EDUCATION

University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill NC
M.S.L.S. w/School Media Certification, anticipated May 2019
Diversity Advocate Certificate

Queens University, Charlotte NC
M.Ed. in Literacy, 2006
Thesis: “The Correlation of Text Cues Used and Self-Correction Rates of Beginning Readers of English and Hebrew”

Colby-Sawyer College, New London NH
B.S. Early Childhood Education, Summa Cum Laude, 1993

Hofstra University, Hempstead NY
B.A. Social Sciences, Cum Laude,1986   
Thesis: “A Case Study in Hyperactivity”

EXPERIENCE

Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, Charlotte NC
Lifelong Learning Intern,  2018-present 

Support various Library Experience Directors with ongoing projects. Create reading prompts for caregivers engaging with Story Walk© at two new locations. Engage with children and caregivers at weekly community-based Learning Together programs. Assist Education Partnerships Manager with professional development training with local schools. Coach literacy volunteers and caregivers in Active Reading strategies.

Northside Elementary School, Chapel Hill NC
Library Volunteer, 2018

Assisted students with book selection. Prepared new books for circulation. Created thematic book displays. Curated resources to support second grade economics unit of study.

Trinity Episcopal School, Charlotte NC
Instructional Assistant/Reading Intervention Teacher, 2015-2017

Supported fourth grade teacher in implementation of general education curriculum. Provided instruction for first graders following the Reading Recovery format. Maintained, supplemented and organized classroom library.
 Served as lead teacher during two maternity leaves. Served on diversity and inclusion committee.

Second Grade Teacher, 2009-2011

Assessed prior knowledge, skills and strategies, and learning styles of students within academic, social, emotional, and behavioral realms. Planned and implemented reading and writing workshops, word study, Investigations math, social studies, and science units. Documented curriculum using Rubicon Atlas mapping software.  Communicated with parents, tutors, therapists, and administration.  Served on professional development and curriculum mapping committees. Facilitated faculty and staff improv sessions.

Charlotte Jewish Day School, Charlotte NC
Kindergarten Teacher, 2007-2009

Assessed prior knowledge, skills and strategies, and learning styles of students within academic, social, emotional, and behavioral realms. Planned and implemented reading and writing workshops, word study, Investigations math, social studies, and science units. Communicated with parents, tutors, therapists, and administration.  Served on admissions committee.

Director of Curriculum and Student Supervision, 2005-2007

Oversaw and annually reviewed secular curricula.  Communicated goals of instructional program to board of directors, staff, parents, and public.  Chaired curriculum development meetings.  Oversaw school-wide assessment program.  Coached faculty attempting new teaching strategies or techniques.  Maintained curriculum resource closets.  Coordinated and provided professional development. Chaired report card committee. Supervised differentiation of instruction and individual learning plans.  Provided parent education on literacy development, testing program, revised report cards, and Schools Attuned.

Learning Resource Administrator, 2004-2005

Collaborated in the establishment of a self-contained learning program for children with behavioral and communication needs.  Supervised tutoring services and coordinated tutoring schedule. Provided direct services to children needing language arts support.

First Grade Teacher, 2001-2004

Planned and implemented general studies curricula.  Assessed learning needs of students and adjusted teaching plans accordingly.  Chaired language arts committee.  Served on school leadership team in preparation for accreditation.

Derita Elementary School, Charlotte NC
Literacy Tutor, 2001

Supplemented language arts instruction for first and second-grade students who performed below grade-level expectations.  Assisted kindergarten teachers with end-of-year assessments.

The Epstein School, Atlanta GA
First Grade Teacher, Learning Support Teacher, 1997-2000

Developed and implemented general studies curricula incorporating the Four-Blocks Model and Everyday Mathematics.  Planned multi-level activities and lessons that addressed diverse learning styles. Provided individualized instruction for remediation and enrichment within and outside the classroom.  Conducted incoming and end-of-year assessments in reading, writing, and math.  Screened students applying to second-grade program.  Provided in-service training for faculty on conducting and analyzing running records.

New Eagle Elementary School, Wayne PA
Learning Support Teacher, 1994-1995

Worked with kindergarten students in small groups.  Lessons focused on expressive language, vocabulary, phonological and phonemic awareness, letter and word learning, reading and writing at an emergent level.  Taught first-grade students following the Reading Recovery format.

Beaver Meadow Elementary School, Concord NH
Reading Recovery and Title 1 Teacher, 1993-1994

Taught reading strategies to students at risk for literacy failure following the Reading Recovery model.  Collected data on student achievement for research conducted at Ohio State University.

PRESENTATIONS

North Carolina School Library and Media Association Conference, 2018
#MeToo in Kid Lit: Dealing with the Fallout in Public and School Libraries

Symposium for the Social Good, UNC SILS, 2018
#metoo in Kid Lit

North Carolina Association of Independent Schools Conference, 2017
So, What are You Doing with the White Kids?

Trinity Teaching and Learning Center, 2017
Classroom Libraries that Reflect All Readers

International Reading Association Annual Conference, 2012
Writing for Change with Young Elementary Students                                                                     

PUBLICATIONS

How do Children and Teens Learn?: Critical Learning Theories

TRAINING and PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

American Library Association Annual Conference, 2017, 2018
World View Building Stronger Bridges, 2018
Stewards of Children: Darkness to Light, 2017
Facing History and Ourselves Staff Development, 2017
Welcoming Schools, 2016
Literacy for All, 2016
Second City Improv Levels 1 & 2, 2016
White Privilege Conference, 2016
Dismantling Racism, 2015
International Reading Association Annual Conference,  2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012
ASCD Annual Conference, 2005, 2006, 2007
National Staff Development Council Conference and Seminar, 2005, 2007
Teaching Fellows Institute, 2006, 2007
National Association for Gifted Children Annual Conference, 2006
Differentiating Instruction: Beginning the Journey (ASCD), 2006
Reading Recovery, University of New Hampshire, 1993-1994

AWARDS and RECOGNITION        

Teaching Fellows Institute, Charlotte, NC, 2006
Child Study Award, Colby-Sawyer College, 1993
Phi Beta Kappa, Hofstra University, 1986

MEMBERSHIPS

American Library Association
American Association of School Libraries
Young Adult Library Service Association
Coalition for Youth Librarians, UNC-SILS, Vice President

COMMUNITY and VOLUNTEER SERVICE

AASL/ALSC/YALSA School/Public Library Collaboration, Committee Member
Possibility Project – Charlotte, Board Member
Three Bone Theatre, Board Member
Ebinport Elementary, Rock Hill SC, Literacy tutor
Sterling Elementary, Charlotte, NC, Assistant and tutor in first grade