S671 - SLMS Bridging Theory and Practice

Dana Fisher - Wed. Oct. 12 to Fri. Oct. 14, 2011

2011-10-12T01:18:00.000-07:00

Dana Fisher, an IUPUI SLIS graduate, now lives and works in North Carolina. This year, she moved from a media specialist position at a middle school library to become the libary media specialist at Florence Elementary School in High Point, NC (Both the schools are in the same district). Prior to moving to NC, Dana held a similar position at Tuttle Middle School in Crafordsville, IN.

Dana's unique perspectives include experiences with service learning, problem-based learning, collaborations with teachers, reading promotion activities, and maintaining her personal blogsite: The Quilted Librarian.

It is great to have the participation of a former student who is now working in the school library field. Learn more about Dana:
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/fisher.html

I'm asking Dana the same 'kickoff' question posed to all our blog guests: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Robin Tanis - Tues. Oct. 11 to Thurs. Oct. 13, 2011

2011-10-10T21:19:00.000-07:00

Robin Tanis is the Head Librarian at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, GA. At St. Pius, Robin has worked to establish a collaborative partnership with teachers. She was an early pioneer in technology integration bringing computers, automation, and the Internet into the library and then the rest of the school. Robin was the original Webmaster for the school and is still responsible for keeping the Flannery O’Connor Library Website up to date. A new change that she instituted this year is a fan page for the library on Facebook.

Encouraging pleasure reading is a professional interest of Robin’s. Robin is also known for ASPIRE! - - a Summer Reading Enrichment program. She has presented her program at state and national conferences. ASPIRE! was featured in both Knowledge Quest (Sep/Oct 2003, Access to PDF document requires login) and School Library Journal (Jan. 2004). She has established a Teen Library Council to give interested students leadership opportunities. She also moderates the Anime Club.

Asking Robin to respond to the same 'kickoff' question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Learn more about Robin at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/tanis.html.

Maria Savoldi - Mon. Oct. 10 to Wed. Oct. 12, 2011

2011-10-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Maria Savoldi has experience as a classroom teacher, a school library media specialist, and as a county director of instructional media and technology - - much of that as employee of the Glynn County School System, Brunswick, GA. She has also designed and delivered professional learning courses (staff development, teacher training) that foster effective technology integration.

Like most of our guest experts working in the field, Maria often delivers presentations and workshops at state and national conferences and has served in various governance roles in professional organizations.

In 2006 Maria made a career jump to begin working full-time in distance learning / online education. In that arena, she was first employed by the Georgia Virtual School and during the last few years, works for the Mercury Online Academy. Maria now lives in Florida and at Mercury, she is the Manager of Online Instructional Services.

I've also asked Maria to first respond to the 'kickoff question': "What is it that people don't get about your Job?"

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/savoldi.html

Cindy Newton - Wed. Oct. 5 to Fri. Oct 7, 2010

2011-10-04T21:22:00.000-07:00

Cindy Newton is the school library media specialist (SLMS) at Connersville Middle School (IN). Her background and expertise contains numerous positive teaching and learning experiences including work as an elementary teacher, followed by expanded technology responsibilities in the same school, and currently directing a successful library media program.

As a school library media specialist, Cindy collaborates with teachers and assists student research projects. She has initiated and guided several different reading promotions and programs. She also serves as the web master for both the Library Media Center and the Connersville Middle School websites.

Cindy is a frequent presenter at professional conferences such as ILF, ISRA, and ICE. She has been selected as the Fayette County School Corporation'sTeacher of the Year and was named as an IU Armstrong Educator. Recently she was selected to attend a Library of Congress Summer Institute.

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/newton.html

I've asked Cindy this year's 'startup' question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Lori Clark-Erickson - Tues. Oct. 4 to Thurs. Oct 6, 2010

2011-10-03T23:16:00.000-07:00

Next up on this semester's roster of guests is Lori Clark-Erickson, a teacher librarian at Jackson Hole High School in Wyoming - that's next to Grand Teton National Park, near Yellowstone N.P., and the headwaters of the Snake River.

Lori's library career path included a stint working at the public library and time at a school library paraprofessional position. She returned to school, completed a school library media degree, and a position opened up at the district's high school.

Lori is an enthusiastic and energetic teacher librarian, who enjoys collaborating with teachers, integrating technologies into classroom learning, and teaching information literacy to students.

Learn more about Lori's professional background and interests at her bio information page: http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/clark-erickson.html

As with all our guests this year, I have asked her the startup question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?"

Laura Frondorf - Mon. Oct. 3 to Wed. Oct 5, 2010

2011-10-03T00:42:00.000-07:00

A few years back, Laura Frondorf made the career jump from classroom teaching to the library media center. Laura had formerly worked as the grade 6-8 learning disabilities teacher at Brookville Middle School in Franklin County. Today Laura is the LMS at Brookville Middle School (Gr 5 - 8) and Mt. Carmel School (K-8).

Before completing her SLIS degree at IUPUI, Laura holds a degree in special education and a Masters degree in reading. With her strong background in reading and teaching, it's natural that she has plans and orchestrates reading events and promotions at her schools; i.e., book fairs, a book swap, summer reading programs, and author visits. Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/frondorf.html

I'm asking the same 'startup' question of Laura: "What is it that people don't get about your job?" It is okay to add your own inquiry comments at any time during the three day period.

Dennis LeLoup - Wed. Sept. 28 to Fri. Sept. 30, 2011

2011-09-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

Kicking off the Fall 2011 series of blog guests is Dennis LeLoup, a school librarian in the Avon Community School Corporation.

Dennis has a wealth of experiences within the state and at national levels with his leadership roles in ALA, AASL, ALSC, and AIME / ILF.

Learn more by visiting the information webpage at

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/leloup.html

To get started this year, I have emailed Dennis a brief question: "What is it that people don't get about your job?" Wait for his response and then join in with your own questions or extended ideas.

