About Melissa, aka The Joyful Teacher Librarian
After being a classroom teacher for 12 years, I am currently working as a teacher librarian at Bristow Middle School in West Hartford, Connecticut. Previous experience includes working at the Renzulli Academy in Hartford, Connecticut teaching 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Social Studies and 6th grade SEM-R (Schoolwide Enrichment for Reading). Before moving to Hartford in 2009, I taught 5th grade in Phoenix for six years. I have a passion for many areas including reading, books, authors, geography, history, research, and technology to name a few. I am proud to share that in 2015, I was awarded the National Geographic Distinguished Teacher of Geography Award; in the spring of 2014, I was recognized as the Connecticut Council of Social Studies’ K-8 Teacher of the Year; and in the fall of 2014 I was awarded the Laura Knott-Pine Award for Education by the Hartford Preservation Alliance. More recently, I served as the president of the Connecticut Association of School Librarians (CASL) from 2021-2023 and have been honored by CASL for the Follett Creativity Award in 2018 and the Carlton W.H. Erickson Award in 2020, and most recently the Irene Kwidzinski Service Award in 2024. In 2019, I was an AASL Social Media Superstar Reader Leader finalist. In 2021, I received the Outstanding Professional Award by the University of Connecticut’s NEAG School of Education Alumni Board, and was named a Library Journal Mover and Shaker in 2022. My publications include an article in the School Library Journal about Makerspace and NGSS (Next Generation Science standards), as well as articles in the October 2019 and May 2023 issues of School Library Connection entitled, Create a Culture of Reading and Finding Joy and Making Connections Through Podcasting. In addition, I have hosted multiple webinars for School Librarian Connection and EdWeb on topics such as Developing Inclusive Collections, Making the Most of Your Digital Collection, and Building a Culture of Reading, and began The Joyful Learning Podcast with Carrie Seiden in July 2022.
For many years, I have facilitated National History Day, as well as the National Geography Bee on a school level. I have presented at the 2013 National Association for Gifted Children conference, The 2014 Arizona Gifted Association Conference, and the Connecticut Educator Computer Association’s 2013 conference about how to use technology, specifically Edmodo, to individualize and differentiate instruction for advanced learners. In addition, I have a strand coordinator at Confratute (an annual conference on Endrichment and Gifted/Talented Education at the University of Connecticut). Topics of my presentations include: Implementing the Schoolwide Enrichment Model for Library Media Specialists, Makerspaces, Project-Based Learning and Technology in the Middle Grades, Using Edmodo to Individualize Student Learning, National History Day, and Online Mapping Tools.
Education
My educational experiences include completing both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Elementary Education. In addition, I have completed the Three Summers Program at UCONN earning a Master's degree in Gifted Education and Talent Development. Most recently, I completed the Library Media Specialist certification program through ACES.
Some Unique Professional Experiences
During the summer of 2014, I attended the T3G Institute in Redlands, CA where I learned more about ConnectEd, ESRI and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). I also had the opportunity to take a week-long course with Penny Kittle, author of "Booklove," at the University of New Hampshire in June 2014. I served on the 2017 Intermediate Connecticut Nutmeg Selection Committee (the state book award).
Updated May 2024
For many years, I have facilitated National History Day, as well as the National Geography Bee on a school level. I have presented at the 2013 National Association for Gifted Children conference, The 2014 Arizona Gifted Association Conference, and the Connecticut Educator Computer Association’s 2013 conference about how to use technology, specifically Edmodo, to individualize and differentiate instruction for advanced learners. In addition, I have a strand coordinator at Confratute (an annual conference on Endrichment and Gifted/Talented Education at the University of Connecticut). Topics of my presentations include: Implementing the Schoolwide Enrichment Model for Library Media Specialists, Makerspaces, Project-Based Learning and Technology in the Middle Grades, Using Edmodo to Individualize Student Learning, National History Day, and Online Mapping Tools.
Education
My educational experiences include completing both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Elementary Education. In addition, I have completed the Three Summers Program at UCONN earning a Master's degree in Gifted Education and Talent Development. Most recently, I completed the Library Media Specialist certification program through ACES.
Some Unique Professional Experiences
During the summer of 2014, I attended the T3G Institute in Redlands, CA where I learned more about ConnectEd, ESRI and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). I also had the opportunity to take a week-long course with Penny Kittle, author of "Booklove," at the University of New Hampshire in June 2014. I served on the 2017 Intermediate Connecticut Nutmeg Selection Committee (the state book award).
Updated May 2024
LocationJoyful Learning
Connecticut |
Contact Me |
Book a Workshop Today |
