Introduce Yourselves!

[Kristin Fontichiaro]

Hi, y'all -- Some of us know each other face-to-face, others through Twitter, blogs, or Facebook. Tell us a little bit about who you are.

And then hop over here and add yourself to the connectivity chart. Let's see how information traveled and connected you to this book club!

[Amalia Connolly]

Hello, All!
I am in my third year as library media specialist in a primary school, Mohansic Elementary, in Yorktown Heights, NY. I come from a lengthy background in software development. I twitter @elemlms. I absolutely love being a teacher librarian. I am very drawn to use of technology in the classroom (excitement about this is one of the reasons I changed careers), though I find the pedagogical discussions rich, since there is so much for me to learn to inform my teaching. I have started reading the book, am up to chapter 4 and taking notes with my reflections. Looking forward to learning with all of you.

[Kristin Fontichiaro]

Oh, hi, Amalia! We follow each other on Twitter. Looking forward to hearing your perspective as we work through the book! Kristin

[Laurie]

Hi Everyone!
I am returning to the media center this year after a two year hiatus of teaching Algebra I and II and Geometry students in grades 6-12. Eleven of my last thirteen years in education have been spent in middle and elementary school media centers. In the past two years, I've learned this is where I belong. Since September, I've been working on developing and implementing inquiry lessons for 2nd grade students with the help of Kristin Fontichiaro. I've also had the pleasure of meeting Raya and borrowing some fresh new ideas for work with 1st grade students.

I received my book a few days ago and am busily reading, between chauffeuring my sons (ages 11 and 14) to swim practices and meets over the break (high school athletics is a whole new game). Hope everyone has enjoyed their break! I can't wait to read and join the discussion.

[Kristin Fontichiaro]

Just for the record, y'all, Laurie needs no help! She's an amazing media specialist with rigorous learning standards for elementary students. She's a fabulous colleague.

[Nancy Cavanaugh]

Hi everybody. I'm a teacher - librarian in Edmonton Alberta Canada in a K - 6 school. This is the first year the school has had a T-L in decades, and is is a slow, nudging journey to move toward inquiry based learning with a staff quiite set in their ways. I've taught elementary classroomin Edmonton for the past 8 years, as there have been few library positions. Formeraly, I lived in what would seem the very far north, Fort McMurray where I was a full time teacher-librarian throughout the '80's. I am VERY happy to be back in the librarian.

Like all of us (I assume) I am an avid reader and am excited to be in this book group. I am the mother of 4 children spread across Canada with one teenager left at home... I'm always interested in politics and how it affects education (which certainly has been the case here in school libraries since the mid 90's). During the '90's I worked as a consultant for Columbia Library Systems (and its many permutations) and traveled to many parts of the states, to school libraries so I am intrigued to see references to cities I've been to!

I just got my book so I'm reading tonight!

[Beth Friese]

Hi Nancy. What a wonderful history you have. I'm also interested in the way politics and education work together (or, too often, don't work together.) I'll be interested to hear how you think inquiry fits into that mix. Also, you make a great point about the difficulties of moving a "set in their ways" staff. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and progress...

Beth

[Stephanie Light]

Hello! As a grad student in my last semester for my MSIS at SUNY Albany, I will be interning in an elementary school in the capital region (of New York) and in a middle/high school in the Adirondacks. I will also be taking several online education courses so I can graduate in May! Ultimately, I hope to be a teacher-librarian in a high school in the Adirondacks, but am open to other grades and regions.

This is an exciting time to be joining the field as it becomes more professionalized and as new media and literacies emerge. I am thrilled to be participating in so many organizations and networks and to have the opportunity to discuss current best practices and real-world scenarios with active teacher-librarians. I am looking forward to the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston, and hope to meet anyone else from the group who will also be attending.

My personal inquiries tend to be local in nature, as I am inspired by my environment. Some of my more active searches have involved Champy (the supposed monster of Lake Champlain; also known as Champ if you live on the Vermont side), French Huguenots, ski technology, coal mining, tourtiere (French Canadian meat pie), and English dialects.

[Beth Friese]

Hi Stephanie. Welcome! Sounds like you have a busy semester planned.

I agree its an exciting time to be a teacher librarian. Your idea about Boston is great - I wont be there but I know several members of the group will be. You could have a face to face discussion!

Love your list of inquiries. You've got me curious about several of them.

Beth

[Amy King]

Hello! I am Amy King a Teacher Librarian in southern NJ. I am very excited about this book club! I have read the first chapter and I'm ready to go.

I tweet @amylovesbooks.
My Library Blog is http://timetorenew.blogspot.com/

[Beth Friese]

Welcome Amy! I've enjoyed following you on twitter - thanks for the link to your blog. Looking forward to talking about the book!
Beth

[Susan E]

Hi Amy! Woo hoo! Good to see you here!

[Susan E]

HI Amy! Yay! Good to see you on here too!
This book is soooo good so far.
I am thinking of asking my principal if I can lead a study group discussion with teachers at my school using this book.