Sharron L. McElmeel

EDUCATION

 

  • University of Iowa--Iowa City, Iowa
    Master of Arts, Library Science
    Post-graduate work in administration, reading, and library science.
  • University of Northern Iowa--Cedar Falls, Iowa
    Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education and Mathematics K-8

EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION

 

University Teaching

  • University of Wisconsin—Stout, adjunct instructor—online. Children's Literature in the Reading Program (2004-current); Young Adult Literature in the Reading Program (2004-current)
  • University of Northern Iowa, adjunct instructor. Children's literature. (2004); includes both face-to-face classroom instruction and online workshops)
  • Mount Mercy College, adjunct instructor. Children's literature, Educational technology, and Young Adult Literature. (1988- 2003)
  • Grant Wood Area Education Agency. Instructor of professional development courses, and courses carrying graduate credit through Morningside College, Drake College:  Children's literature, Character Education in Literature, Internet in the Schools, and other literacy/reading courses (1976-2004) 

Certificates/Approvals/Endorsements (Iowa)
Permanent Professional Certificate

  • K-12 School Teacher Librarian - 174 (51)
  • K-6 Teacher Elementary Classroom - 102 (10)
  • K-8 Elementary School Teacher Librarian - 108 (51)
  • 5-12 Secondary School Teacher Librarian - 109 (51)
  • K-8 Mathematics - 142 (058)
  • K-8 Reading - 148 (091)
  • PK-8 Principal - 169 (11)
    Approvals: High School District (076), Non-High School District (077)

Educator  – Consultant (current)

    • Founder and President, McBookwords LLC – a literacy organization providing and coordinating the development of websites, literacy events, articles, seminars and workshops to focus a community/organizations on reading/writing and related activities

Educator -- Classroom Teacher and Library Media Specialist (previous)

Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Community Schools. Certified teacher and Library media specialist.  Experience includes classroom teaching in self-contained elementary classrooms, block schedules, and library media specialist in elementary and secondary schools

    • Major role in District's/Area Education Agency's staff development program
    • Developed two year thematic correlation charts for district's reading series, to be used in multi-aged classrooms
    • Leadership role in establishing methodology, on building level, for reading instruction -- significant gains shown
    • Software technical support
    • Regularly collaborated with planning teams to develop long and short term goals/objectives for instructional units

Literacy Activities

 

    • Documentation Project – Evelyn Zerzanek Collection of Children's Book Art, Cedar Rapids Public Library, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Documentation includes photographing over 900 pieces of original art, researching artists/writers involved with individual items, and preparing each photograph for publication on website, catalog, and so forth. (2002-current)
    • Project Director for "Building a Community of Readers" A Grant Wood Area Education Agency initiative (Cedar Rapids, IA) 2001; 2002.
    • Plan/promote special literacy events within the community in cooperation with building-level activities
    • Evening of the Stars (authors/illustrators) attracted a dozen local authors/illustrators and 80 participants at the Cedar Rapids Public Library
    • Planning/promoting area reading conference involving 420 students and 24 teachers from 13 area schools - featuring authors Patricia Hermes and Carol Gorman
    • Chair of charter planning committee for annual book/author conference attracting 300-450 participants each year (conference existed for twenty-five years); General advisor emeritus.
    • Coordinated Author residency involving localarea education agency and 5-10 area schools

Technology Support/Involvement

 

    • Experienced Macintosh and PC user
    • Provided software technical support; limited hardware support (1992-1998; 2013-current)
    • Teach technology courses to undergraduates and professional peers
    • Word Processing: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, Excel, PowerPoint and other dedicated applications
    • Photoshop and other graphic applications
    • Experienced in web design using DreamWeaver and raw html coding. Developed and maintained numerous websites.

PUBLISHING/EDITING EXPERIENCE

Writer/Editor

Research papers deposited in the University of Iowa Libraries (Iowa City, Iowa), special collections. Collection Number MsC0991.

