AASL 2013 Elections

ESLS Chair-Elect

Rebecca Morris

Current Position:

Assistant Professor; Simmons College; Graduate School of Library and Information Science; Boston; MA;

Previous Position:

Teaching Fellow, University of Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA (2008-2011)
School Librarian, Deer Lakes School District, Russelton, PA (2004-2008)
Classroom Teacher, Franklin Regional School District, Murrysville, PA (2000-2004)

Degrees and Certificates:

University of Pittsburgh, PhD, Library and Information Science, 2011; University of Pittsburgh, MLIS and School Librarian state teaching certification, 2004; Pennsylvania State University, BS, Elementary and Kindergarten Education (Natural Science Minor, Honors in Geography, Elementary Education state teaching certification), 2000.

ALA and/or ALA-APA Activities:

AASL 2013 National Conference Committee, Chair, IDEAxCHANGE & Pre-Conference Events, 2012-2014; AASL Advocacy Committee, 2011-2013; YALSA Research Committee, 2011-2013; YALSA Frances Henne Research Grant Jury Committee, 2011-2012, Chair; YALSA Frances Henne Research Grant Jury Committee, 2010-2011; Resume Reviewer, NMRT, ALA Midwinter Conference, 2012; YALSA Exhibits Volunteer, ALISE Annual Conference, 2012, 2013.

Offices held in state/regional library associations, and other associations:

Faculty Secretary, Simmons College GSLIS, 2012-present; Secretary/Treasurer, Penn State Parmi Nous Honor Society Alumni Interest Group, 2007-2011; Member-At-Large, Western Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (WPSLA), 2006-2008; Access Pennsylvania Database Issues Committee, 2007-2008; Board of Directors, Penn State College of Education Alumni Society, 2006-2009; Three Rivers Educational Technology Conference (TRETC) Planning Committee, 2006; Lead Volunteer, Penn State College of Education, Pittsburgh Alumni/Student Teacher Network, 2005-2009.

Honors and Awards:

2013 iSchools Doctoral Dissertation Award Nominee, University of Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences; Recipient, Teaching Assistant/Fellow Scholarship and Stipend, Library and Information Science Doctoral Program, University of Pittsburgh, School of Information Sciences, 2008-2011; Nominee, Teacher Recognition Program, Teacher Excellence Center (Pittsburgh), 2005 and 2007; Beta Phi Mu, Library and Information Sciences Honor Society, inducted 2004.

Major Accomplishments:

When I started teaching, I taught first grade in an innovative and inspiring school, where teachers created learning materials and weren't required to use textbooks. I took my experience in developing inquiry- and literature-focused learning experiences to the school library, where I enjoyed working with students and teachers. In my current teaching, I work to excite and inform graduate students about the critical roles they will assume as librarians and leaders, motivate their thinking about education and libraries today, and provide guidance for their professional careers.
Regarding my research, my PhD dissertation is entitled, Responses of Listener-Viewers in Digital Storytelling in the Intermediate Classroom and Middle School Library. My dissertation research and teaching have shaped two streams of study: K-12 students’ information, technology, and 21st-century skills; and the educational preparation of school librarians to lead as librarians and teachers of 21st-century learners.
When I’m not teaching or writing, I enjoy pro and college sports, especially football and hockey, and fitness, including dance, distance running, and CrossFit, a strength and conditioning program.

Publications:

Morris, Rebecca J. “Revisiting 'Library Skills' in the Common Core State Standards.” School Library Monthly (January 2013): 36-38.
Morris, Rebecca J. “Find Where You Fit in the Common Core, Or The Time I Forgot about Librarians and Reading.” Teacher Librarian 39, no. 5 (June 2012): 8-12.
Bowler, Leanne, Rebecca Morris, I-Ling Cheng, Reham Al-Issa, Brian Romine, and Lisa Leiberling. “Multimodal Stories: LIS Students Explore Reading, Literacy, and Library Service through the Lens of ‘The 39 Clues.’” Journal of Education for Library and Information Science 53, no.1: (Winter/January 2012): 32-48.

Links to further information:

School Library Monthly Blog (I am the blogger for this publication): http://blog.schoollibrarymedia.com/; Simmons College GSLIS Web Profile: http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/people/faculty/full-time/morris.php ; Twitter: @rebeccajm87

Statement of Professional Concerns/Aspirations if Elected:

Education today is a climate of evolving academic standards, school reform, and changing demands on school librarians. ESLS is a community of educators who share and discuss curricula, research, and strategies for preparing the best school librarians. Through ESLS, I have made friends and cultivated a vital professional network.
“Easels” (how we pronounce “ESLS”) reminds me of children’s art easels, with compartments for markers and paint brushes and space for drawing and coloring. Easels provide tools and space to make things. Our educators “easel” group works the same way: people are the tools, and our “easel” is a space to generate creativity and a reason to gather and “make something.” We help and inspire one another in "making" outstanding school librarians.  As Chair of ESLS, an important goal is to sustain and extend conversation between face-to-face meetings. I’d be honored to facilitate this process. Thank you for your consideration.

Member of ALA since: