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