 

Publications: Books (Edited)

Edited "Author and You" series of books for Libraries Unlimited.  This series included titles by authors/illustrators:

      • Bob Barner
      • Jane Kurtz
      • span style="color:black; ">Jacqueline Briggs Martin
      • ">Deborah Hopkinson
      • ">Jim Aylesworth
      • Mary Casanova

Publications:  Books (Authored)

 

      • Baseball Greats by the Numbers. (2021). Reading Trove.
      • The Ultimate Guide: Literature for Teens. (2021). Reading Trove.
      • Young Adult Literature and Multimedia: A Quick Guide. With David Loertscher and others. 2014-2017 (various editions, revised and updated). Hi-Willow Research and Publishing
      • The Best Teen Reads 2005-2018 (various editions, revised and updated) Hi-Willow Research and Publishing
      • Picture That! From Mendel to Normandy: Picture Books and Ideas, Curriculum and Connections-for T'weens and Teens (2009) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Authors in the Pantry: Recipes, Stories and More (2007) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Authors in the Kitchen: Recipes, Stories and More (2005) Libraries Unlimited.
      • The Best Teen Reads (2005) Hi-Willow Research and Publishing
      • Iowa Power! With David Loertscher (2005) Hi-Willow Research and Publishing
      • Children's Authors and Illustrators Too Good to Miss (2004) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Literature Frameworks: From Apples to Zoos, 2nd edition. (2002) Linworth Publishers.
      • Character Education: A Book Guide for Teachers, Librarians, and Parents (2002) Libraries Unlimited.
      • ABCs of an Author/Illustrator Visit. 2nd edition.  (2001) Linworth Publishers.
      • Internet for Schools with Carol Simpson, 3rd ed..  (2001) Linworth Publishers
      • Tips: Ideas for Secondary School Librarians & Technology Specialists, 2nd  (2000) Linworth Publishers.
      • 100 Most Popular Picture Books Authors and Illustrators: Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies.  (2000) Linworth Publishers.
      • WWW Almanac: Making Curriculum Connections to Special Days, Weeks, Months with Carol Smallwood. (1999) Linworth Publishers
      • 100 Most Popular Children's Authors: Biographical Sketches and Bibliographies.  (1999) Linworth Publishers.
      • Shoptalk: Ideas for Elementary School Librarians and Technology Specialists, 2nd edition.  (1999) Linworth Publishers.
      • Research Strategies for Moving Beyond Reporting (1997) Linworth Publishers
      • Literature Frameworks: From Apples to Zoos, 1st edition. (1997) Linworth Publishers.
      • Internet for Schools with Carol Simpson, 2nd ed.  (1997) Linworth Publishers
      • Educator's Companion to Children's Literature, v. 2. Folklore, contemporary realistic fiction, fantasy, biographies, and tales from here and there.  (1996) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Great New Non-Fiction Reads (1995) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Educator's Companion to Children's Literature, v. 1. Mysteries, animal tales, books of humor, adventure stories, and historical fiction.  (1995) Libraries Unlimited.
      • The Latest and Greatest Read-Alouds (1994) Libraries Unlimited.
      • ABCs of an Author/Illustrator Visit.  (1994) Linworth Publishers.
      • The Poet Tree (1993) Libraries Unlimited.
      • McElmeel Booknotes: Literature Across the Curriculum (1993) Libraries Unlimited.
      • An Author a Month (for Dimes) (1993) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Bookpeople: A Multi-Cultural Album (1992) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Adventures with Social Studies (Through Literature)  (1991) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Calendar: Children's Authors (1991) Hi-Willow Publishing
      • Bookpeople: A Second Album (1990) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Bookpeople: A First Album (1990) Libraries Unlimited.
      • An Author a Month (for Nickels) (1990) Libraries Unlimited.
      • My Bag of Book Tricks (1989) Libraries Unlimited.
      • An Author a Month (for Pennies) (1988) Libraries Unlimited.
      • Choice Books and Authors (1987), with Carolyn Horton. Mcbookwords/Reading Trove
      • Award Books and Authors (1987), with Carolyn Horton. Mcbookwords/Reading Trove
      • Put the Great Sea Monster and Flat Stanley in the Wright Place (1986) Mcbookwords/Reading Trove.
      • Choice Reading Extenders (1986), with Carolyn Horton. Mcbookwords/Reading Trove

Publications:  Periodical Articles

 

