Kathryn Bajko-Green's Website

 

 

Kathryn Bajko-Green

Occupation: Library Media Specialist

Winthrop Harbor, Illinois

Email Adress: kgreen@whsd1.org

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Favorite Quote

The only way to fail is to quit! ~Oscar Wilde
About Me

 

I've traveled the world twice over, 
Met the famous; saints and sinners, 
Poets and artists, kings and queens, 
Old stars and hopeful beginners, 
I've been where no-one's been before, 
Learned secrets from writers and cooks 
All with one library ticket 
To the wonderful world of books. 
~Anonymous

My personal library philosophy statement is simple. I believe that books can open the hearts and minds of any person ages one to one hundred and one. I believe that the LIBRARY is the heart of the school and that I am there for the students. I know that it is necessary to have fun, and allow others to join in on that fun! Finally, I need to find ways to entice students into the library, whether it is through book clubs, literacy circles, or read aloud's… I need to do whatever it takes!

I believe that an excellent library media specialist must have the following qualifications.  First, any person working with students needs to be passionate about teaching and learning. I have a strong desire to make an imprint in the lives of my students, and to make a positive difference. I know that this can be done by leading by example, understanding, encouraging, and promoting opportunities for independent learning, and using all of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence learning styles whenever appropriate.

I believe that all students should have access to information, no matter what grade level, and that they should learn multiple ways to search for sources. It is one of my goals to guide students through the differences between facts, points of view, and opinions. I know that it is imperative that students understand how and when to use different resources, which is why I am dedicated to being a lifelong learner. It is only through my continued development that I can keep abreast of all the issues that are facing our children today.

I have high expectations for all students and will challenge them to discover their untapped potential. I will use the library and all its resources enthusiastically to create wonder, a sense of purpose, and to cultivate curiosity. I will captivate students by making real-world connections to their curriculum and show how subjects are interconnected. I know that a well organized library collection is the foundation to meeting this objective.

I will work collaboratively with the administration, parents and my peers, just as I will teach my students to work collaboratively with one another.  I will value my students by being a good listener and by exercising patience. I will model integrity, honesty, perseverance and ownership. I will help students learn for themselves and to be accountable for their learning.  I will teach students how to use both print and non-print materials, proving that the libraries resources will improve their achievement.

I know that technology plays a key role in education today. I am proficient in Microsoft Word 98, 2003 and 2007, Excel, Access, Outlook, Power Point, Dreamweaver CS4, and Microsoft Publisher. Additionally, I have experience with united streaming, overhead projection units, teacher tube, digital cameras and more. I believe that my students need to tackle research by using electronic journals, databases, and appropriate internet sites. I stay current on new technology and trends in order to effectively plan, implement, and assess the effectiveness of the school's library information. I know that the library media center is the key to providing students with the information to become lifelong learners.

I know that parents need to be part of the library and it is my goal to create learning activities that both parents and children can do together. I will create a variety of communication devices to keep parents informed of the activities within the library. I know that community support is essential to the library media program. Therefore, I will maintain community relationships in order to establish lifelong learning for everyone.

I will strive to create information literate students, with twenty-first century skills, by expanding my reach beyond the library’s walls. I know that a high quality media center can meet all of the above objectives.  By creating a collection that is current, relevant to the curriculum, and modeling effective research practices, I will help my students master the skills needed to become 21st century learners!