- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- Exploring famous landmarks, historical sites, and cultural attractions in a new destination
- Baking
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Historical Exploration
- Reading
Debra Gilkes
La Crosse,WI
Summary
Dedicated library media specialist skilled in fostering collaboration with educators and engaging the school community. Known for establishing vibrant library programs that enhance student learning and promote a lifelong love of reading.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Library Media Specialist
Aquinas Catholic Schools
La Crosse, WI
08.1995 - 01.2022
- Developed and implemented innovative library programs to enhance student engagement and literacy.
- Curated diverse collections of print and digital resources to support curriculum needs across grade levels.
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate information literacy into classroom instruction and assignments.
- Analyzed usage data to optimize resource allocation and improve library services based on user needs.
- Promoted reading for pleasure among students, resulting in higher circulation statistics and greater enthusiasm for literature.
- Established a library volunteer program that provided opportunities for parents, community members, and older students to become involved in supporting the school library media center.
- Organized annual events such as book fairs or author visits that promoted literacy throughout the school community while also generating additional funds for resource acquisitions.
- Established a welcoming environment within the library space that encouraged students to utilize its resources for both academic pursuits and personal interests.
- Developed customized reading lists tailored specifically to individual student interests in order to promote independent reading habits and boost overall literacy levels.
- Served as an advocate for intellectual freedom by educating stakeholders about challenges surrounding censorship issues faced by libraries nationwide.
- Managed the acquisition, cataloging, processing, and weeding of library materials to ensure a relevant collection for all users.
- Answered questions from patrons and helped to find desired materials.
- Helped children select appropriate reading level library books.
- Worked with teachers to provide students with lifelong learning and research skills.
- Incorporated library services into lessons while also driving curiosity, engaging students and supporting lifelong learning.
Classroom Teacher
St. John's Catholic Church
Edgar, WI
08.1991 - 05.1992
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, adjusting instruction for improved outcomes.
- Boosted student confidence through consistent encouragement and positive reinforcement, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
Education
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
UW-Whitewater
Whitewater, WI05-2011
Skills
- Digital citizenship
- Student engagement
- Collection development
- Information literacy
- Reading promotion
- Library management
- Library instruction
Accomplishments
What I liked to do as librarian was to read aloud to students and help them find literature they were interested in reading. I also promoted book fairs to extend their literature options, and create funding to buy more literature. I created reading lists for teachers. Attended library conferences and classes. My personal vocabulary is extensive and still growing. Since I retired I have more time to do one of my favorite past times, reading.
I created a technology and library skills curriculum shared with other schools in the system. They were reviewed and updated every few years. Students enjoyed coming to the library to read, study and use technology skills.
Certification
- State of Wisconsin Classroom and Library Licenses - until 2023
- Bachelor's in Science Certification Education grades 1-8
- Master's in Science Certification in Library Administration grades 1-12
Interests
Timeline
School Library Media Specialist
Aquinas Catholic Schools
08.1995 - 01.2022
Classroom Teacher
St. John's Catholic Church
08.1991 - 05.1992
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
UW-Whitewater