  • What are young learners reading? Or how does what they are reading fit in with building a community of readers? Teacher | Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals. (2015) 42(4), p. 29-33
  • Columnist-Monthly Column—"In the Spotlight" in Library Sparks  (2006-2014)
  • Columnist-Bi-monthly Column—"Author Central" School Library Media Activities Monthly (2008-2013).
  • Columnist-Bi-monthly Column—"Between the Pages" School Library Media Activities Monthly (2006-08).
  • Columnist-Bi-monthly Column—"The Book Bag" School Library Media Activities Monthly (2005-06).
  • "Good Intentions Are Not Enough" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Media Connection.  November/December 2004,  Vol. 23. No. 3.  p. 28-9. "Author Profile: Mary Casanova" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book ReportMay/June 2002, Vol. 21, Issue 1, p. 40-41. Full-Text.
  • "Author Profile: Cynthia Leitich Smith" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk March/April 2002, Vol. 15, Issue 2, p. 30-41 .
  • "Author Profile: Judy Sierra" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk May/June 2002, Vol. 15, Issue 3, p. 20-21 .
  • "Beyond Reporting: History Showcased on the Web" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk November/December 2001, Vol. 14, Issue 5, p.16-17 .
  • "Kids Search: Social Studies Research and Local Resources" by Jacqueline Briggs Martin and Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk November/December 2001, Vol. 14, Issue 5, p.14-15.
  • "Illustrator Profile: James Ransome" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk May/June 2001, Vol. 14, Issue 3, p.xx-xx.
  • "Author Profile: Walter Dean Myers" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report January/February 2001, Vol. 20, Issue 2, p.42-45.
  • "Raising Readers: 21 Steps" in Library Talk March/April 2001, Vol. 14, Issue 2, p.xx-xx .
  • "Author Profile: Fred Bowen" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk January/February 2001, Vol. 14, Issue 1, p.xx-xx .
  • "Author Profile: Franny Billingsley" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report January/February 2000, Vol. 19, Issue 4, p.xx-xx .
  • "Author Profile: Nancy Werlin" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report  November/December 2000, Vol. 19, Issue 3, p.xx-xx .
  • "Author Profile: Nicole Rubel" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk November/December 2000, Vol. 13, Issue 5, p.xx-xx.
  • "Entering the World of Informational Books with Young Readers" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk September/October 2000, Vol. 13, Issue 4, p.32-34.
  • "Cool Stuff on the Web: Ben Franklin on Government and Politics" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk September/October 2000, Vol. 13, Issue 4, p.32-34.
  • "Cool Stuff on the Web: Reading Actively on the Web" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk March/April 2000, Vol. 13, Issue 2, p.33-36.
  • "Author Profile: Jane Kurtz: Reflecting Home Places" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk March/April 2000, Vol. 13, Issue 2, p.24-26.
  • "Author Profile: Mary Azarian -- Woodcut Artist" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk January/February 2000, Vol. 13, Issue 1, p.18-19.
  • "Author Profile: An Award Winning Author: Louis Sachar" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report January/February 2000, Vol. 18, Issue 4, p.46-47.
  • "Cool Stuff on the Web: Kids Searching the WWW" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report November/December 1999, Vol. 18, Issue 3, p.54, 56.
  • "Author Profile: Patricia McKissack: Wordsmith and Avid Reader" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report November/December 1999, Vol. 18, Issue 3, p.36-37
  • "Cool Stuff on the Web: Friendly Sites" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk September/October 99, Vol. 12, Issue 4, p. 37.
  • "Cool Stuff on the Web: Newspapers in Education" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk March/April 99, Vol. 12, Issue 2, p. 31-32.
  • "Author Profile: Roland Smith: A Profile of an Eco-Adventure Writer" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk March/April 99, Vol. 12, Issue 2, p. 6.
  • "Connecting Literature with WWW Sites" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report Jan/Feb 99, Vol. 17, Issue 4, p. 30, 32-34.
  • "Author Profile: Deborah Hopkinson" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk Nov/Dec 98, Vol. 11, Issue 5, p. 20-21.
  • "Author & Illustrator Profile: Harriet Peck Taylor" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk Nov/Dec 98, Vol. 10, Issue 5, p. 18-19.
  • "Cool Stuff on the Net: Using the Web to Motivate Reading" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk September/October 98, Vol. 11, Issue 4, p. 34-35.
  • "Logging On" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Technology Connection May/June 98, Vol. 5, Issue 3, p. 6.
  • "Author & Illustrator Profile: The Pinkneys" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk May/June 98, Vol. 11, Issue 3, p. 16-19.
  • "Cool Stuff on the Net: Publishers Help Create Curriculum Connections" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk May/June 98, Vol. 11, Issue 3, p. 10-11.
