When I applied to the School Library Media Program at UGA I had two goals.
1) My primary goal was to complete the necessary requirements for an add-on certification in School Library Media.
I was happy to learn that much of my EdS course work could be applied to my media certification program. After completing 5 classes and hopefully passing the GACE, I am on my way to becoming certified as a Media Specialist.
2) When I began the program, I knew a great deal about the technology involved creating a stimulating learning environment in the media center but I didn't know much about the the day to day operation of the media center. Going further, I know nothing about books! I was terrified when a student asked for suggestions for pleasure reading. My goal was to become more comfortable and effective in my job.
I began my job as a media specialist one semester before I began my course work at UGA. It was a semester filled with frustration because I didn't know why certain things had to be done a certain way. Many of our policies and procedures seemed to be very time consuming and inefficient as so many people had to approve of what we did in the media center. Once I began my course work, I was able to see why our procedures were set up the way they were and, in turn, explain them to the staff member here at school. Perhaps the most helpful course, in terms of calming my fear of books, was Adolescent Literature. This course really turned me on to reading the types of books that my students enjoy. Presently, I find myself only reading YA Literature. While I still love the technological aspects of running a media center, the opportunity to talk to students about books is always the highlight of my day!