Have a great three days sharing information and ideas with Dennis LeLoup.

Laura Frondorf - Mon. Oct. 11 to Wed. Oct. 13, 2010

2010-10-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up this fall's schedule of guests is another IUPUI SLIS graduate, Laura Frondorf, who made the career jump from classroom to the library media center. Laura formerly worked as the grade 6-8 learning disabilities teacher at Brookville Middle School in Franklin County. Today Laura is the LMS at Brookville Middle School (Gr 5 - 8) and Mt. Carmel School (K-8).

In addition to the degree in special education, Laura also completed a Masters degrees in reading. So naturally she has planned and orchestrated reading events and promotions at her schools; book fairs, book swap, a summer reading program, and author visits.

Learn more about Laura at
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/frondorf.html

Susan Eley - Wed. Oct. 6 to Fri. Oct. 8, 2010

2010-10-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Susan Landis Eley is the PreK-4 Library Media Specialist at Hillside School in Mt. Laurel, NJ.

Susan recently shared three articles that resound with her professional practice and philosophy:

1) Jones, Jami (June 2010). Guest Blogger Jami Jones on Librarians, Caring, and SL Curriculum. School Library Monthly Blog.
"The [most] important role of the school library program is relational, not collecting and housing resources."

2) Valenza, Joyce (Oct 2010). Manifesto for 21st Century Librarians. Voya

3) Valenza, Joyce (Aug 2010). Things Teacher Librarians Should Unlearn (20 & Counting). Never Ending Search, School Library Journal.

Learn more at

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/eley.html

Kym Kramer - Tues. Oct. 5 to Thurs. Oct. 7, 2010

2010-10-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Kym Kramer began her educational career as an elementary teacher and then took a position as a elementary media specialist (Gr. K-5) at Metropolitan School District of Pike Township. More recently she has worked on completing a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction at Indiana University - Bloomington.

An award winning teacher and library media specialist, Kym is an adjunct professor in the School of Library and Information Science at IU-B. One of the courses that she teaches during the Spring is S671 School Media. She is an active member of AIME and ILF and is currently running for a position on the ILF Executive Board. Kym has written and published professional articles and made numerous presentations at ALA and AASL.

I'm very pleased that Kym has agreed to give of her time and expertise this semester, joining the class as a guest in these blog interactions. Learn a bit more about Kym at:
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/kramer.html

Cindy Turner - Mon. Oct. 4 to Wed. Oct. 6, 2010

2010-10-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

Cindy Turner, an IUPUI SLIS graduate, is the Technology Integration Specialist at the Region 7 Education Service Center in Kilgore, Texas. She is a former classroom teacher who moved to school media specialist positions first in Indiana and more recently in Tatum, Texas. Cindy then moved to a district-wide media and technology position in Tatum. Her leadership, experience, and expertise led to Cindy to the latest position at the Region 7 ESC serving 106 school districts in the Piney Woods region.

Cindy is a great example of a person whose career path extends beyond the classroom and building level library media position to encompass district and regional responsibilities. I am very pleased that she is joining the class in these virtual interaction sessions.

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/cindyturner.html

Cindy Newton - Wed. Sept. 29 to Fri. Oct. 1, 2010

2010-09-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

Cindy Newton is the school library media specialist (SLMS) at Connersville Middle School (IN). A recent IUPUI-SLIS graduate, Cindy has numerous positive teaching and learning experiences working first as a elementary teacher, expanding to cover technology responsibilities in the same school, and now directing a successful library media program.

As SLMS, Cindy collaborates with teachers and assists student research projects. She has initiated and guided reading promotions and programs at her school. She also serves as the web master for both the Library Media Center and the Connersville Middle School websites.

Cindy is a frequent presenter at professional conferences such as ILF, ISRA, and ICE. She has been selected as the Fayette County School Corporation's Teacher of the Year and was named as an IU Armstrong Educator. Recently she was selected and attended a Library of Congress Summer Institute.

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/newton.html

Dana Fisher - Tues. Sept. 28 to Thurs. Sept. 30, 2010

2010-09-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

A recent graduate of IU's SLIS program, Dana Fisher is one of two library media specialists working at Southwest Middle School in High Point, NC. Prior to that, Dana held a similar position at Tuttle Middle School in Crawfordsville, IN. Tuttle M.S. was a one-professional operation in a relatively small town location and today Dana works in a large urban school system.

Dana's unique perspectives include experiences with service learning, problem-based learning, collaborations with teachers, reading promotion activities, and her personal blogsite.

It is great to have the participation of a former student who has recently entered the school library field. Learn more about Dana:
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/fisher.html

Maria Savoldi - Mon. Sept. 27 to Wed. Sept. 29, 2010

2010-09-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

I am pleased that Maria Savoldi is joining this class for a return online session.

Maria has experience as a classroom teacher, a media specialist, and as county director of instructional media and technology - - much of that employment with the Glynn County School System, Brunswick, GA. She also has designed and delivered professional learning courses (staff development, teacher training) that foster effective technology integration.

Like most of our guest experts in the field, Maria often presents sessions at state and national conferences and has served in various governance roles in professional organizations.

More recently, Maria made the career jump to working with distance learning, online education. In that arena, she was first employed by the Georgia Virtual School and this year, took a new position with Mercury Online Academy.

Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/savoldi.html

Dennis LeLoup - Wed. Sept. 22 to Fri. Sept. 24, 2010

2010-09-21T19:57:00.000-07:00

Our next 3-day blog guest is Dennis LeLoup, one of our many outstanding teacher librarians in Indiana. When I first became acquainted with Dennis, he was the school library media contact in the Indiana Department of Education. In recent years, he has worked as an elementary librarian in the Avon Community School Corporation.

Dennis has a wealth of experience within the state and at national levels with his leadership roles in ALA, AASL, ALSC, and AIME / ILF. He is a strong advocate for school libraries and libraries of all types.

