Why Become a Librarian?

The field of library science has long held my fascination and at this point in my career, I feel that I owe myself the opportunity to study this field.  I feel that moving to the Media Center will better suit my personality and allow me to instill a love of books and research skills in more students than I can currently reach.

For the past seven years I have taught middle school language arts.  The best part of my job is matching students with books that will inspire a life long love of reading. I also enjoy helping them find research topics and materials that get them excited about investigating their interests. As a Media Specialist, I will be able make the best part of my current job the main mission of my work.

Recently, I have noticed that public libraries have started to change to a more "book-store" like layout.  Middle school media centers however, lag behind in design. My students often return from the Media Center frustrated because they are unable to find suitable materials even though there are lots to choose from.  I want to bring accessibility of materials to the students I will serve by creating a space that is easy for them to navigate.  I believe that the program offered at Wayne State University will enable me with the skills I need to create a space where students feel empowered to find materials that meet their needs.

Educational and Employment Background

I earned a BS Elementary Education degree at Oakland University in 2001.  Since earning my degree I have taught 7th grade Middle School language arts in the West Bloomfield School District.  In addition to my BS degree I hold a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College as well as a certificate in Wilson Reading from Endicott College.

Most people give me a funny look when I say I love teaching middle schoolers but the truth is I do.  7th grade is particularly my favorite age to work with because 7th graders experience a tremendous physical and mental growth within a school year.  As each student passes through my door at the end of the year I feel like I have truly gotten to know their unique personalities by reading their writing and discussing literature with them.

Outside of class, I have coached track for 5 years and field and produced our school's musical for two years.

Once I earn my LIS degree, I would like to become a Media Specialist in a Middle School.  It is my dream to create an accessible environment in my school's Media Center.  Aside from bringing in a variety of types of texts I would like the Media Center to have the feeling of a place where they are empowered to find exactly what they are looking for.

Getting What I Want out of This Class

Although I truly want to become a middle school media specialist, I am not 100% sure that Michigan schools will have media centers when I complete this degree.  Therefore, it is important for me to understand my options within the LIS field as well as the functions of a librarian.  It is my goal to discover the breath of this field so that I may make an informed decision about how I can best use my degree to serve others.

What I Bring to the Group and What I Expect From You

My skills include a love of reading and discussion.  My coworkers say that I always share a different perspective on topics we discuss.  If you value a diverse viewpoint I'll be a great match for your group.

I do what I say I will do.  I like to accomplish work with out procrastination.  If you like to get work done before the due date I will make a good team member.  Waiting until a due date to start a task is an unrealistic concept in my mind.

My students and I visit our school's media center on a regular basis.  I am familiar with the programs taught by our school's media specialist.  I also participate in programs at our school's media center, my local library and the West Bloomfield library.

The biggest challenge I believe I will face during this course is the shift in managing my time.  When I completed my first master's degree I didn't have a child.  Now that I have a toddler, I will have to find creative ways to get my work done within a time frame I feel comfortable with.

Potpourri

Last year I adopted a little boy who I love to pieces. Since adopting, I run a Facebook group called Ferndale Adoption Network.

My heart is in Michigan.  I believe in Detroit and am a firm believer in everything the city and surrounding suburbs have to offer.

I grow much of the food that my family eats.  I bake my own bread, can and freeze pesto for the year.  I don't hunt but I do take a deer to the butcher each year.    My other interests include do-it-yourself, homesteading, biking, jogging, NIA, yoga  and of course reading.

Favorite books for teens:
Stargirl
A Step From Heaven
Feed
Shadow of the Dragon
Homeless Bird