Dr. Keely Nudo, a former AUS student, joined Antioch University as director of the K-12 School Library Endorsement Program in July 2026. Keely was the District Librarian PK-12 and Teacher-Librarian PK-6 for the Scappoose School District in Oregon, just outside of Portland. In her role in Scappoose, Keely taught almost 1,000 PK-6 students in three different elementary schools each week while also managing the district’s five school libraries, supervising part-time classified assistants at the secondary libraries, and supporting district-wide literacy and technology initiatives.
Keely’s focus on advocacy, collaboration, and fundraising helped to update and diversify every collection across her district, while also increasing circulation and student engagement. Her collaborative work between the library and classroom instruction was recognized by the Oregon Department of Education as an exemplar in helping to consistently support and increase reading scores each year in her elementary schools.
As a passionate supporter of school libraries and sustainable educational practices, Nudo has been asked to present on advocacy and grant writing in multiple forums, including as a podcast guest for School Librarians United with Amy Hermon.
She has been an educator in Oregon for more than 30 years in the Portland, Woodburn, and Tigard-Tualatin School districts and has taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st & 2nd grades, as well as spending 14 years as a Talented and Gifted Specialist for grades K-5, before transitioning into her role as a district teacher librarian.
Keely was recognized by the Oregon Association of School Libraries as Oregon Elementary Teacher-Librarian of 2025.
- Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership: Curriculum and Instruction - Portland State University (OR)
- Master of Education - Elementary Education - Portland State University (OR)
- Bachelor of Science - Social Science - Portland State University (OR)
- Oregon Professional Teaching License - Early Childhood Education, Elementary Multiple Subjects, K-12 Library Media
For decades, research has shown that strong school libraries directly support overall academic success for ALL students; however, we still do not have enough certified teacher librarians in our schools. Yes, it is important to create welcoming, engaging, and safe learning environments for all our students; but if we don’t share the value of the work we do within our walls, with all the stakeholders outside of our walls and in our communities, then our school libraries are always at risk.
At Antioch, we have exceptional instructors who prepare our Library Media Endorsement students to become excellent advocates for their school libraries as well as serve their communities as engaging Librarians who welcome, support, and inspire all learners, at all levels and from all walks of life. I am proud that our endorsement program fully prepares our students to serve their communities in such meaningful and impactful ways.
I know this because I am a proud alum of this outstanding program. And I became an award-winning teacher-librarian because of this program. It is my absolute honor and pleasure to now serve as the Concentration Director of this program, and I am excited for the opportunity to help our students achieve their goals and dreams of becoming future certified teacher-librarians.
- Collected student reader data for Kaaland, C. (2025) The Children’s Literature Selection Handbook, K-8.
- School Librarians United Podcast: Episode 342 - AASL 2025 & Episode 266 - Grant Writing with Keely Nudo
- Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE) - Teacher-Librarian Summit
Beyond the Books Panel - Advocating for Sustainable Support - Seattle, WA - 2026 - Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL)
Advocacy, Transparency and Flexibility - Eugene, OR - 2025 - North Oregon Regional Council (NORC)
Advocacy & Grants - Portland, OR - 2025
- 2025 Oregon Elementary Teacher-Librarian of the Year
- 2025 Scappoose Amazing Educator
- Oregon Teacher of the Year Nominee: 1995, 2003, 2019, 2025
- American Library Association
- American Association of School Libraries
- Oregon Library Association
Libraries Leading with Equity: Operationalizing EDI Cohort, 2024 - Oregon Association of School Libraries
Executive Board Member, Treasurer, 2023-2024
Board Member, Region 1 Representative, 2025-present - Washington Library Association
- Future Ready Schools - Digital Navigators/All 4 Ed Library and Technology Committee
- Teacher Created Materials Educational Advisory Council