Find out more about him by visiting the information webpage at
http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/leloup.html

Have a great three days sharing information and ideas with Dennis LeLoup.

Lori Clark-Erickson - Mon. Sept. 20 to Wed. Sept. 22, 2010

2010-09-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

Kicking off this semester's roster of guests is Lori Clark-Erickson, the librarian at Jackson Hole High School in Wyoming.

Having met Lori, briefly visited her school and the Media Center this past August, I can say that she is an enthusiastic and energetic teacher librarian. Lori enjoys collaborating with teachers, integrating technologies into classroom learning, and teaching information literacy to students.

Learn more about Lori's professional background and interests at her bio information page at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/clark-erickson.html.

As with all our guests we are pleased to virtually have her with the class to share her ideas and insights and respond to student's questions and ideas. This always proves to be an interesting series of discussions.

Liz Gray - Thurs. Oct. 22 to Sat. Oct. 24, 2009

2009-10-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

Not all school media specialists and teacher librarians work in public schools. Back with this class again is Liz Gray, Library Director at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, MA.

Liz Gray's varied work experiences include serving as a School Library Director in Rome, Italy as well as stints in both a public library and an academic library. She is a former English teacher who has taught in Switzerland and England. You can find additional information about Liz at the following website:

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/lizgray.html

Liz consults on library space planning and has taught "Planning Libraries for the 21st Century" and "Good Ideas: Successful Library Programming and Instruction" at the Taft Education Center in Watertown, CT.

Robyn Young - Thurs. Oct. 15 to Sat. Oct. 17, 2009

2009-10-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

Like several other of our guests, Robyn Young, director of school media at Avon High School, has interacted with students in previous years. But last year, she was busy serving as President of AIME - - I didn't even try to schedule her participation then. A visit to her bio site will confirm that she is busy . . . all-the-time http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/young.html

She has a rich background in teaching and school library media including expertise and experience with the assessment of school library media programs, use of graphic books, learning standards, grants and funding, leadership, mentoring and more.

Hella Rumschlag - Sun. Oct. 11 to Tues. Oct. 13, 2009

2009-10-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hella Rumschlag is the media specialist and technology coordinator at Mohawk Trails Elementary School in Carmel, IN. Start learning about Hella by reading a brief bio at http://eduscapes.com/- - rumschlag.html.

Mohawk Trails Library Media Center http://www1.ccs.k12.in.us/- -media-center/

Hella is an active member in ILF and AIME; she is a presenter at the upcoming conference. She has been able to effectively collaborate with teachers and students in her building. Helen uses Moodle for a YHBA (Young Hoosier Book Award) program and also supports several teachers with their use of Moodle in the classroom. She is about to launch another collaborative Moodle between two grade 2 and 3 transition classes at two different schools.

Hella's extensive background makes her an excellent resource for discussion on career change, combined responsibilties for technology and library media, and other topics directly related to schools and learning.

Robin Tanis - Thurs. Oct. 8 to Sat. Oct. 10, 2009

2009-10-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

Robin Tanis is the Head Librarian at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, GA. At St. Pius, Robin has worked to establish a collaborative partnership with teachers. She was an early pioneer in technology integration bringing computers, automation, and the Internet into the library and then the rest of the school. Robin was the original Webmaster for the school and is still responsible for keeping the Flannery O’Connor Library Website up to date.

Encouraging pleasure reading is a professional interest of Robin’s. Robin is also known for ASPIRE! - - a Summer Reading Enrichment program. She has presented her program at state and national conferences. ASPIRE! was featured in both Knowledge Quest (Sep/Oct 2003, Access to PDF document requires login) and School Library Journal (Jan. 2004). She has established a Teen Library Council to give interested students leadership opportunities. She also moderates the Anime Club.

Learn more about Robin at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/tanis.html.

Blog Interaction with Chris Somers - Mon. Oct. 5 to Wed. Oct. 7, 2009

2009-10-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

Chris Somers is the media specialist at Indian Creek Middle School in Trafalgar, Indiana. Chris has been successful in securing grants for her school and collaborating with teachers. She is another Indiana teacher librarian who is integrally involved in classrooms and student learning and who is always looking for new and interesting opportunities.

Learn more about Chris and her professional interests and expertise at:
Chris Somers http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/somers.html.

You can also visit her school's and media center websites:
Indian Creek Middle School http://www.nhj.k12.in.us/icms/
Media Center website http://www.nhj.k12.in.us/icms/library/index.htm

Blog Interaction with Elizabeth Winningham - Thurs. Oct. 1 to Sat. Oct. 3, 2009

2009-09-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Winningham of the Avon Community School Corporation is another outstanding Indiana school media specialist. She is active in IAME and has served in a number of committees and roles - - IN DoE: Information Literacy Task Force Committee, involved with the integration of INSPIRE resources into teaching lessons, and a member of the Blue Ribbon School Committee.

Elizabeth began her school library career opening the media center at Avon Intermediate School (Now designated as East). More recently, she was centrally involved in the planning, development, and opening of the media center for a new school, Avon Intermediate School West (Her current school location).

Learn more about Elizabeth Winningham at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/winningham.html

Visit the site for her Media Center at

http://media-cen.media-center . . . . . . 517ecf

Blog Interaction with Maria Savoldi - Mon. Sept. 28 to Wed. Sept. 30, 2009

2009-09-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Maria Savoldi has work experience as a classroom teacher, a media specialist, and as county director of instructional media and technology - - much of that employment with the Glynn County School System, Brunswick, GA. She has a wealth of experience in designing and delivering professional learning courses (staff development, teacher training) that foster effective technology integration.

Like most of our guest experts in the field, Maria often presents sessions at state and national conferences and has served in various governance roles in professional organizations. She is a former President of the Georgia Association for Instructional Technology (GAIT) and the Division of School Media and Technology (DSMT) of AECT. For a number of years Maria also worked as a trainer for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards™ in the Library Media certificate area.

