Hello

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. Mrs. Williams, my kindergarten teacher, can attest to this.

 

Even though I still claim "I don't know what I want to be when I grow up", I am, in fact, an educator and former school librarian in Arkansas. Throughout my time in education, I have been a classroom teacher, a school librarian, and an instructional technology coach. During this time I have worked with learners in all grade levels (K-16+), as well as led professional learning and development for educators across the country. Now, I serve as an Assistant Professor and the Program Director for an Instructional Technology - School Library Media Specialist K-12 Master's program. I share my experiences and expertise in the classes that I teach and through professional learning opportunities, consulting, and writing.

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As an educator, I believe professional learning and growth are essential in this field. I am a past president of the Arkansas Association of Instructional Media (AAIM) and a member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), The American Library Association, and the American Association for School Librarians (ALA/AASL). I am also a Ph.D. candidate in Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion with an emphasis on Digital Age Curriculum and Instruction. 

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Along with professional learning and growth, I am a passionate advocate for student agency, technology-enhanced teaching and learning, creating a growth mindset in education, implementing Universal Design for Learning principles, and ensuring all learners have access to a well-resourced school library staffed by a highly qualified school librarian. As a certified and registered yoga teacher, I enjoy bringing awareness and mindfulness into the teaching space, as well as leading yoga sessions for adults and students. 

 

Awards Received:​

• Arkansas Library Association Retta Patrick Award (2014 & 2018)

• AASL Social Media Superstar Award as an Advocacy Ambassador (2018)

• Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Pat McDonald Outstanding Individual Achievement Award (2019)

• Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Technology Leader of the Year (2021)

• Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Herb Lawrence Leadership Service Award (2022)

• UCA Wellness Champion Award (2022)

• ISTE Making It Happen Award - Arkansas Association of Instructional Media (2023)