BETH KOVASH
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Library media specialist with a strong track record in managing acquisitions, overseeing vendor relationships, and securing grant funding to enhance resource availability. Expertise in using integrated library systems to optimize cataloging and circulation, along with organizing community engagement initiatives such as book fairs to promote literacy.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST
HAYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Hayden, Alabama
08.2022 - Current
- Plan and teach weekly classes for grades 5–7 that promote reading, research skills, digital citizenship, and collaboration with classroom educators.
- Evaluate and select print and digital resources based on student needs, curriculum priorities, available funding, and library goals.
- Manage acquisition of library books and educational resources by researching materials, obtaining vendor quotes, placing orders, and tracking fulfillment to enhance resource availability.
- Execute purchasing decisions for library materials, ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints. and budget-allocation decisions using state and locally allocated library funds.
- Use the Atrium integrated library system to organize, catalog, label, and circulate library materials.
- Supervise and coordinate student workers, providing direction and maintaining an organized, productive workflow.
- Organize and managed book fairs, overseeing logistics and vendor interactions to promote literacy.
- Write and administer grant applications, securing funding for library books, digital and print resources, and educational technology to support student learning.
- Research and implement library displays, signage, and space arrangements that promote reading and effective use of library resources.
5TH GRADE ELA & SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
HAYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Hayden, Alabama
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Planned and implemented differentiated reading, writing, language, and social studies instruction to enhance student engagement and meet Alabama standards.
- Used formative and summative assessment data to evaluate student progress and make instructional decisions.
- Collaborated with colleagues and support teams to identify and address student needs, resulting in improved academic outcomes.
- Advocated for students' needs on the school Problem Solving Team through daily advisory, fostering a supportive learning environment.
ACADEMIC COACHING SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Alexander City, Alabama
03.2016 - 08.2016
- Recruited, interviewed, coached, and retained students participating in Student Support Services.
- Monitored academic progress and facilitated regular communication with participants to promote accountability and success.
- Coordinated with academic support services, advising, and faculty to enhance student support and engagement.
- Planned and facilitated workshops addressing learning strategies, time management, career guidance, and financial literacy.
- Maintained comprehensive student participation records to ensure compliance with grant requirements.
- Designed an updated Student Support Services brochure and coordinated educational and cultural tours.
6TH & 7TH GRADE ELA TEACHER
HAYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Hayden, Alabama
08.2005 - 12.2015
- Planned and implemented reading, writing, and language instruction aligned with Alabama College and Career Readiness Standards.
- Used student assessment data and progress-monitoring tools to make instructional decisions and respond to student needs.
- Coordinated and implemented sixth-grade math and reading interventions to enhance student comprehension and performance.
- Served on the school leadership team and collaborated with colleagues on school-wide initiatives.
- Facilitated activities and lessons for school-wide Leader in Me program, promoting leadership skills among students.
- Advocated for student engagement and development through advisory, houses, clubs, and educational field trips.
- Selected accomplishments: Selected as School Teacher of the Year twice; wrote and received multiple grants supporting educational resources and technology; taught beginning Spanish to gifted exploratory students.
5TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
EASTSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Clinton, South Carolina
08.2003 - 12.2004
- Developed and delivered language arts and social studies lessons aligned with South Carolina standards, enhancing student engagement and understanding.
- Coordinated writing initiatives that played a key role in the school achieving an Exemplary Writing award.
- Participated in SACS accreditation committee, contributing to school improvement and compliance with educational standards.
CHURCH EDUCATOR
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Clinton, South Carolina
08.1999 - 08.2002
- Planned and led Vacation Bible School, fostering community involvement and supporting Bible studies, classes, and retreats.
- Coordinated and staffed educational programs to enhance engagement and spiritual growth among church members.
- Participated in board meetings to evaluate and improve preschool policies and programs.
Education
Library Media Specialist Endorsement -
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama01-2025
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama01-2009
Teacher Certification - Elementary Education
Presbyterian College
Clinton, South Carolina01-2002
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Spanish
Concordia College
Moorhead, Minnesota01-1986
Skills
- Collection development
- Library acquisitions
- Resource Evaluation
- Budget management
- Library Funding
- Print & Digital Resources
- Library systems
- Cataloging & Circulation
- Library Materials Organization
- Vendor relations
- Student Worker Supervision
- Information Management
- Digital Literacy
Personal Information
Title: Library Acquisitions Collection Development Vendor Relations Library Operations
Timeline
LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST
HAYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
08.2022 - Current
5TH GRADE ELA & SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
HAYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
08.2021 - 05.2022
ACADEMIC COACHING SPECIALIST
CENTRAL ALABAMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
03.2016 - 08.2016
6TH & 7TH GRADE ELA TEACHER
HAYDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL
08.2005 - 12.2015
5TH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS/SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
EASTSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2003 - 12.2004
CHURCH EDUCATOR
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
08.1999 - 08.2002
Library Media Specialist Endorsement -
University of South Alabama
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Teacher Certification - Elementary Education
Presbyterian College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Spanish
Concordia College