Maria now works for the Georgia Virtual School where her current role is technology support specialist. Learn more at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/savoldi.html

Blog Interaction with Nancy McGriff - Thurs. Sept. 24 to Sat. Sept. 26, 2009

2009-09-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

Nancy McGriff is another school library media specialist with a proven "track record." She has headed up library media programs at all grade levels.

At two different schools and in three different school years (1992, 1999 and 2005), Nancy's media programs have garnered outstanding awards. She is a strong mentor and a leader in the profession. Nancy has published articles and frequently presents at state and national conferences.

To learn more, be sure to visit http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/mcgriff.html

More recently Nancy received the "American Star of Teaching" Award for Indiana (Link to article at LaPorte County Herald-Argus) from the U.S. Dept. of Education and its No Child Left Behind program.

Bonnie Grimble - Mon. Sept. 21 to Wed. Sept. 23, 2009

2009-09-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Grimble is department chair of the Media Center at Carmel High School. Carmel High, grades 9 through 12, has over 4,100 students, 240 classroom teachers, eleven administrators, and 150 other support and service staff members. In her position, Bonnie works closely with two other media specialists and three media managers. Learn more about Bonnie Grimble at http://eduscapes.com/sms/grimble.html

Bonnie has a comprehensive range of expertise and experiences gained at her large-urban high school workplace and her service and contributions in the school library media profession.

Helen Adams - Thurs. Sept. 17 to Sat. Sept. 19, 2009

2009-09-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Helen Adams teaches online courses for Mansfield University's (PA) School Library and Information Technologies program. Formerly Helen was a school librarian and technology coordinator in Wisconsin.

Helen is an advocate for school libraries and teacher librarians; a strong leader who is active at state, regional, and national levels. She is a frequent conference presenter and has authored a number of articles and textbooks. Her latest book is Ensuring Intellectual Freedom and Access to Information in the School Library from Libraries Unlimited.

http://lu.com/showbook.cfm?isbn=9781591585398

Helen's professional interests focus mainly on issues and ideas related to intellectual freedom, privacy in school library media programs, and Internet filtering. Learn more about Helen Adams at

http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/adams.html

Catherine Trinkle - Thurs. Oct. 23 to Sat. Oct. 25 , 2008

2008-10-22T11:06:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up this Fall's schedule of virtual guests is Catherine Trinkle of Avon, IN. Catherine is the school media specialist at Hickory Elementary School. She is also the webmaster for Hickory Elementary, and her professional interests center on but are not limited to the effective use of technology and the teaching and promotion of reading. Learn more about Mrs. Trinkle at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/trinkle.html.

Explore the Hickory Elementary School website http://he.avon-schools.org/.
Notice that you can connect to the Media Center and Mrs. Trinkle's Homepage from the menu bar.

Catherine writes for School Library Media Activities Monthly and completes book reviews for Library Media Connection.

Marnie Bolstad - Mon. Oct. 20 to Wed. Oct. 21 , 2008

2008-10-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

Marnie Bolstad, one of three teacher librarians at her school, is working her third year at Newton South High School, Newton, MA.

Prior to her current assignment at NSHS, Marnie was an elementary library teacher for five years in the Newton School System. At the elementary level, she worked 'solo' without an aide or other staff support. In her own words, "I did a little bit of everything."

At Newton South High School, Marnie works with three paraprofessional library staff members, a secretary and two aides.

Learn more about our Marnie and her school at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/bolstad.html

Janette Fluharty - Thur. Oct. 16 to Sat. Oct. 18, 2008

2008-10-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Janette Fluharty has been a teacher for thirteen years, having taught for ten years in a general education classroom and now in her third year as the teacher librarian at Avon Intermediate School East in Avon, IN.

Passions: teaching, reading promotion, technology integration, and collaboration with peers.
Biggest Surprise About Her Job: She LOVES 5th and 6th graders.
Best Part of Her Job: Working with teachers and students
Hardest Part of Her Job: Finding the time to fit it all in

Learn more about Janette by visiting: http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/fluharty.html

Ramona Ho - Mon. Oct. 6 to Wed. Oct. 8, 2008

2008-10-05T14:05:00.000-07:00

For ten years, Ramona Ho has been the Head Librarian at Charles Reed Bishop Learning Center, Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus, Pukalani, Hawaii - - a school facility that she helped plan and build.

Ramona previously held positions as an elementary teacher, a reference librarian at the University of Hawaii's Medical School, a reference / instructional librarian at a community college, and the Head Librarian at a private high school and a large public high school.

Learn more about Ramona at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/ramonaho.html

Helen Adams - Thurs. Oct. 2 to Sat. Oct. 4, 2008

2008-10-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Helen Adams is currently teaching online courses for Mansfield University's (PA) School Library and Information Technologies program. Formerly Helen was a school librarian and technology coordinator in Wisconsin.

Helen is an advocate for school libraries and teacher librarians; a strong leader who is active at state, regional, and national levels. She is a frequent conference presenter and has authored a number of articles and textbooks on technology planning, Internet search tools, library automation, school library policy development, and privacy. Her latest book Ensuring Intellectual Freedom and Access to Information in the School Library was released last month by Libraries Unlimited http://lu.com/showbook.cfm?isbn=9781591585398.

Her professional interests focus mainly on issues and ideas related to intellectual freedom, privacy in school library media programs, and Internet filtering. Learn more about Helen Adams at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/adams.html.

Robin Tanis - Mon. Sept. 29 to Wed. Oct. 1, 2008

2008-09-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

Robin Tanis is the Head Librarian at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, GA. At St. Pius, Robin has established a collaborative partnership with the school’s classroom teachers. She was an early pioneer in technology integration bringing computers, automation, and the Internet into the library and then the rest of the school. Robin was the original Webmaster for the school (http://www.spx.org/) and is still responsible for keeping the Flannery O’Connor Library Web site current (http://www.spx.org/library).

