Posted in: Comics | Tagged: jill gerber, Lion Forge

Jill Gerber Joins Lion Forge as Director of Education Outreach and Collections

Published Tue, 29 May 2018 12:30:26 -0500

Lion Forge has hired Jill Gerber as Director of Education Outreach and Collections, a press release revealed today. The publisher touted its own reputation as "one of comics publishing's most forward-thinking companies", which seems fair considering how smart an idea it is to hire someone to focus on getting Lion Forge comics into classrooms, where the next generation of comic book readers is currently devouring comics by authors like Raina Telgemeier at a rate that makes the highest-selling direct market publishers jealous.

Here's some more info on Gerber and her new role from the press release:

Lion Forge has quickly gained the reputation of being one of comics publishing's most forward-thinking companies, with a focus on growing comic book readership across markets and their commitment to "comics for everyone." This guiding principle has garnered the publisher tremendous success in the book trade, libraries, and in the core business of the comic book specialty market.

Jill L. Gerber is an award-winning and Teaching All Kinds of Minds–certifiededucator of twenty-five years, and longtime advocate of graphic literature in curriculums. She began her career in education in 1993, moving into the classroom on a full-time basis in 1997. Since then, she has been published numerous times and presented at conventions in conferences around the country. Gerber is a University of Chicago graduate and a recipient of the following awards: Richard B. Kobusch Humanities Endowed Chair (2017), Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching (2002), ISSL Teacher of Distinction (2002), and Office Depot, Teacher Success Stories (2002).

Gerber, as tradition dictates, provided a quote for the press release:

Lion Forge created this position because it is committed to supporting teachers and librarians who are integrating graphic literature consistent with best teaching practices and to expand its collection to satisfy the needs of our communities and classrooms. As a veteran classroom teacher searching for ways to breathe new life into traditional content and to reach all students in my classroom, I discovered the benefits of graphic literature. Sequential art storytelling creates, communicates, and teaches complex concepts in unique and beneficial ways.

In an increasingly image-driven culture, it is important that we purposefully incorporate visual literacy into our curriculum and equip our students, not only to be better consumers of information but also for them to effectively communicate to a global community.I look forward to sharing practical ideas and information with teachers and librarians about the use of graphic literature in education.

And said Lion Forge CEO David Steward II:

Jill Gerber has been a member of the Lion Forge extended family for quite some time and has already lent her experience as an educator to representing us on numerous panels and in outreach to schools and libraries. As the school year comes to a close, I am excited to add her to the Lion Forge staff in continuing this mission on a full-time basis. Her perspective will set us up for even further success and growth in these markets and establish us as a market leader in comics as tools for education.

Congratulations to Jill Gerber and Lion Forge on their new relationship.