Mrs J in the Library

This is my 15th year as an elementary teacher-librarian, six of which I was the library department co-chair. I also spent 5 years as a technology workshop instructor.

I believe teacher-librarians and library spaces should inspire and empower students to create, as well as read, research, and think critically. In 2013, I started using library centers for grades 3-5 as I teach on a semi-fixed library schedule. Currently, I use a blend of mini lessons and constructivism with time for students to work in class and have some choices in their learning. When sharing a book with a class or small group, however, I use questioning heavily as I try to guide students to figure out the answer themselves. Critical thinking skills are an absolutely necessary part of my teaching, and my students have to bring their brains (and listening ears) to library class!

PA School Librarian Association (PSLA) Outstanding Library District Award, 2016; Presenter at the PA School Librarian Association and PA Library Association conferences; Commonwealth Libraries LSTA K-12 laptop grant recipient, 2009-10

B.S. in Elementary Education from Messiah College, Grantham, PA; M.L.I.S. in Library Science from University of Pittsburgh, PA; Online Teaching Endorsement from Millersville University

I live in Pennsylvania with my awesome husband and daughter.