Michelle Pahl Brown
Eldersburg,Maryland
Summary
Experienced and Highly Qualified School Library Media Specialist enthusiastic about helping students of all cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic levels excel in learning. Outgoing and reliable professional with flexible and collaborative approach. Consistently promotes love of reading, research and learning across all grades.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Library Media Specialist
Howard County Public School System
2018.07 - Current
- Enhanced student research skills by teaching them to effectively navigate digital and print resources.
- Inducted, informed and supported new users with thorough library orientations.
- Developed customized reading lists tailored specifically to individual student interests in order to promote independent reading habits and boost overall literacy levels.
- Partnered with classroom teachers to design research-based assignments aligned with curriculum standards and best practices in information literacy instruction.
- Promoted reading for pleasure among students, resulting in higher circulation statistics and greater enthusiasm for literature.
- Managed acquisition, cataloging, processing, and weeding of library materials to ensure relevant collection for all users.
- Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.
- Established partnerships with public libraries to promote summer reading programs aimed at preventing "summer slide" among students.
- Took on role of effectively troubleshooting PCs, software, printers and other equipment for entire school.
- Established a welcoming atmosphere within the library space, fostering positive interactions between students, staff, and visitors.
- Developed county-wide training sessions for library media specialists.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison (DEIL).
Library Media Specialist
Baltimore County Public Schools
2008.07 - 2018.06
- Administrator of SWA social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and PBWiki
- Utilized Library Management with Follett Destiny and Titlewave
- Introduced Black-eyed Susan Reading program
- Organized monthly, themed reading challenges
- Planned and organized an author visit with 2 other middle schools
- Facilitated multiple Skype sessions between district schools, international schools, and authors
- Conducted Book Talks & Video Book Trailers during lunch periods
- Updated the collection—focus on diverse authors and “guy’s lit”—and re-imaged the LMC
- Specialized in database instruction and research project process
- Committee service: Literacy Night (2014 coordinator), Magnet interviews, Get Global! International Festival; National History Day (club sponsor and judge); Allied Softball coach
- Technology Liaison (2013 – present)
- Partnered with Woodlawn Branch of BCPL on Middle School Night @ the Library (April 2018).
Library Professional Assistant
Enoch Pratt Free Library
2007.08 - 2008.08
- Patron Reference assistance
- Collection Development: shelf reading, weeding, and new book selection
- Development and maintenance of on-line resources: Subject and How-to-Guides.
Education
Certification - Leadership in College And Career Readiness
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore03.2018
Master of Science - Instructional Technology in School Library Media
Towson University
Towson, Maryland05.2008
Master of Arts - Theological Studies
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, D.C.05.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Arts & Letters (Humanities)
University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma05.1989
Skills
- Information Literacy
- Digital Citizenship
- Reading promotion
- Curriculum Collaboration
- Skilled researcher
- Social Media Engagement
- Collection analysis
- Volunteer Coordination and Development
- Promethean, PhotoShop, Photo Story, Movie Maker, Podcasting, Flip Video
- Web 2.0 classroom applications such as Aurasma, Animoto, Make Belief Comix, Wikis, Weebly
Affiliations
- Maryland Association of School Librarians (2007-present)
- MASL, Annual Conference Planning Committee (2016-2017)
- Howard County Public School System Resource Reconsideration Committee
- Howard County Public School System High School Summer Reading List Coordinator (2024)
Extracurricular Interests
- Sports: softball and volleyball
- Book clubs
- English Handbell musician
- Mission projects
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Library Media Specialist
Howard County Public School System
2018.07 - Current
Library Media Specialist
Baltimore County Public Schools
2008.07 - 2018.06
Library Professional Assistant
Enoch Pratt Free Library
2007.08 - 2008.08
Certification - Leadership in College And Career Readiness
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Master of Science - Instructional Technology in School Library Media
Towson University
Master of Arts - Theological Studies
Wesley Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - Arts & Letters (Humanities)
University of Oklahoma
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