Like all of you, I have always been an avid reader and frequented Libraries from a young age. I volunteered in my Junior High School and High School Libraries, and was a constant fixture in the Simmons College Library. Ironically, I was not an education major at the time, nor did I receive my Library Teacher’s Masters from Simmons…this aspect arrived later.

After a number of years in the Biology and Medical Technology field, I was fortunate enough to be able to take some time off to be a stay-at-home mom and raise my two daughters. But “staying home” wasn’t really part of the plan…I began volunteering in first the School Library, then also in the computer room. Both had only part-time staffing, and the students benefited from the additional experience allowed by the volunteers. Conveniently, the Library and Computer Lab were both in the same room…progressive thinking, even back in the 90’s. This is where my real journey began…before long I was subbing; then I was moved up to a Title 1 technician position, Reading Teacher, and finally a Reading and Math Teacher. When the recession hit and our Title 1 department was cut by over 50%, I knew exactly where the next stop on my itinerary would be…Cambridge College – Library Teacher, M. Ed.

Now, for the last four years, I have taught Library classes in an upper elementary school in Bedford, and in Swampscott for two and a half years prior. In this short time, I have witnessed major changes in the field…I’ve progressed from a completely paper system in an old auditorium to a wonderful, modern and automated facility. I have seen technological advances become available to educators and to our students that we could only dream of a few short years ago.

Professionally, I have attended the annual conferences, blogged for those who could not attend, joined the EDCO Library group (Educational Collaborative), and served as Publicity Chair for the Bookmark Contest. Within my own school I have been a MEET participant (Mass Educators Empowering Technology), and a Student Council Advisor both for the last 3 years, and served as a mentor for a Library Teacher new to the district.

Now, as my daughters begin their own journeys, I appreciate the time and new freedom that I have available. I look forward to my new task of the MetroWest Area Director, look forward to meeting colleagues, and providing and sharing ideas. I am honored to serve on the MSLA Executive Board, assist the officers in any way possible, and to play an integral role in furthering our profession by ensuring that the very best educational opportunities continue to be available for our Library Teachers and our students.