  • "Joan Lowery Nixon" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report Jan/Feb 98, Vol. 16, Issue 4, p 26-28.
  • "Gateways to the Internet: Getting Connected to Curriculum Sites" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report Jan/Feb 98, Vol. 16, Issue 4, p 21-22.
  • "Author Profile: Gloria Skurzynski" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report Nov/Dec 97, Vol. 16, Issue 3, p. 25-27.
  • "Technology Tricks: Eleven Ways to Lure Others Into Technology Use" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Technology Connection November 97, Vol. 4, Issue 6, p. 14 -15.
  • "A Research Project Filled With Real World Technology" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Technology Connection April 97, Vol. 4, Issue 2, p. 13-15.
  • "Vote for the 100 Most Important Authors in Young Adult Literature" by Sharron L. McElmeel and Lin Buswell in Book Report, Mar/Apr 97, Vol. 15, Issue 5, p 23+. Results reported in "Readers' Choice: The Most Important Authors of Books for Young Adults" in Book Report, Jan/Feb 98, Vol. 16, Issue 4, p 23+.
  • "Vote for the 100 Most Important Authors and Illustrators in Children's Literature" by Sharron L. McElmeel and Lin Buswell in Library Talk, Mar/Apr 97, Vol. 10, Issue 2, p 9+. Results reported in "Readers' Choice: The Most Important Authors of Books for Children" in Library Talk, Jan/Feb 98, Vol. 11, Issue 1, p ___.
  • "A New Section for Beginning Readers: J for Junior Nonfiction" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Jan/Feb 97, Vol. 10, Issue 1, p 7+.
  • "Poet Profile: Shel Silverstein" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Jan/Feb 97, Vol. 10, Issue 1, p 16+.
  • "Internet Books and Videos" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Technology Connection, Dec. 96, Vol. 3, Issue 8, p. 12+.
  • "Author & Illustrator Profile: Shonto Begay" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Nov/Dec 96, Vol. 9, Issue 5, p 14+.
  • "Author Profile: Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report, Sep/Oct 96, Vol. 15, Issue 2, p 28+. Includes: "Teaching History with Fiction."
  • "Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas?" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report, Sep/Oct 96, Vol 15, Issue 2, p 33+.
  • "The Newbery and Caldecott Awards" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, May/Jun 96, Vol. 9, Issue 3, p 8+.
  • "Logging On" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Technology Connection, Apr 96, Vol. 3, Issue 2, p 7+.
  • "Author Profile: Carol Gorman" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Book Report, Mar/Apr 96, Vol. 14, Issue 5, p 22+.
  • "Author & Illustrator Profile: Tololwa M. Mollel" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Mar/Apr 96, Vol. 9, Issue 2, p 16+.
  • "A Well-Stocked Cupboard for Parents" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Jan/Feb 96, Vol. 9, Issue 1, p 1+.
  • "Reflecting Diverse Cultures-- Biographies in the Library" by Sharron L. McElmeel, Library Talk, Nov/Dec 95, Vol 8, Issue 5, p 9+.
  • "Author Profile: Jacqueline Briggs Martin" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Nov/Dec 95, Vol. 8, Issue 5, p 19+.
  • "Adventuring Online" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Sep/Oct 95, Vol. 8, Issue 4, p 7+.
  • "Making the Most of an Author's Visit" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, May/Jun 95, Vol. 8, Issue 3, p 5, 7; reprinted from Book Report, May/Jun 94, Vol. 13, Issue 1, p 23+..
  • "Author & Illustrator Profile: David Wisniewski" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Mar/Apr 95, Vol. 8, Issue 2, p 16+.
  • "The Librarian's Role in the Whole Language Classroom" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Jan/Feb 95, Vol. 8, Issue 1, p 5+.
  • "Maximizing the Value of Online Services" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Technology Connection, Jan 95, Vol. 1, Issue 6, p 1+.
  • "Fitting the Puzzle Pieces Together: Blending Social Studies with Literature" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Nov/Dec 94, Vol. 7, Issue 5, p 9+.
  • "Author Profile: Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Nov/Dec 94, Vol. 7, Issue 5, p 20+.
  • "Introducing Brian Pinkney: 1994 Iowa Reading Journal Cover Artist" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Iowa Reading Journal October 94, Vol. 7, Issue 1, p. 2-4.
  • "Author & Illustrator Profile: Craig Brown" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Mar/Apr 94, Vol. 7, Issue 2, p 15+.
  • "Toward a Real Multiculturalism" by Sharron L. McElmeel in School Library Journal, Nov 93, Vol. 39, Issue 11, p 50.
  • "Finding Books That Reflect Diversity" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Nov/Dec 93, Vol. 6, Issue 6, p 1+
  • "Author & Illustrator Profile: Karla Kuskin." by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, September/October 93, Vol. 7, Issue 4, p 17-19.
  • "Welcome to an Automated Library." by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, September/October 93, Vol. 7, Issue 4, p 1, 5, 11-12.
  • "Author Profile: Bruce Coville." by Sharron L. McElmeel in Library Talk, Jan/Feb 93, Vol. 6, Issue 1, p 14-16.
  • "Introducing Leo and Diane Dillon: 1992 Iowa Reading Journal Cover Artists" by Sharron L. McElmeel in Iowa Reading Journal May 92, Vol. 5, Issue 1, p. 1-3.