Encouraging pleasure reading is a professional interest of Robin’s. Robin is known for ASPIRE! - - a Summer Reading Enrichment program. She has presented her program at state and national conferences. ASPIRE! was featured in both Knowledge Quest (Sep/Oct 2003, Access to PDF document requires login) and School Library Journal (Jan. 2004). Last year she began a Teen Library Council to give interested students leadership opportunities in the library. She also moderates the Anime Club.

Learn more about Robin at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/tanis.html.

Liz Gray - Thurs. Sept. 25 to Sat. Sept. 27, 2008

2008-09-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

Not all school media specialists and teacher librarians work in public schools. Liz Gray is the Library Director at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, MA.

Liz Gray's varied work experiences include serving as a School Library Director in Rome, Italy as well as stints in both a public library and an academic library. She is a former English teacher who has taught in Switzerland and England. You can find additional information about Liz at the following website: http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/lizgray.html

Liz consults on library space planning and has taught "Planning Libraries for the 21st Century" and "Good Ideas: Successful Library Programming and Instruction" at the Taft Education Center in Watertown, CT.

Leslie Preddy - Mon. Sept. 22 to Wed. Sept. 24, 2008

2008-09-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

Leslie Preddy is the library media specialist at Perry Meridian Middle School, Indianapolis. Leslie is another Indiana and national leader in the school library field. She is an author, presenter, and an enthusiastic teacher librarian with a long list of participation, accomplishment, and some well-deserved recognition.

Learn more about Leslie:
Introduction at eduScapes http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/preddy.html
Instructional Media Center Website: http://pmms.msdpt.k12.in.us/imc/index.htm
Leslie Preddy: Reading, Thinking, Learning, Living . . . http://www.lesliepreddy.com/

Here is another occasion to discuss real issues, concerns, and experiences with a library media professional.

Carl Harvey II -Thurs. Sept. 18th to Sat. Sept. 20, 2008

2008-09-18T00:53:00.000-07:00

This year we are fortunate to have as another of our virtual guests, Carl Harvey II, library media specialist at North Elementary School (Noblesville, IN).

Carl holds leadership roles at the state and national level, has written several journal articles, authored two books, and is a frequent presenter at professional conferences. He is the current President of the Indiana Library Federation. Carl is a "go-to" person who often assists and mentors others who are becoming active in the professional field.

Learn more about Carl's professional activities and accomplishments at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/harvey.html

Teresa Garreth-Mon. Sept. 15th to Wed. Sept. 17, 2008

2008-09-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Teresa Garreth is the media specialist at New Castle Chrysler High School (NCCHS). Previously Teresa was an elementary teacher and later supervised seven elementary libraries for the New Castle Community Schools.

Learn more about Teresa and her professional interests and expertise at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/garreth.html

Visit her media center's website at http://www.nccsc.k12.in.us/hsmedia/

Teresa has first-hand experience with a position responsible for several school libraries and can provide realistic ideas about multiple building types of assignments. She also has excellent ideas and experience related to reading promotion, collection development, and can discuss any relevant issue related to school library media.

Blog Interaction with Joyce Valenza - Mon. Oct 29 to Wed. Oct 31, 2007

2007-10-23T21:14:00.000-07:00

Dr. Joyce Valenza from Springfield Township High School is a School Library Media Specialist who is a strong advocate of the 'Library 2.0' movement. The evolution of her Virtual Library resources reflects her philosophy. More recently she's moved toward learning spaces that incorporate learner participation and active involvement such as blogs and wikis.

Learn more about Joyce by exploring the information and resources found at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/valenza.html

You might begin a conversation with her about specific details related to her vision for today's teacher librarians or her ideas and insights for school libraries and technology.

Blog Interaction with Hella Rumschlag - Thurs. Oct. 18 to Wed. Oct. 20, 2007

2007-10-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Hella Rumschlag is in her second year as the media specialist and technology coordinator at Mohawk Trails Elementary School in Carmel, IN. This is also the second time she has joined this class as an expert practitioner in the field. Start by reading the archived discussions with her from last year (Nov. 2006).

Learn more about Hella at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/rumschlag.html.

Mohawk Trails Library Mediea Center http://www.ccs.k12.in.us/mte/MediaCenter/...htm

Hella's extensive background makes her an excellent resource for discussion on career change, combined responsibilties for technology and library media, and other topics directly related to schools and learning.

Blog Interaction with Teresa Garreth - Mon. Oct. 15 to Wed. Oct. 17, 2007

2007-10-14T21:29:00.000-07:00

Joining the class for the first time is media specialist at New Chrysler High School, New Castle Community Schools: Teresa Garreth. Teresa is another outstanding Indiana teacher librarian, a well-rounded leader in our profession.

Learn more about Teresa and her professional interests and expertise at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/garreth.html.

Visit her media center's website at http://www.nccsc.k12.in.us/hsmedia/

To begin the conversation, you might blog-discuss with Teresa about professional leadership and development, technology integration and the SLM program, or collection development. I'm sure that Teresa is willing to discuss any relevant idea and issue related to school library media.

Blog Interaction with Chris Somers - Wed. Oct. 11 to Sat. Oct. 13, 2007

2007-10-11T00:05:00.000-07:00

Chris Somers is the media specialist at Indian Creek Middle School in Trafalgar, Indiana. This is the second time that she has taken time from her schedule to interact and share her experiences and insights with this class; be sure to visit the discussions with students archived here in November 2005.

Learn more about Chris and her professional interests and expertise at:
Chris Somers http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/somers.html.

You can also visit her school's and media center websites:
Indian Creek Middle School http://www.nhj.k12.in.us/icms/
Media Center website http://www.nhj.k12.in.us/icms/library/index.htm

She has been very successful in securing grants for her school and collaborating with teachers. She is another Indiana teacher librarian who is integrally involved in classrooms and student learning and who is always looking for new and interesting opportunities.

