Educational Philosophy
“In principle and reality, libraries are life-enhancing
palaces of wonder.”
― Gail Honeyman, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
My educational philosophy is rooted in a constructivist approach, where learning is an active, student-centered process. I am a facilitator who guides students to build knowledge through engagement with meaningful, hands-on experiences. I recognize that students bring their unique background knowledge and skills to the classroom. I design scaffolded lessons that challenge and support learners in constructing their own understanding.
As a Library Media Specialist, it is my mission to empower students and staff with the skills to access, evaluate, and ethically use information. Through curating current, relevant, and diverse materials, I foster an environment of critical thinking, literacy, and intellectual growth, creating a community of lifelong learners and informed global citizens who are information literate.
My educational philosophy and mission statement go hand in hand. By embracing a constructivist approach, I create a library space where inquiry, exploration, and collaboration are at the heart of learning. I strive to cultivate curiosity and independence through thoughtfully designed lessons, technology integration, and diverse resources. Ensuring students develop literacy skills that will serve them beyond the classroom. I aspire to nurture confident, engaged learners who can think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
An example of this approach is a book-tasting program I designed for second graders. First, I set up themed tables, each featuring a different genre. Students rotated through the tables, browsing the books and marking their favorites on bookmarks I created. Following this hands-on exploration, we engaged in a discussion where students shared their observations, likes, and dislikes about each genre. This reflective conversation allowed them to construct their own understanding of genre characteristics, identifying what makes each one unique. By providing a student-centered experience, I guided learners in developing their ability to evaluate and categorize texts, a key skill supporting their growth as independent readers.
Beyond instruction, I will collaborate with teachers to enhance lessons by aligning library resources with the curriculum, ensuring access to high-quality materials, and co-teaching research skills. I will work with administrators to maintain a budget that reflects the school’s mission and the community's needs, nurturing academic rigor and achievement. I will also partner with families to promote literacy and digital citizenship. For example, I will invite families to digital citizenship nights to engage in meaningful experiences and conversations around the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and ethically.
As an advocate for all students, I will create a safe and inclusive space, embracing differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs. By curating a diverse collection, I ensure that students see themselves reflected in literature while also engaging with stories that broaden their perspectives.
As a future school librarian, I aim to create an environment where the library is a life-enhancing palace of wonder. More than a room full of books and computers, I invite others to view the library as the school's heart, a dynamic learning hub. A space of interpersonal connection that inspires a passion for reading and empowers students to inquire, explore, engage with, and create new knowledge through information, creativity, technology, and collaboration.
Honeyman, G. (2017). Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine: A novel. Pamela Dorman Books/Viking.
My educational philosophy is rooted in a constructivist approach, where learning is an active, student-centered process. I am a facilitator who guides students to build knowledge through engagement with meaningful, hands-on experiences. I recognize that students bring their unique background knowledge and skills to the classroom. I design scaffolded lessons that challenge and support learners in constructing their own understanding.
As a Library Media Specialist, it is my mission to empower students and staff with the skills to access, evaluate, and ethically use information. Through curating current, relevant, and diverse materials, I foster an environment of critical thinking, literacy, and intellectual growth, creating a community of lifelong learners and informed global citizens who are information literate.
My educational philosophy and mission statement go hand in hand. By embracing a constructivist approach, I create a library space where inquiry, exploration, and collaboration are at the heart of learning. I strive to cultivate curiosity and independence through thoughtfully designed lessons, technology integration, and diverse resources. Ensuring students develop literacy skills that will serve them beyond the classroom. I aspire to nurture confident, engaged learners who can think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
An example of this approach is a book-tasting program I designed for second graders. First, I set up themed tables, each featuring a different genre. Students rotated through the tables, browsing the books and marking their favorites on bookmarks I created. Following this hands-on exploration, we engaged in a discussion where students shared their observations, likes, and dislikes about each genre. This reflective conversation allowed them to construct their own understanding of genre characteristics, identifying what makes each one unique. By providing a student-centered experience, I guided learners in developing their ability to evaluate and categorize texts, a key skill supporting their growth as independent readers.
Beyond instruction, I will collaborate with teachers to enhance lessons by aligning library resources with the curriculum, ensuring access to high-quality materials, and co-teaching research skills. I will work with administrators to maintain a budget that reflects the school’s mission and the community's needs, nurturing academic rigor and achievement. I will also partner with families to promote literacy and digital citizenship. For example, I will invite families to digital citizenship nights to engage in meaningful experiences and conversations around the skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and ethically.
As an advocate for all students, I will create a safe and inclusive space, embracing differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs. By curating a diverse collection, I ensure that students see themselves reflected in literature while also engaging with stories that broaden their perspectives.
As a future school librarian, I aim to create an environment where the library is a life-enhancing palace of wonder. More than a room full of books and computers, I invite others to view the library as the school's heart, a dynamic learning hub. A space of interpersonal connection that inspires a passion for reading and empowers students to inquire, explore, engage with, and create new knowledge through information, creativity, technology, and collaboration.
Honeyman, G. (2017). Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine: A novel. Pamela Dorman Books/Viking.
