Connecting, Collaborating, and Planning as Library Media Specialists

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Strand Leaders

Joyce Babbit

Joyce Yoo Babbitt

Library Media Specialist and STEAM teacher

Dothan Brook School, White River Junction, VT

joyce.babbitt@maine.edu

Paula Boyce

Paula Boyce

Literacy Leader/Librarian

University of Maine, Orono, ME

paula.boyce@maine.edu; @PaulaBoyce2

Strand Description

As school librarians, we will examine a variety of tools and ideas to share with each other in order to prepare for the upcoming school year. We will plan out how to use resources and technology tools for our school libraries.

  • How can you as a school librarian plan your lessons and activities in a thoughtful and engaging way for your students?
  • How might you collaborate with a few school staff members to design and teach a mini- inquiry-based learning experience this school year?
  • What possible professional development opportunities might you want to lead and implement based on your school communities’ needs?
  • How can you take time to learn technology tools that might be helpful in your students’ learning? What new tools are you testing and trying?

  • School librarians will develop their library lessons and activities to engage their students for the upcoming school year. Let’s look at a few helpful ways to plan and organize.
  • School librarians will share how they might collaborate with their school community partners to design a mini-inquiry-based learning experience this school year. Let’s find ways we can work with our peers.
  • School librarians will consider possible professional development opportunities they might want to lead and implement based on school communities’ needs. Let’s share ways we can effectively and efficiently deliver our programs and services to school staff.
  • School librarians will take time to learn technology tools that might be helpful to their professional lives as well as for their students’ learning. Let’s test together new technologies and have fun!

Joyce Yoo Babbitt

Joyce Yoo Babbitt is passionate about play, mindfulness, wellness, and sharing good stories. Babbitt has over 30 years of experience as a Library Media Specialist in Vermont, California and Maine. In 2016, she was honored by the Vermont Humanities Council as Educator of the Year. Babbitt is a lifelong learner who has focused over the years on children’s literature, child development, and fostering creativity through the arts. After receiving her BA in History, MA in Education, and CAS in Library Media Services at California State University of Long Beach, she has furthered her education at the University of Maine to obtain her CAS in Instructional Technology. Read more about Joyce here.

Paula Boyce

Paula Boyce has taught students of all ages and grade levels from Kindergarten to college. She began her career as an elementary teacher, then focused on literacy by teaching in roles such as Title 1 Reading Specialist, district Literacy Specialist, middle school ELA teacher, middle school librarian, and district library coordinator. She teaches library and literacy classes at USM and UMaine for graduate and undergraduate students in both online and face-to-face formats. With two children of her own and hundreds of students she has taught over the years, she knows firsthand the importance of a strong literacy foundation and enthusiastic, positive role models for students. Integrating technology in her teaching to enhance learning has become a priority and a passion. Paula has advocated for and implemented many initiatives promoting books, best practices, literacy and technology. She loves sharing her experience and expertise in education with other adults.

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