Blog Interaction with Alice Yucht - Mon. Oct. 8 to Wed. Oct. 10, 2007

2007-10-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

We are privileged to have as our 'virtual guest': Alice Yucht - - a truly remarkable library professional with varied experiences, loads of expertise, and her truly, unique ways of expression. And while she no longer works as a full-time librarian, she continues to write, speak, teach, and contribute new ideas to the field.

Learn a little more about Alice at these websites:
Alice Yucht http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/yucht.html
Alice in InfoLand (blogsite) http://www.aliceinfo.org/

I doubt if there is any concept directly related to libraries and school libraries that Alice could not respond to with solid, practical suggestions . . . but this is not a contest - - rather it's a rare opportunity to discuss real issues with an expert.

Blog Interaction with Leslie Preddy - Thur. Oct. 4 to Sat. Oct. 6, 2007

2007-10-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

Leslie Preddy is the library media specialist at Perry Meridian Middle School, Indianapolis. Leslie is an outstanding Indiana and national leader in our field. She is an enthusiastic teacher librarian with a long list of participation, accomplishment, and some well-deserved recognition.

Learn more about Leslie:
Introduction at eduScapes http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/preddy.html
Instructional Media Center Website: http://pmms.msdpt.k12.in.us/imc/index.htm
Leslie Preddy: Reading, Thinking, Learning, Living . . . http://www.lesliepreddy.com/

Leslie is a frequent presentor at state, regional, and national conferences. Look for her on the program of this Fall's AASL Conference and the ILF / IAME Conference.

This is another opportunity to discuss real issues, concerns, and experiences with a library media professional.

Blog Interaction with Janette Fluharty - Mon. Oct. 1 to Wed. Oct. 3, 2007

2007-09-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

Janette Fluharty is the first SLMS joining class members for this semester's blog discussions (She was the final virtual guest during last year's class). This year is Janette's third year as library media specialist at Avon Intermediate School East, Avon, IN.

Visit her school's media center pages at http://media-center.avon-east.schoolfusion.us/

Learn more about Janette's experience and interests at http://eduscapes.com/sms/overview/fluharty.html

Janette has again generously agreed to share her insights and practical ideas about her school library program and any other topics related to school library media.

Blog Interaction with Janette Fluharty - Thurs. Nov. 9 to Sat. Nov. 11, 2006

2006-11-08T19:47:00.000-08:00

Janette Fluharty is the final SLMS visiting with the class for this semester's blog series. She is completing her second year as the teacher librarian at Avon Intermediate School East, Avon, IN.

Visit her school's website is at http://www.avon.k12.in.us/AIS-East/home.htm
(Look for the link to media center pages at Special Areas)

Learn more about Janette's experience and interests at http://eduscapes.com/sms/fluharty.html

Janette has a strong background as a classroom teacher. She can share her insights and practical ideas about switching careers, getting started with her own school library program, and any topic related to school library media.

Blog Interaction with Hella Rumschlag - Thurs. Nov. 2 to Sat. Nov. 4, 2006

2006-10-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

Hella Rumschlag is in her first year as the media specialist and technology coordinator at Mohawk Trails Elementary School in Carmel, IN.

You can learn more about Hella's professional background at http://eduscapes.com/sms/rumschlag.html.

You might ask Hella about her experiences in this first year as teacher librarian in charge of her own program. Knowing that she worked as a library assistant for several years, you also have an opportunity to ask about her insights and recomendations for supervising paraprofessional staff member positions.

Blog Interaction with Robert Cox - Mon. Oct. 30 to Wed. Nov. 1, 2006

2006-10-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

Rob Cox is a media specialist who works at two schools in Fortville, IN. Both are elementary schools, one serving grades K-4 and the other grades 5 and 6.

Learn more about Rob at http://eduscapes.com/sms/robcox.html

You can ask Rob for his candid views about his first few years on-the-job, about his experience working at two schools, or anything related to the school library media profession.

Blog Interaction with Robyn Young - Thurs. Oct. 26 to Sat. Oct. 28, 2006

2006-10-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Robyn Young, director of school media at Avon High School, blogged with last year's class November 14-16, 2005.

Learn more about her at http://eduscapes.com/sms/young.html. Robyn's research project on graphic novels was funded by the American Library Association (http://www.slis.iupui.edu/graphicnovels.htm). Robyn also would be an excellent person to e-talk about library media center newsletters, annual reports, and program assessment.

Feel free to expand discussion about any topic for school library media.

Blog Interaction with Carl Harvey II - Mon Oct. 23 to Wed Oct. 25, 2006

2006-10-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

Carl Harvey II, library media specialist at North Elementary School (Noblesville, IN) is another 'blue ribbon' guest and return blogger. You can read last year's interactions at this site: Oct. 24-26, 2005

Carl is a prolific figure in School Library Media, active in the profession in leadership roles at the state and national level, a frequent author of professional articles, and presentor at conferences. He's a co-chair for next year's AASL National Conference in Reno, NV. He is also a frequent mentor to others who are just starting to get active in the professional field.

Learn more about Carl's professional activities and accomplishments at http://eduscapes.com/sms/harvey.htm l.

Blog Interaction with Catherine Trinkle - Thurs. Oct. 19 to Sat. Oct. 21, 2006

2006-10-18T11:17:00.000-07:00

Catherine Trinkle is the media specialist at Hickory Elementary in Avon, IN.

Also a returning volunteer participant this year, Catherine is active in the professional field - writing/publishing, presenting, and serving in a number of organizational representative roles. You can find last year's e-converstions with her at this blogsite, October 13-15, 2005.

