Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Professional Learning
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Zachary Dearman-Paron

Librarian, Educator
Virginia Beach,VA
Zachary Dearman-Paron

Summary

Resourceful Librarian and educator with meaningful experience cataloging and organizing library collections though Norfolk Public Libraries.; and one who tactfully provides patrons with insightful direction to maximize customer service utility. Plus, knowledgeable operator of library resources and passionate problem solver. Interacts with diverse body of library users by interpreting library resources and services. Well-versed in professional methods of library science. Demonstrates robust knowledge of basic computer functions and programs.

Overview

14
years of professional experience
9
years of post-secondary education
1
Certification

Work History

The City Of Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk , VA

Librarian II
10.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Researched, planned, and set up attractive and informative library exhibits.
  • Assisted library patrons with resolving computer problems: average fifteen per day
  • Located requested books on shelves and in library database and fetched items for patrons.
  • Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.
  • Trained and supervised volunteers and teen summer reading coaches.
  • Created programs and activities to promote library usage and literacy: two unique programs utilizing local history collections.
  • Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collection.
  • Promoted library services and resources through public relations initiatives and community outreach.
  • Catalogued and organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
  • Developed policies and procedures for library patrons for optimal satisfaction.
  • Supported digital library collections containing e-books, audiobooks and digital media.
  • Maintained library databases to support accuracy and availability in circulation systems.
  • Collected and analyzed statistics on program data and usage using Excel.
  • Managed collections of print and electronic data for public and private access via reference and borrowing.
  • Kept catalog orderly and updated with latest material additions and removals.
  • Maintained equipment in good working order.
  • Kept up-to-date records of materials, maintained inventory and corrected cataloging errors.
  • Educated library patrons about policies for checking out materials and using resources.
  • Restored order in face of conflicts between patrons and staff regarding policies, services and resource use.
  • Executed setup and breakdown of speakers, cables and computers.
  • Captured and distributed video of company events and workshops for publication on company website and social media pages.
  • Resolved patrons' complaints tactfully and professionally.
  • Tracked loans of media equipment and materials.
  • Notified supervisors when major equipment repairs were needed.
  • Maintained continuous knowledge of current and newly developed industry technology, making proactive suggestions to improve AV offerings and strategies.
  • Assisted patrons in locating and using library resources including technologies and non-traditional materials.
  • Responded to numerous reference calls, emails, instant messages, and in-person requests daily, helping patrons with specific information needs.

Currituck County Schools
Barco, North Carolina

English Teacher
08.2014 - 06.2023

Job overview

  • Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes at multiple levels of instruction.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
  • Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
  • Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
  • Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
  • Served two terms as department chair, leading eight faculty members.
  • Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues across disciplines.
  • Coordinated activities to encourage interest in reading.
  • Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
  • Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
  • Supported student skill development in alignment with personal and academic goals.
  • Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
  • Designed and implemented assessments to measure student progress in English language learning.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
  • Assisted in development of college and career readiness programs.
  • Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
  • Assisted in development of extracurricular activities and special events.
  • Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback to both students and parents.
  • Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
  • Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to address student issues.
  • Utilized data to inform instructional decisions and personalize learning.
  • Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social and emotional issues.
  • 88 % of Advanced Placement Students score 3 or higher on AP Exams; 56% score 4 or higher on AP Exams (on 5 point scale)

Emory Center For Pastoral Care And Counseling
Atlanta, GA

Chaplain Intern
06.2010 - 01.2013

Job overview

  • Kept supervisor informed of daily activities and issues.
  • Provided consultation, education and support for team members and community.
  • Offered spiritual support to patients and families, keeping with expressed wishes and desires.
  • Provided grief and bereavement counseling to individuals and families.
  • Provided spiritual services to patients and families based upon identified needs.
  • Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
  • Led programs such as formal services, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Interacted with hospital community, building relationships with civic organizations, other denominations and other faith traditions.

Education

Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York

Master of Library And Information Science
07.2023 - Current

University Overview

  • 4.0 GPA
  • Relevant Coursework: IST 605 - Reference Librarianship; IST 564 - Accessibility and Disability Services; IST 674 - Academic Librarianship

Emory University
Atlanta, GA

M.Div.Applied Ethics
09.2009 - 01.2013

University Overview

Conflict Transformation Studies: Dr. Ellen Ott Marshal

  • Advanced Theoretical Understanding: Gained a comprehensive grasp of conflict resolution theories and models, focusing on transformative practices. This included an in-depth study of the dynamics of interpersonal, organizational, and international conflicts, with a special emphasis on the psychosocial aspects of conflict.
  • Practical Skill Development: Developed practical skills in mediation, negotiation, and facilitation, emphasizing empathetic communication and active listening. Engaged in simulations and role-play exercises to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
  • Research and Analysis: Conducted extensive research on [specific topic or region], culminating in a thesis titled “[Thesis Title].” This work involved qualitative and quantitative analysis, offering new insights into [specific aspect of conflict transformation].
  • Cross-Cultural Competence: Enhanced cross-cultural communication skills and understanding through coursework and practical experiences. This training is crucial for effectively navigating conflicts in diverse cultural contexts.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: Engaged in interdisciplinary studies incorporating elements from psychology, sociology, political science, and international relations, enriching the understanding of complex conflict systems.
  • Leadership and Teamwork: Participated in collaborative projects, demonstrating the ability to lead and work effectively within a team, vital for conflict resolution processes.
  • Ethical and Reflective Practice: Focused on ethical considerations in conflict transformation, developing a reflective practice approach to ensure responsible and effective intervention strategies.

