Introduction to Kelli Zellner's Digital Portfolio

Kelli Zellner's School Library Media Portfolio

Introduction

OVERVIEW OF THIS PORTFOLIO

The various sections of this portfolio exemplify the skills and knowledge I have acquired during my training to become a media specialist. The organization around the AASL standards should ensure that a variety of my qualities as a potential media specialist are demonstrated; however, I feel that other important elements of who I will become in a media position are my interest in becoming a library media specialist and my view of education and myself as a teacher. As such, before one explores the other areas, I find it important to explain:

What drew me to the profession

My philosophy of education

And, as it is very important to me, my understanding of the importance of multicultural education

WHY A MEDIA SPECIALIST?

Prior to entering and while completing the LMS program at McDaniel College, I have been teaching High School English in Howard County; however, I had known for quite some time that there must be a position in education that fit me a bit better than English teacher: The suit was okay but not tailor-made. My time in my first Masters Program at Wake Forest had given me some clue as to what aspects of a job truly interested me: technology and helping/collaborating with others. From peer editing essays to working back stage at theatres, jobs I have passionately enjoyed have always involved helping others do their jobs better. And once I started to learn about computers, I quickly became interested in the possibilities they present in education.

During my first year teaching, I frequented the media center regularly and befriended the media specialists. I found their jobs interesting and enjoyed helping them when I could. One of them approached me and suggested that I would make a good media specialist. She informed me of a forming cohort, and after consideration of the career change, I set a frenetic pace toward becoming a media specialist. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey, which has increased my knowledge and interest in the other aspects of the job.

I look forward to helping everyone in my school community perform successfully.

MY BELIEFS REGARDING EDUCATION

Educated as a teacher, I value the media specialist's role as an educator. I feel that my background in the classroom is integral to my contributions as a media specialist. As such, it is important to understand what I believe about teaching. My philosophy of education, linked below, outlines ten beliefs that I find most important regarding education. Distilled, I believe in a student-centered education that values: learners as individuals in a multicultural society, authentic learning experiences which prepare students as citizens, recognizing learners' strengths, interests, and needs.

My Philosophy of Education

Of equal importance to me is my philosophy of multicultural education. Raised in a small, homogenous farming community, I have continually sought the diversity and valuation of difference that was missing from my own education. Working to be reflect on my own biases and assumptions, I have come to understand some of those which exist in traditional American education and the negative effects thereof. I believe multicultural education to be central to not only a democratic society but also authentic learning for all.

My Philosophy of Multicultural Education