Learn more about Catherine at http://eduscapes.com/sms/trinkle.html

Catherine has integrated new technologies into her SLMS program, coordinated a variety to reading initiatives and promotions, written and received funding from a number of grants, and orchestrated successful fundraising events. Another busy teacher librarian, she is willing to discuss any issues that relate to her work or her insights into the profession.

Blog Interaction with Nancy McGriff - Mon. Oct. 16 to Wed. Oct. 18, 2006

2006-10-16T01:18:00.000-07:00

Nancy McGriff is another school library media specialist with a proven "track record." She has headed up school library media programs at all grade levels. At two different schools and in three different school years (1992, 1999 and 2005) her media programs have garnered outstanding awards. She is a strong mentor and leader in the profession and frequently presents at conferences.

To learn more, be sure to visit http://eduscapes.com/sms/mcgriff.html

Recommend that you first visit her blog interactions with last year's students, Sept. 22-24, 2005. She is willing to share her expertise and insights about any facet of school library media programs and her career.

Blog Interaction with John McDonald – Thurs. Oct. 12 to Sat. Oct. 14, 2006

2006-10-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

John McDonald is the latest SLMS from Indiana to receive the prestigious "Frances Henne Award" from the American Library Association (ALA, 2005) as the outstanding new school library media specialist of the year. He is also currently serving as President-Elect of the Association for Indiana Media Educators (AIME, 2006).

Learn more about John McDonald at http://eduscapes.com/sms/mcdonald.html

John is another returning blogger for the class. You will find that he is energetic and innovative, willing to try new ideas and ways in his middle school position. Something seems to be working, and John is willing to share his candid insights. If you're looking for conversation/question starters, then John encourages you to read parts of the annual report at his Media Center website. Most of the major initiatives are outlined in that document.

Blog Interaction with Bonnie Grimble – Mon. Oct. 9 to Wed. Oct. 11, 2006

2006-10-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Grimble works as the department chair of the Media Center at Carmel High School. Carmel High, grades 9 through 12, has over 4,000 students, more than 150 classroom teachers, ten administrators, near twenty other professional staff, and over 150 other support and service staff members. In her position, Bonnie works closely with three other media specialists and three media managers. Learn more about Bonnie Grimble at http://eduscapes.com/sms/grimble.html

Bonnie is another return participant for these blog interactions. You will find last year's discussions with her here at this blogsite: Oct. 17-19, 2005. Bonnie has a comprehensive range of expertise and experiences gained at both her large-urban high school workplace and her service in the school library media profession. And as usual, try to extend this year's conversations with Bonnie in ways not covered previously.

Blog Interaction with Elizabeth Winningham – Thurs Oct. 5 to Sat. Oct. 7, 2006

2006-10-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Winningham began her school library career opening the media center at Avon Intermediate School (Now designated as East). More recently, she was centrally involved in the planning, development, and opening of the media center for a new school, Avon Intermediate School West (Her present work location).

Learn more about Elizabeth Winningham at http://eduscapes.com/sms/winningham.html

Elizabeth is a return participant for these blog interactions. You will find last year's discussions with her here at this blogsite: Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2005. Elizabeth has unique insights into reading and approaches for helping reluctant readers, collaborative planning, information literacy, and experiences in planning and opening a new school media centers. Don't limit disccussion to these topics; Elizabeth has a wealth of career and professional information, ideas, and experience to share. Try to extend this year's conversations in ways not covered previously.

Blog Interaction about School Library Media Health - Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, 2005

2005-11-28T13:16:00.000-08:00

Underwood, A. (Oct. 3, 2005). The Good Heart. Newsweek.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9467735

The above article from Newsweek reports on the mounting evidence suggesting that psychological outlook is just as important to health as are diet and exercise.

Now, how might those factors be interpreted in shaping a healthy school library media program? Yes, I know many school media specialists could lose some weight (especially myself) . . . but that is not what I mean.

Think about the health of a school library media center in terms of diet, exercise, and outlook - - the diet of the library (inputs, what is taken in), exercise (activities, what gets done), and outlook (attitudes, climate, and atmosphere). Reflecting on our discussions and the course content of this semester, provide examples that represent a healthy program approach? Share your ideas and how they fit within the healthy school library framework.

Blog Interaction with Dana Hochstedler & Rob Cox – Thurs. Nov. 17 to Sat. Nov. 19, 2005

2005-11-17T22:25:00.000-08:00

Dana Hochstedler and Rob Cox are both elementary media specialists in the same school system. This is Rob’s first year.

Learn more about both Dana and Rob at http://eduscapes.com/sms/hochstedler.html

You might start the discussions with Dana on her insights into maximizing a library center budget, her assignment covering two elementary buildings, and also facilities planning (One of her schools opened this year). You might ask Rob for his candid views on the first year on-the-job; his position is also divided between two schools.

Blog Interaction with Robyn Young – Mon. Nov. 14 to Wed. Nov. 16, 2005

2005-11-14T21:53:00.000-08:00

Robyn Young is director of school media at Avon High School.

Learn more about Robyn at http://eduscapes.com/sms/young.html

Robyn Young would be an excellent person to e-talk about library media center newsletters, annual reports, and program assessment. Feel free to expand discussion to any related topics for school library media.

Blog Interaction with Chris Somers – Thurs. Nov. 10 to Sat. Nov. 12, 2005

2005-11-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

Chris Somers, a former language arts teacher, is the media specialist at Indian Creek Middle School in Trafalgar, Indiana.

You can learn more about Chris by reading her background information at http://eduscapes.com/sms/somers.html

Her professional interests and expertise includes the integration of technology into the curriculum, assistive technology, and grantwriting and funding opportunities. Use this opportunity to e-discuss with Chris these or other related topics.

Blog Interaction with Linda Mills – Thurs. Oct. 27 to Sat. Oct. 29, 2005

2005-10-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

Linda Mills is the library media specialist at Rosenmund Elementary School, Greensburg, IN.