Publications:  Periodical Articles

 

    • Regular contributor to professional journals including, School Library Journal, Library Talk, Book Report, Technology Connection (1995-2000), and other professional journals. (1988-current)
    •  Developed model for Internet for Schools Workshop used nationally by Education Enrichment, Inc. (Norman, OK) to teach educators about the Internet and the World Wide Web (1998)
    • Reviewer children's books, Kirkus Reviews (2002 - present)
    • Associate Reviews Editor Library Talk (1999-2002)
    • Editor "Cool Stuff on the Web" column for Library Talk and Book Report (Linworth Publishing), national periodicals with a readership of 30,000+ (1995-2001)
    • Book (and technology) reviewer for School Library Journal (1976-1999)
    • Contributor and co-editor Iowa Reading Journal (1985-1997)
    • Contributing editor See Magazine, an arts magazine once published in the Midwest (1980-82)
    • Editor and publisher of resource books on authors for the Iowa Reading Association and an independent publisher. (1987-95)

Free-Lance Photographer

 

    • Photographs have appeared in a dozen published books released by Libraries Unlimited, Teacher Ideas Press, Linworth Publishing; many periodical articles; and in a volume in the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series, grade 1.
    • Photographs are published on the WWW on the websites of Carol Gorman, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Craig Brown, Harrison Elementary School (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), 150 Years of Literacy in Iowa, and the American Library Association's page about the author/illustrator of the 1997 Caldecott Winner.
    • Photographically documented approximately 900 pieces of original children's book art owned by the Cedar Rapids Public Library (Iowa) 

PRESENTATIONS

Nationally recognized author and speaker in the area of literature based instruction and technology - Keynote/session speaker at national/regional reading/curriculum conferences

 

