CULLOWHEE (September 28, 2015)—The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) hosted more than 40 library media specialists (LMS) from across the state in Cullowhee Sept. 22–25. “How Library Media Specialists Can Support Literacy” was designed as a flipped program for library media specialists with pre-and post-program components
"If we are going to solve our literacy challenges in North Carolina, then it's going to take every teacher—not just the language arts/English teachers—getting comfortable with the idea that they can infuse literacy lessons into their coursework for students," NCCAT faculty member Dr. Ernest Johnson said. “Library media specialists can have a powerful say in making this happen at their schools.
NCCAT is a recognized national leader in professional development programming for teachers
In years past, the school librarian was expected to build well-rounded library collections and to be an effective circulator and manager of resources. Today's library media specialist takes an active role in instructional programs, serving not only as program administrator and information specialist, but also as a teacher and instructional partner
The NCCAT program focused on strategies library media specialists could use to develop a collaborative teaching role that supports literacy across the curriculum. Participants explored how technology can be used to support a dynamic teaching environment
Dr. Johnson led the program along with Roberta Phillips, Planning and Project Manager/Librarian at Richland Library in Columbia, SC; Mattie Perry Johnson, Library Media Specialist at Southern High School in Durham; and Kathy Parker, School Library Media Consultant for North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.