Laura Dawes
Mobile,US
Summary
Motivated and dynamic educator with over 25 years of experience and advanced degrees. Skilled in utilizing a wide range of popular educational hardware, including tablets, desktops, laptops, and Smartboards. Proficient in various educational software such as Learning Management Systems (LMS), Discovery Education, Nearpod, Canva, and Google. Recognized as a mentor to new Media Specialists in the county and selected to contribute to the development of the state Library Handbook in Montgomery. Continuously seeking opportunities to expand knowledge and embrace new innovations that enhance student and teacher engagement, ensuring preparedness for the future.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Media Specialist
Mobile County Public Schools
09.2004 - Current
- Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, and provide information about library policies
- Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded
- Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders
- Direct and train library staff in duties such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use
- Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use
- Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations
- Plan and deliver programs and services such as storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups
- Represent library or institution on internal and external committees
- Intructional Technology
- Technology Integration
- Organization Skills
Teacher
Mobile County Public Schools
09.1998 - 09.2004
- Complete minor repairs and cleaning of library resources, equipment, and facilities, such as dusting and fixing printer paper jams
- Prepare objectives and outlines for courses of study, following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools
- Enforce administration policies and rules governing students
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate, and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play
- Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations
- Use computers, audio-visual aids, and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling
- Meet with other professionals to discuss individual students' needs and progress
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate
- Select, store, order, issue, and inventory classroom equipment, materials, and supplies
- Confer with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning, following approved curricula
Education
Master of Arts - School Leadership
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama07-2025
Master of Arts - Educational Media
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama01.2003
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama05.1996
Bachelor of Arts - English/Music
University of South Alabama
Mobile, Alabama05.1994
Skills
- Instructional Technology
- Technology Integration
- Organization Skills
- Minor repairs
- Cleaning
- Course preparation
- Policy enforcement
- Resource provision
- Record maintenance
- Computer use
- Audio-visual aids
- Activity organization
- Professional collaboration
- Program planning
- Inventory management
- Lesson planning
- Literacy development
- Media purchasing
- Audio visual equipment
- Presentation support
- Group instruction
- Digital tools
- Organizational skills
Accomplishments
Phi Kappa Phi, Inducted 2024
Teacher of the Year, St. Elmo 2024
Ann Marie Pipkin Technology Award, ASLA 2024
State Handbook Committee, 2022-23
DENNY Award, Leadership, Discovery Education 2019
Herman Moore LAMP Award, Library EXPO 2018
DENNY Award, Rising Star, Discovery Education 2017
Timeline
Media Specialist
Mobile County Public Schools
09.2004 - Current
Teacher
Mobile County Public Schools
09.1998 - 09.2004
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Mobile
Bachelor of Arts - English/Music
University of South Alabama
Master of Arts - School Leadership
University of South Alabama
Master of Arts - Educational Media
University of South Alabama
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