  • Nevada Reading Conference.  Topic: Children's and Young Adult Literatur. (2016)
  • CESA 10 – Wisconsin.  Trends in Children's and Young Adult Literature (2015)
  • Catholic Adult Fellowship Evening (CAFÉ) Notre Dame Parish, Burlington, IA – (2014) "Grandparents' Role in Creating a Village in a Literacy Environment."
  • Illinois Reading Conference "Research Fuels the Authors' Fire" with authors Dori Hillestad Butler, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and Michelle Edwards. (2013).
  • Authors Speak: Common Core Standards and an Author's Role-- Illinois Reading Association. Springfield, Illinois. Co-presenters: Dori Butler, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Michelle Edwards. (2013).
  • American Association of School Librarians (National Conference - Minneapolis, MN) (2011)
  • Pennsylvania School Library Association (2009)
  • International Reading Association in Minneapolis (2009)
  • Alabama (Birmingham) Kindergarten conference SDE (2009)
  • Maryland (Towson) Kindergarten Conference SDE (2009)
  • Luncheon Speaker: Iowa Reading Association - Des Moines  (2009)
  • Indiana (Indianapolis) 1st grade conference SDE (2009)
  • Kindergarten Conference, SDE, New Orleans, LA (2008)
  • American Library Association Conference (AASL sponsored forum - Research - Fueling the Authors' Fire), Anaheim, California, (June 2008)
  • Missouri Association of School Librarians -- workshop (Author Visits: What are we teaching?; and luncheon keynote  (April 2008)
  • American Association of School Librarians (National Conference - Reno Nevada) October 2007
  • Pennsylvania School Librarians Association - Hershey, PA (2007)
  • Encyclo-media Conference sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education - Oklahoma City, OK (August, 2007)
  • Kindergarten Conference, SDE, Wichita, Kansas (2007)
  • First Grade Conference, SDE, Wichita, Kansas (2007)
  • Second Grade Conference, SDE, Schaumburg, IL (2007)
  • Virginia Educational Media Association, Hampton, VA. (2006)
  • Pennsylvania School Librarians Association - Hershey, PA (2006)
  • First Grade Conference for Indiana Teachers   (Staff Development for Educators™) Indianapolis, IN.  (April 25, 2006)
  • Iowa Reading Association --Keynote:  Read-Succeed: A Quest Worth Taking - Des Moines, IA (April 6, 2006)
  • "Take Care of Yourself Retreat" Cedar Rapids, IA Building a Family of Readers: 10 ways to accomplish the single most important goal you can have to develop healthy, happy, successful citizens.  (April 1, 2006)
  • Lee County Reading Association, Keokuk, IA "Building a Community of Readers"  (March 16, 2006
  • NCTE -- 2005 Annual Convention, November 17-22, 2005, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Panel:  The Importance of Research in the Creation of Fiction and Nonfiction: An Author's View (with Carol Gorman, Patrick O'Brien, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and Diane Stanley)
  • American Association of School Librarians - Whetting the Reader's Appetite (concurrent session) - Pittsburgh, PA  (October 2005)
  • Encyclo-media Conference sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education - Tulsa, OK (2005)
  • American Association of School Librarians - The ABCs of a Literate Classroom Environment (day long workshop) - Pittsburgh, PA (October 2005)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (for Institute of Educational Development - IED) Buffalo, NY (May 2005)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (IED) Baltimore, MD (May 2005)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (IED) Reno, NV (May 2005)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (IED) Portland, OR  (May 2005)
  • Pennsylvania School Librarians Association - Hershey, PA (2005)
  • Wisconsin Educational Media Association - Green Bay, WI (2005)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (for Institute of Educational Development - IED) Orlando, FL (Dec. 2004)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (IED) Jackson, MI (Dec. 2004)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (IED) Pittsburgh, PA (Nov. 2004)
  • What's New in Books for Young Adults - 2005 (IED) State College, PA (Nov. 2004)
  • Pennsylvania School Librarians Association - Hershey, PA (2004)
  • Wisconsin Educational Media Association - Madison, WI (2004)
  • American Association of School Librarians Conference – Kansas City, KS (Fall, 2003)
  • Beginning Reading Conference – Cedar Falls, IA (Spring 2003)
  • Virginia School Library Media Association Conference - Richmond, Virginia  (Spring 2003)
  • Tennessee State Media Association Conference - Buchanan, TN (Fall, 2002)
  • International Reading Association - Atlanta, GA  (2001)
  • International Reading Association - Indianapolis, IN (2001)
  • Iowa Educational Media Association - Council Bluffs, IA (2001)
  • American Association of School Librarians Conference - Indianapolis, IN  (2000)
  • Kansas State Reading Association Conference - Hays, KS  (2000)
  • Core Knowledge Curriculum Conference - Williamsburg, VA (1998)
  • Encyclo-media Conference sponsored by the Oklahoma State Department of Education - Oklahoma, OK
  • Multi-Cultural Reading and Thinking Project, Arkansas Department of Education - Little Rock, AK
  • International Reading Association Conference -- Toronto, Canada; Indianapolis, IN
  • Colorado State Reading Conference - Denver, Colorado and other sites throughout the Midwest and the United States.