Specialized Training -

  • Martin Luther King Center: Kingian Nonviolence Training: Kingian Nonviolence is a philosophy and methodology for conflict reconciliation and social change that draws its inspiration from the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This approach emphasizes understanding the nature of conflict and the principles of nonviolence as a transformative strategy. It involves two main components: education in the philosophy of nonviolence, encompassing its six principles and six steps for nonviolent social change, and the development of conflict reconciliation skills. The training fosters empathy, understanding, and effective communication, aiming to transform adversarial relationships and create a more just and peaceful society. It stresses the importance of nonviolent action as a powerful tool for addressing systemic injustices and promoting social harmony.
  • Awarded Order of Saint Luke

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

Bachelor of Science
08.2004 - 05.2009

University Overview

  • Dean's List: Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Fall 2007, Spring 2008, Fall 2009, Spring 2008
  • 3.74 Undergraduate GPA
  • Extracurricular Activities: low-tech ensemble (four years); Pride of the Mountains Marching Band; Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps; Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity
  • Pi Gamma Mu Member
  • Sigma Tau Delta Member
  • Relevant Coursework: teaching practicum in high school E.L.A.; teaching practicum in middle grades E.L.A. consisting of 990 instruction hours.

Skills

    Cataloging reference books

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Affiliations

  • North Carolina English Teachers Association
  • National Council of Teachers of English
  • National Educators Association
  • North Carolina Educators Association
  • American Library Association
  • American Library Association: New Member's Roundtable
  • American Library Association: Rainbow Roundtable
  • American Library Association: Intellectual Freedom Roundtable
  • Virginia Library Association
  • V.L.A. Public Libraries Working Group
  • V.L.A. Intellectual Freedom Group

Certification

License #1121946 North Carolina Secondary Education, English Language Arts, - [exp. June 2027]

Professional Learning

November 2023: Access Services in Libraries Conference, hosted by Georgia Institute of Technology, in-person attendee 

October 2023: De-Escalating Situations in Libraries  (mini-conference) by Virginia Library Association 

July 2023 - Information Literacy Refresher Course by University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science

June 2023: Advanced Placement Exam Reading: Free Response Essay Question 2 - argument essay

February 2023: Collaboration with poet Tyree Daye: teaching and workshop collaboration for A.P. English students

January 2023: Collaboration with Dr. Kaitlyn Berrnier of the New York Public Library System with A.P. Research students.

August 2022: Albemarle Tech Fest - presenter - New Education Apps to Help Teach Writing

July 2022: Programming for classroom teachers (computer programming, basics) by U.N.C. Chapel Hill, Continuing Education 

July 2022: Faculty Interview and Hiring Committee 

June 2022: Advanced Placement Reading and Scoring - 2022 A.P. Language and Composition Exam, essay component #3 Rhetorical Analysis 

November 2021: National Council of Teachers of English: Co-Presenter - Louisville, KY - Teaching Living Poets

September 2020: North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching - Reading, Writing and Reflecting for the Classroom Teacher 

July 2020: Advanced Placement Summer Institute in A.P. Capstone - Boston College / Bridgewater State University

July 2020: Assistant Principal Candidate Interview Committee

September 2019: North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching - Reaching Reluctant Readers: Bringing Boys to Books

August 2019: National English Honor Society - New Chapter, founding faculty [Knights Chapter]

July 2019: Advanced Placement Summer Institute in A.P. Language and Composition - College of William and Mary

June 2019: Duke-U.N.C. Consortium for the Study of Africa and the Middle East - Teaching Fellow

March 2019: North Carolina English Teachers Association - Presenter: Best Practices in A.I.G. Writing Instruction

December 2018: Library of Congress Teachers Academy: Primary Source Documents in the Classroom; Japanese American Internment 

August 2018: Folger Shakespeare Library Teachers Workshop - Blood will Have Blood: Macbeth & Hamlet in the Classroom 

July 2018: Associated Press Teachers Conference

July 2018: The Newseum, Washington, D.C. - Using News In the Classroom

June 2018: Emerson Teacher's Fellowship - Emerson College - Transcendentalism and American Literary Foundations

December 2017: Wake Forest University: History Intensive - North Carolina’s Moravian History

September 2017: North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching: Academically and Intellectually Gifted Add-On Licensure Course

August 2017: N.C. State - Moise A. Khayrallah Center - Educator’s fellowship on film project Cedars in the Pines. 

July 2017: Western Carolina University - Mountain Heritage Center: teaching in Appalachian North Carolina 

June 2017: The Friday Institute, N.C. State University - Teaching with Poverty In Mind

August 2016: U.N.C. Wilmington - Summer Teachers Institute - Understanding and Teaching Marine Habitats

July 2016: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: Teachers Academies - Secondary Writing Program

June 2016: Harvard Bok Center - Design Thinking 

December 2015: North Carolina Museum of Art  -Teachers’ Workshops: visual arts and poetry

June 2015: Colonial Williamsburg and The College of William and Mary - teaching America's Early History

July 2014: King Center, Atlanta GA - Nonviolent Means of Social Change

May 2014: The Carter Center - Conflict Transformation and Restorative Justice

Timeline

Librarian II

The City Of Norfolk, Virginia
10.2023 - Current

Syracuse University

Master of Library And Information Science
07.2023 - Current

License #1121946 North Carolina Secondary Education, English Language Arts, - [exp. June 2027]

06-2022

English Teacher

Currituck County Schools
08.2014 - 06.2023

Chaplain Intern

Emory Center For Pastoral Care And Counseling
06.2010 - 01.2013

Emory University

M.Div.Applied Ethics
09.2009 - 01.2013

Western Carolina University

Bachelor of Science
08.2004 - 05.2009
Zachary Dearman-ParonLibrarian, Educator