Learn more about Linda Mills at http://eduscapes.com/sms/mills.html

You might begin your e-conversation with a focus on library media program planning, assessment and accountability, or collaboration with teachers. However any topic related to school library media would be fine.

Blog Interaction with Carl Harvey II – Mon. Oct. 24 to Wed. Oct. 26, 2005

2005-10-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

Carl Harvey II is the library media specialist at North Elementary School, Noblesville, IN.

Learn more about Carl Harvey at http://eduscapes.com/sms/harvey.htm l

To begin the conversation, you might blog-talk with Carl about professional leadership and development, collaboration and curriculum development, or technology integration. I am sure that Carl is willing to discuss any idea and issue related to jobs in school library media.

Blog Interaction with Vickie Thomas – Thurs. Oct. 20 to Sat. Oct. 22, 2005

2005-10-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

Vickie Thomas is the library media specialist at Anderson High School. Her high school recently underwent extensive renovations that included the library media center.

Learn more about Vickie Thomas at http://eduscapes.com/sms/thomas.html

You might begin discussions with Vickie on information skills, collaborative programs with public library, and facilities planning. But feel free to expand the interaction to any ideas and issues related to her work and career.

Blog Interaction with Bonnie Grimble – Mon. Oct. 17 to Wed. Oct. 19, 2005

2005-10-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

Bonnie Grimble works in a large urban high school as the media center department chair working with three other media specialists.

Learn more about Bonnie Grimble at http://eduscapes.com/sms/grimble.html

You might focus discussions with Bonnie on program planning, administration and budgeting, facilities design, or the value of professional involvement. Or you can open up to include any issues and ideas related to her knowledge and experience.

Blog Interaction with Catherine Trinkle – Thurs. Oct. 13 to Sat. Oct. 15, 2005

2005-10-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

Catherine Trinkle is the media specialist at Hickory Elementary in Avon, IN.

Learn more about Catherine Trinkle at http://eduscapes.com/sms/trinkle.html

You might start your e-conversation by asking Catherine about fixed versus flexible scheduling (she has worked in both environments), technology integration, or the basis of her opinion of AASL’s Information Literacy Standards. But feel free to bring up any issues that relate to the work of an elementary teacher librarian.

Blog Interaction with Deborah Levitov – Thurs. Oct. 13 to Sat. Oct. 15, 2005

2005-10-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Deborah Levitov has worked at elementary and secondary school libraries and public libraries. She spent several years as the Coordinator for Library Media Services at Lincoln Public Schools (NB). This past summer, she switched to being the Managing Editor of School Library Activities Monthly and Crinkles magazines.

Learn more about Deborah Levitov at http://eduscapes.com/sms/levitov.html

You may want to discuss writing practical articles for the profession or her ideas and experiences with staff development planning and activities. But with her wide background of experiences and expertise, I’m sure Deb would be willing to talk about anything related to school library media programs.

Blog Interaction with Jane Kokotkiewicz - Mon. Oct. 10 to Wed. Oct. 12, 2005

2005-10-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

Jane Kokotkiewicz is a school library media specialist in a highly acclaimed private school. She is department chair for the library media services with three library media centers; one serving the Hilbert Early Education Center and Lower School, another serving the Middle School, and a third serving the Upper School.

Learn more about Jane Kokotkiewicz at http://eduscapes.com/sms/kokotkiewicz.html

Discussions with Jane might begin with comparing and contrasting work in private and public schools and involvement in curriculum and program planning. Feel free to move on to other aspects and interests.

Blog Interaction with Elizabeth Winningham – Thurs. Sept. 29 to Sat. Oct. 1, 2005

2005-09-29T10:45:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Winningham began her school library career opening the media center at Avon Intermediate School (Now designated as East). More recently, she was centrally involved in the planning, development, and opening of the media center for a new school, Avon Intermediate School West (Her new work location).

Learn more about Elizabeth Winningham at http://eduscapes.com/sms/winningham.html

You might start this virtual exchange asking Elizabeth of her unique insights into reading and approaches for helping reluctant readers, collaborative planning, information literacy, or her recent experiences in planning and opening a new school media center. But don't limit disccussion to these; Elizabeth has a wealth of information, ideas, and experience to share.

Blog Interaction with John McDonald - Mon. Sept. 26 to Wed. Sept 28, 2005

2005-09-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

John McDonald, Connersville Middle School, is an active school library media specialist with seemingly endless energy and ideas. A few years ago as a beginning teacher librarian, he proactively initiated changes that truly impact students, his school and community. John has been successful in collaborating with administration, teachers and students.

Learn more about John McDonald at http://eduscapes.com/sms/mcdonald.html

You may want to start with discussion about his part in the adoption of an information inquiry model, or how he teams with students in the media center, or his insights on professional involvement. But feel free to bring up ideas and issues related to any part of his work.

Blog Interaction with Nancy McGriff - Thurs. Sept. 22 to Sat. Sept. 24, 2005

2005-09-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

Nancy McGriff is a school library media specialist with lots of experience and a proven "track record." Her programs at two different school locations were given the Esther V. Burring award for the Exemplary Indiana Media Program (1992 and 1999). And she has reached outside her work location to lead in professional organizations, publish articles, and collaborate with and mentor colleagues.

To learn more, be sure to visit http://eduscapes.com/sms/mcgriff.html

It is appropriate to begin this semester's virtual visits with Nancy. You could start by focusing the discussion on program planning, grant writing, or the teacher librarian's role in reading, but feel free to jump in and ask a question in any area related to her work.

Bridging Theory and Practice

2005-09-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our School Library Media Specialist blog for L553 at Indiana University at Indianapolis. Over the next few months we'll be exploring a wide range of topics that will help preservice teacher librarians bridge the gap between theory and practice. Each posting will focus on different key issues and topics. A guest professional will be commenting on the topic and answering questions.

Even if you're not registered for this class, feel free to comment if you have ideas you feel might be relevant to the discussion.