuscripts. We celebrate, research, and promote YAL!
What are you reading (personal, professional, or even children's/YA)?
Right now I am reading two books for the continuing research I am doing with my colleague, Dr. Karina Clemmons (who is also the secretary of SIGNAL), and our graduate students. We give pre-service teachers a survey on a social justice issue and they read a young adult book centered on that theme. A post-survey lets us look at changes in attitudes that may have occurred through this encounter with text. This fall, the book is In the Name of God by Paula Jolin, the spring selection is Moon at Nine by Deborah Ellis.
How has YA literature changed since you started teaching?
When I took my first young adult literature class in the ‘80s at the University of Kansas, I was awe-struck by the genre's power. Now I am more than astounded at the burgeoning proliferation of YAL. Since Harry Potter first wielded his wand and Bella emerged out of the twilight, the race has been on. Who can write the highest quality book and get it made into a well-crafted movie seems to be the goal. YA bookshelves are filled in big box and neighborhood bookstores. E-readers entice teens to enter texts with a swipe of the finger. This growth is phenomenal and creates a whole new niche for literacy.
How long have you been a member of IRA? How has membership influenced your career?
I have been an IRA member for many years, but I let my membership lapse, primarily because the emphasis on YAL was somewhat limited. I returned to the fold when I came to Little Rock and was asked to chair SIGNAL. I also began submitting as many program proposals as I could handle that featured some aspect of YAL. These have been accepted, and interest at the conference is high; our sessions are well-attended, and I even have those who tell me they come every year to see what I am doing now with YAL.
What do you consider to be your proudest career moment?
My proudest career moments occur when I hear from graduates who tell me what they are doing and where. When they can tell me they are implementing YAL despite the barriers, which are myriad, I just smile inside. The joy of a long teaching career is knowing what I say and do does indeed have an impact that only I can truly know.
What lessons do you share with teachers you train that seem to resonate year after year?
I think students remember me as the one who taught them that the important things they teach do not come out of textbooks or assignments, but rather, out of commitment, care, and dedication for students. If teachers keep that at the center of teaching, students will accomplish all of those standards others impose on them in the most relevant way possible.
Do you want to suggest an IRA member for the Member of the Month feature interview? E-mail readingtoday@/.
April Hall is the editor of Reading Today Online. She can be reached at ahall@/.