Evelyn E. Smith
Gainesville,USA
Summary
Dedicated librarian and educator with extensive experience in library sciences and collection development and management. Over twenty years of teaching experience in middle and upper schools, utilizing innovative approaches to enhance learning. Strong understanding of library administration and a commitment to student success. Excellent communication and leadership skills, with a focus on adaptability and fostering critical thinking.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle and Upper School Librarian
Oak Hall School
Gainesville, FL
08.2011 - Current
- Developed and maintained library collection by selecting, ordering, cataloguing, and classifying books and other materials.
- Connected faculty and students with resources through readers' advisory services, curated book lists, and displays.
- Managed library assistant, library budget, inventory, and purchasing.
- Provided instruction on library use, policies, information literacy, and research methods for individuals and groups.
- Compiled extensive resource collections to support faculty and student research projects.
- De-selected materials using the Continuous Review, Evaluation, and Weeding (CREW) method.
- Developed programs, such as Book Tastings and reading interest surveys, to encourage reading and literature appreciation.
- Supervised library activities to foster a productive learning environment and assist patrons.
- Completed yearly updates of library patrons in Follett Destiny Back Office.
Substitute Teacher, Integrated Science 6
Oak Hall School
Gainesville, FL
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Introduced students to use of laptops, Microsoft Office Suite, Canvas LMS, and Canva.
- Implemented lesson plans to ensure curriculum objectives were met consistently.
- Adapted and developed lessons based on need and additional length of lead teacher's leave.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to support student academic success.
- Communicated effectively with parents about student development and classroom activities.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback on performance and behavior.
Substitute, Anthropology Honors, Grades 9-12
Oak Hall School
Gainesville, FL
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed and assessed units on cultural and linguistic anthropology.
- Maintained accurate records of grades and assessments for reporting purposes.
- Ensured timely return of graded materials to support student learning initiatives.
- Provided detailed feedback to students on their work and progress.
- Developed and assessed senior exams.
Substitute Teacher, Pre-AP English I
Oak Hall School
Gainesville, Florida
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Developed, taught, and assessed literature units on Catcher in the Rye, Macbeth, Poetry, and Educational Technology
- Supported students with individual learning needs and accommodations.
- Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.
- Provided feedback on assignments and assessments.
- Completed final grades.
- Integrated technology into lessons whenever possible.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and performance.
English Department Chair
Oak Hall School
Gainesville, FL
01.2002 - 08.2012
- Conducted interviews for prospective teaching candidates to assess qualifications and fit.
- Facilitated evaluations of teachers in the department. candidates to ensure departmental standards were met.
- Organized quarterly meetings to address Academic Council concerns, curricular content, and best practices.
- Reviewed midterm and final exams of department members to maintain academic rigor.
- Mentored new and experienced teachers to enhance instructional effectiveness and professional growth.
- Coordinated ordering of books to support curriculum needs.
- Managed budgets for the English department and secured additional funding for professional development.
English Teacher
Oak Hall School
Gainesville , FL
01.1990 - 05.2011
- Developed and implemented comprehensive curriculum for English 7 through Advanced Placement Literature.
- Taught analytical writing and close reading using pre-AP and AP strategies.
- Created and assessed specialized units on visual literacy, memoir, and creative nonfiction.
- Adapted lessons to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Designed engaging projects utilizing Comic Life, Voice Thread, Blogger, and resources from National Writing Project.
- Collaborated with colleagues to evaluate curriculum effectiveness and set quarterly goals.
- Participated in weekly meetings addressing student concerns and progress updates.
- Communicated with parents through various methods including conferences, reports, and emails.
- Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes, essays, group and individual projects, Socratic seminars, Canvas digital discussions, an other forms of assessment.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Provided extensive written feedback on written assignments submitted by students.
- Prepared informative classroom lectures on literature, poetry and historical authors to engage and educate students.