WEBMASTER 

  • Created and maintain Web Site Iowa Wild Rose Award site. www.iowawildrose.com
  • Created and maintain Web Site McBookwords. www.mcbookowrds.com
  • Created and maintain Web Site of Lakeside Buddha www.lakesidebuddha.com
  • Created and maintain Web Site of Jane Kurtz, author  www.janekurtz.com
  • Created and maintain Web Site of Jacqueline Briggs Martin, author  www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com
  • Created and maintain Web Site of Laurie Lawlor, author  www.laurielawlor.com
  • Created and maintain Web Site of Jim Aylesworth, author www.ayles.com
  • Created and maintain Web Site of Sheet Metal Workers, LU 263. www.smwia263.org
  • Created and maintain Web Site of Cedar Rapids /Iowa City Building and Trades www.cricbt.org 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

  • Monitor Scholastic children's book review board (2003-2005)
  • Monitor Scholastic Network's Children's Literature bulletin Board at www.scholastic.com (1995-2003)
  • Review CD ROMS, videos and other media for Technology Connection, a section of Library Talk and Book Report; School Library Journal; and Science Books & Films;
  • Hosted a network interactive research activity as "Bookwoman" for Scholastic Network. Activity involved over 200 classrooms nationwide, generating research clues, e-mailing, and mentoring student researchers.
  • KidsConnect; Volunteer (1997-99) -- an online service sponsored by the American Association of School Libraries, a service designed to respond to young learners questions for research help.
  • Virtual Desk Reference; Volunteer (1999-2005) -- an online reference service hosted by the University of Syracruse, a service designed to respond to questions for research help
  • The Read-In Volunteer (1999-2002)-- an online program to promote literacy and reading.

MARKETING AND MEDIA EXPERIENCE

 

  • Research/interviewer, Frank N. Magid Associates (five years)
  • Book Review and commentaries were aired on KCCK-fm, a national public radio affiliate (five years)
  • Wrote and obtained grants for development of web page, sponsorship of reading conference, sponsorship of author residency and author days

EXPERIENCE OUTSIDE THE EDUCATION/PUBLISHING

  • Security Associate (on call) - Per-Mar Security, Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Location. (2012-2016).
  • Owner Green Frog Gifts -- an IOWA company (est. 2004)
  • Drove US Mail Star Route
  • Restaurant manager
  • Small business owner/bookkeeper
  • Candidate for State House of Representatives (1998)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

 

  • National Education Association (life member since 1965), Iowa State Education Association, Cedar Rapids Area Education Association
  • International Reading Association, Iowa Reading Association, Cedar Rapids Area Reading Association (President local council, 1986-87; Secretary State council, 1987-88; President local council, 2001-2002)
  • Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
  • American Library Association
    • Association Library Service to Children
      • ALSC - Member Caldecott Award Committee (2007)
      • ALSC - Member School Librarian's Workshop Scholarship Award Subcommittee (1999-2000)
    • American Association of School Librarians
      • AASL Publications Committee (2008-2010); (1994-2001)
      • AASL Research Grant Award Subcommittee (2008)
      • AASL  Program Committee for Pittsburgh Conference (2005)
      • AASL Member School Age Programs and Service Committee (2003)

HONORS AND AWARDS

 

  • Top Ten Online Educators (2004), Innovative Teaching
  • Celebrate Literacy Award - Iowa Reading Association (2003)
  • Celebrate Literacy Award - Cedar Rapids Area Reading Council (2003)
  • Nominated Iowa Teacher of the Year (1997)
  • Linn County (Iowa) Teacher of the Year (1996)
  • Selected as a member of the advisory board for Technology Connection, a professional journal (1996-1998)
  • Honored for contribution to staff development program, Grant Wood Area Education Agency
  • Iowa Reading Teacher of the Year, 1987
  • Selected as a member of the advisory board for the International Reading Association's Reading Journal (1993-96)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Active promoter of reading activities in the community
  • Co-Chair Theme Basket Committee for Mercy Medical Center Auxilary's Spring (2008) Style Show
  • Member of the Linn County Plumbers Board of Appeals (1994-present)
  • Vice-Chair (2000-2005); representative to Metro Area board (1999-present)
  • Member of the Metro Area Plumbers Board of Examiners and Appeals (1998-present) Chair, 2000, 2002
  • Member literary club (Foldpak)
  • Member Cedar Rapids Museum of Art
  • Member Czech-Slovak Museum

REFERENCES

Available upon request

 

       
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