Debbie Vassell Mitchell
Woodsboro,MD
Summary
Experienced School Library Media Specialist with 26 years of positive impact in curriculum development and collaborative teaching. Known for effective communication, resourcefulness, and strong organizational skills. Expert in information literacy, technology integration, community engagement, and inspiring a passion for learning.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Library Media Specialist
Boyd Elementary/ Usher Collier-Heights Elementary School
01.2013 - 05.2024
- Collaborated with teachers to develop interdisciplinary curriculum units that integrated library resources for enriched learning experiences.
- Launched a school-wide e-book program to expand access to literature while reducing physical storage needs in the library space.
- Oversaw trainings via online platforms for local and off-site staff on functionality of newly developed applications to achieve strategic objectives.
- Integrated STEM and ethical use of information through collaborative scheduling across all grade levels
- Improved reading comprehension through research-based instruction, collaborative lessons, and reading incentive programs aimed at developing literature appreciation
- Drafted successful grants providing resource management, access to instructional technology, and home libraries for all students
- Coached winning teams in District and State Technology Fairs, State Reading Bowl, Atlanta Urban League Debate Competition, and Georgia Media Festivals
- Utilized social media platforms to promote media center events and engage with stakeholders
- Facilitated administration of all evaluation techniques including adaptive assessments STAR, MAP, and Georgia Milestone assessments
Media Specialist
Sammye E. Coan Middle School
01.2010 - 06.2013
- Instructed students and staff in research processes and understanding copyright, fair use and licensing of intellectual property.
- Served as Instructional Technology Committee Chair and Administrative Committee member
- Managed yearbook committee, school website design, and district Communication Ambassador duties
- Coached winning science, math, and technology teams in Academic One Fair
- Collaborated with Learning Technology Specialist to integrate technology in curriculum.
Media Specialist
Austell Elementary/ Primary
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Led Accelerated Reader, Media, and Technology Committees
- Coordinated yearbook production and served as WLAM News Team Faculty Advisor
- Provided onsite technology training and managed school website design
- Collaborated with TIS, Literacy Coaches, and teachers to integrate technology in instruction.
- Collaborated with teachers by scheduling library activities and procuring resources.
- Enhanced student research skills by teaching them to effectively navigate digital and print resources.
Media Specialist
Nickajack Elementary
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Partnered with Technology Integration Specialist on staff development for technology integration
- Co-chaired Science Explorers Club and student-run morning broadcast
- Collaboratively planned technology integration strategies with classroom teachers.
- Encouraged reading, information literacy skills and information resources through book clubs and reading programs.
Media Specialist
King Urban Learning Center
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Trained staff on educational software programs and managed school website
- Co-chaired Technology Team and Media Committees
- Sponsored Technology Career Club and engaged in school governance committees.
- Managed the acquisition, cataloging, processing, and weeding of library materials to ensure a relevant collection for all users.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to bring guest speakers, authors, and other experts into the school library setting.
- Partnered with classroom teachers to design research-based assignments aligned with curriculum standards and best practices in information literacy instruction.
Media Specialist
Centennial Place Elementary
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Created staff development modules for Information Literacy and technology integration
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate technology across curriculum
- Engaged in school improvement initiatives and chaired various committees.
- Compiled monthly usage statistics reports that highlighted key trends relating to patron behavior patterns which informed future decision-making processes regarding resource allocation or service improvements within the media center setting.
- Enhanced student research skills by implementing a comprehensive information literacy program.
Teacher
Oglethorpe Elementary
01.1995 - 01.1998
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Facilitated media integration in instructional units and coordinated school-wide science projects
- Organized after-school tutorial programs and published faculty newsletter
- Engaged in committee work focusing on cultural enrichment and academic recognition.
Education
Ed.S. - Technology Education
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA06.2009
Master of Science - Library Media
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA12.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Emory University
Atlanta, GA05.1994
Skills
- Web Design
- Safety awareness
- Problem-solving skills
- Organizational Skills
- Collection development
- Team Collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
Educationandhonors
- Ed.S. Technology in Education, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, 2009
- M.S. Library Media, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, 1997
- BA Early Childhood Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 1994
Professionalaffiliationsandcertifications
ALA- American Library Association, ISTE- International Society for Technology in Education, GLMA- Georgia Library Media Association, Early Childhood Education (P-5) [FLD808] Expires 6-30-2029, Media Specialist (P-12) [FLD813] Expires 6-30-2029, Reading Endorsement [FLD833] Expires 6-30-2029, Teacher Support Specialist [FLD712] Expires 6-30-2029, Apple Certified Teacher, Apple Teacher Swift Playground, Google Educator Lever 1 & 2
Qualifications Summary
Experienced educator with twenty-six years of expertise as a Library Media Specialist, collaborative leadership, and curriculum content creator. Seeking to leverage my extensive background in information literacy, technology integration, and community engagement as a School Library Media Specialist.
Projects
Certified Code Studio Computer Science for Elementary Students instructor. Drafted School Improvement Plan as active member of school’s Leadership Team. Volunteer at ISTE’s National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). Judge at Georgia Student Media Festival and Georgia State Technology Fair. Composed award-winning grant proposals, securing over $100,000 in books and materials for media centers. Presented Technology Integration workshop at Georgia State University’s Technology for Teachers Conference. Organized Technology Integration Training at Statewide League of Professional Schools Conference.
Certification
- Early Childhood Education (P-5) [FLD808] Expires 6-30-2029
- Media Specialist (P-12) [FLD813] Expires 6-30-2029
- Reading Endorsement [FLD833] Expires 6-30-2029
- Teacher Support Specialist [FLD712] Expires 6-30-2029
- Apple Certified Teacher
- Apple Teacher Swift Playground
- Google Educator Lever 1 & 2
Timeline
Library Media Specialist
Boyd Elementary/ Usher Collier-Heights Elementary School
01.2013 - 05.2024
Media Specialist
Sammye E. Coan Middle School
01.2010 - 06.2013
Media Specialist
Austell Elementary/ Primary
01.2003 - 01.2010
Media Specialist
Nickajack Elementary
01.2001 - 01.2003
Media Specialist
King Urban Learning Center
01.1999 - 01.2001
Media Specialist
Centennial Place Elementary
01.1998 - 01.1999
Teacher
Oglethorpe Elementary
01.1995 - 01.1998
Ed.S. - Technology Education
Lesley University
Master of Science - Library Media
Georgia State University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Emory University
- Early Childhood Education (P-5) [FLD808] Expires 6-30-2029
- Media Specialist (P-12) [FLD813] Expires 6-30-2029
- Reading Endorsement [FLD833] Expires 6-30-2029
- Teacher Support Specialist [FLD712] Expires 6-30-2029
- Apple Certified Teacher
- Apple Teacher Swift Playground
- Google Educator Lever 1 & 2
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