Theresa Cross
Pennington,NJ
Summary
As a teacher and librarian for the past 25 years, acquired an understanding of what children love to read. Witnessed trends in children's literature, and experienced students being gripped by cover art, a character, series, or opening paragraph. A career expansion to include writing reviews of new children's literature seems natural and ideal.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
School Media Specialist
Littlebrook School - Princeton Public Schools
Princeton, NJ
09.2007 - Current
- Taught weekly classes pre-k through grade five. Lessons ranged from navigating 21st century library to developing life-long reading habits.
- Developed read-aloud videos, virtual book clubs, and various online activities to support hybrid and remote learning across all elementary grades.
- Responsible for collection development. Ordered materials to reflect diverse cultural backgrounds, unique interests, and developmental needs of students, and to support fluid curriculum needs of teachers.
- Individually manage all facets of item circulation, record-keeping, book repair, inventory reports, etc.
- Advocate for financial support, time, personnel, and volunteers.
- Worked cooperatively with Princeton Senior Resource Center to develop and launch post-pandemic Pen-Pal program linking students with local senior citizens.
- Educated students, staff and parents about trends in children's literature, and quality choices available.
- Scheduled author visits (Dan Gutman, Sarah Weeks, Janet Wong, Jerry Pallotta, Nancy Krulik)
Teacher - Grade 3
Littlebrook School - Princeton Public Schools
Princeton, New Jersey
09.1996 - 06.2007
- Planned engaging and effective lessons according to district curriculum and standards.
- Maintained learning environment that encouraged healthy self-esteem, supportive learning community, and continual academic progress of all students.
- Attended numerous conference and staff development opportunities focused on childhood reading literacy development
- Developed creative events and activities to extend and celebrate learning (Inter-grade reading buddies, poetry readings, trips, etc.)
- Assessed student progress, reflecting on results to inform instruction.
- Developed and maintained classroom library with over 2,000 books for student use within the classroom.
Education
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ08.2009
Master of Arts - Educational, Instructional, And Curriculum Supervision
Rider University
Trenton, NJ05.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Albright College
Reading, PA05.1988
Skills
- Broad knowledge of changes in literacy for children over past 20 years
- Keen ability to match patrons with books that reflect their interests and broaden their horizons
- Proficient using Follett catalog system and Canvas educational platform
- Confident working independently, while valuing importance of professional collaboration
Timeline
School Media Specialist
Littlebrook School - Princeton Public Schools
09.2007 - Current
Teacher - Grade 3
Littlebrook School - Princeton Public Schools
09.1996 - 06.2007
Master of Science - Library And Information Science
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Master of Arts - Educational, Instructional, And Curriculum Supervision
Rider University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Albright College
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