Team Leader
Oak Hall Middle School
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Acted as first point of contact for parents
- Held weekly meetings focused on curricular planning and student concerns
- Designed and implemented interdisciplinary projects
- Focused on resolving disciplinary issues
Graduate Teacher Assistant
University of Florida
12.1988 - 05.1990
- Taught ENC 1101, Expository and Argumentative Writing; ENC 1102, Writing about Literature; and CRW 1301, Beginning Poetry Writing
- Designed and taught courses, developed syllabi, created lesson plans, supervised writing workshops
- Instructed students in both technical and stylistic elements of writing
- Facilitated and managed three hours of class time per week
- University of Florida Graduate Teaching Award
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL08.1988
Master of Arts - Creative Writing/English
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05.1990
Some College (No Degree) - Information And Library Science, 18 Credit Hours
Florida State University Distance Learning Program
Tallahassee, FLSkills
- Curriculum development and support
- Library and classroom instruction
- Youth program and readers' advisory services
- Collaboration with faculty to develop grade-level-appropriate research projects
- Basic and advanced searching techniques
- Technology integration strategies
- Management of digital resources
- Multimedia content production
- Youth program and readers' advisory services
- Information literacy
- Collection analysis, development, purchasing, and de-selection services
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Basic accounting knowledge
- Library and classroom practices
- Cataloging maintenance practices
- Familiarity with Follett Destiny OPAC, EBSCO Search, Worldbook Online, and JSTOR
Work Preferred
Middle and High School Media Specialist
Work Considered
Middle and High School English
Phone Numbers
(352) 359-3288, (352) 332-3609
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading and listening to books of all kinds
- Gardening
- Playing mandolin
- Making terrariums and vivariums
- Travel
- National Parks
- Camping
- Woodblock and linocut printing
Professional Development
Institutes/Coursework
National Endowment for the Humanities: The Victorian Illustrated Novel, London, 1993; Holocaust Study Summer Institute for Secondary School Teachers, Florida State University, 1995; Follett Destiny Institute, 2014; Teaching Students to Ask Their Own Questions: Best Practices in the Question Formulation Technique, Online Asynchronous Course, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2025
Presenter
Shakespeare Stories Newspaper at Florida Council of Independent Schools Conference, Miami, Florida, 1999
Conventions
National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention, Nashville, TN, 2006; NCTE Annual Convention New York, NY, 2007; NCTE Annual Convention, Orlando, FL, 2010
In-Service Workshops
“Brain-Based Research: Maximizing Learning Using the Evidence Base on Effective Information Processing” by Dr. Mary Brownell; “Current Brain and Gender Research and Implications for Teachers” by JoAnn Deak; “Character Matters” by Dr. Thomas Lickona “Attributes of School Leadership” by John Spence; “Student Boundaries and Professional Communication” by Wendy Smith; “All Kinds of Minds” by Dr. Mel Levine, Saint Edwards School, Vero Beach, FL; MISBO OverDrive Webinar; Destiny 12 Webinar; Library Curriculum Mapping
Conferences:
Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Conference, University of North Carolina Asheville,1997; Advanced Placement Program Conference, English Literature and Composition, Oglethorpe University, 2002; The 2006 UF Conference on Comics, "Comics and Childhood”; The 2007 UF Conference on Comics "World Building: Seriality and History"; The 2008 UF Conference on Comics "ImageSexT: Intersections of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality;" ALA Conference, Orlando, FL, 2016
Committees
Oak Hall Library Guest Speaker Committee; Oak Hall FCIS Accreditation Steering Committee, 1995; FCIS Accreditation team, Orangewood Christian School, Orlando, FL; Oak Hall FCIS/SACS Accreditation Teaching Conditions Committee, 2010; Oak Hall FCIS/SACS Accreditation Steering Committee Chair, 2014-2015
Activities
- Key Club Co-Advisor
- Editorial assistance Oak Leaves newsletter and yearbook
- Honor Council Alternate
- Senior Project Committee Member
- Cum Laude Secretary
- Graduation Book Awards Coordinator
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, Integrated Science 6
Oak Hall School
08.2025 - 11.2025
Substitute, Anthropology Honors, Grades 9-12
Oak Hall School
02.2023 - 04.2024
Substitute Teacher, Pre-AP English I
Oak Hall School
01.2017 - 05.2017
Middle and Upper School Librarian
Oak Hall School
08.2011 - Current
English Department Chair
Oak Hall School
01.2002 - 08.2012
Team Leader
Oak Hall Middle School
01.1999 - 01.2001
English Teacher
Oak Hall School
01.1990 - 05.2011
Graduate Teacher Assistant
University of Florida
12.1988 - 05.1990
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Florida
Master of Arts - Creative Writing/English
University of Florida
Some College (No Degree) - Information And Library Science, 18 Credit Hours
Florida State University Distance Learning Program