CUETHELIBRARIAN
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
Search

Cue's Summer of Learning

7/31/2020

 
Well, friends. It's the end of July. I can't believe how fast this summer flew by. It seems like just yesterday we were all thrown into the midst of a pandemic with only uncertainties to guide us through a new era of digital learning. Maybe technology wasn't your strong suit. Or maybe you wanted to pursue different applications but weren't sure where to begin. It's like this pandemic provided some learning opportunities that we might have not pursued otherwise. I used my summer to build my skills and take on learning opportunities that will guide how I shift my programming and lessons for a more digital-inclusive library—to ensure that it's implemented with fidelity and not simply because I "earned a badge". I also participated in and created some PD opportunities and I'm honored to say that RGV Library Squad hosted our very first RGV LibCamp this summer! We really tried to provide an open opportunity for librarians seeking some guidance on how they can implement new practices for the 2020-2021 school year. Along with an amazing virtual conference, I presented multiple times--RGV LibCamp, TxASL, TCEA, and NTX Lib Camp--and even had some amazing interviews with some AMAZING people such as Charlene Martoni (Feminist Librarian aka my new friend!) and Alfonso Mendoza (My EdTech Life). I even represented the Rio Grande Valley in ALA's Virtual Tour with ALA President Julius Jefferson! OH! & let me not forget-I have a YouTube channel now! Exciting!
This summer really led to some meaningful opportunities and I am eternally thankful for a profession that allows me to flourish in so many areas of education. Learning never stops. Teaching never stops. I wanted to hone my skills, so I also pursued different micro-credentials. Mainly, yes, because I'm a hyper-nerd and I love learning, but because I really want to advocate for my position and promote my services as a library media leader. As an educator, I like to lead by example and learn as much as I can. If I encourage my students to do this—to seek knowledge, to question, to participate in thoughtful discussion—then I must do the same. So, where did that lead me this summer? I am now a Certified Google Trainer, MIE Trainer, MIE Expert, Newsela Educator, Kami Educator, a Flipgrid Level 2 Expert, and I am pursuing my Newsela Trainer credentials. Yes, these courses take time and preparation, but it's totally worth it. I can't think of a better profession that integrates the use of technology to its fullest capacity. That love of learning doesn't just stop there, though. Lispy Librarian and I kicked off a live show called "Tech It Over" in hopes of centering discussions around women in technology roles. Will conversations get serious? Definitely. Will we have fun doing it? FOR SURE! I consider myself very lucky to have her by my side for this project and what I know will be an amazing journey together! Okay, but, why do any of it? Why go for it? Because—I know what I want my library and profession to reflect: a welcoming, inclusive, innovative, and engaging environment (both physically and virtually). How I begin to prepare for the incoming school year is definitely going to be different and a challenge, but I am 100% positive that my training and experience have prepared me for this moment. Thankfully, I am part of an amazing network of librarians that encourage each other daily. (Shoutout to my new friends Amanda Hunt, Deb Zeman, Jessica Fitzpatrick, and Kaitlyn Carpenter! Make sure to follow them!) If you find yourself feeling unsure of yourself, reach out! Engage with other librarians that share the same vision and that build each other up. This isn't a competition. We're not here to see "who wins the virtual library award". These are uncertain times and we should join forces to ensure the success of our communities whether we’re from the same region or not. Isn't that why we're educators? So, I leave you with this: Pursue opportunities that you feel will make you a better librarian, educator, leader, and colleague. Encourage librarians to join you in a planning session if you're feeling overwhelmed about where to begin planning for the incoming school year. Create checklists or calendars and take it ONE task at a time. Lastly, remind yourself that you're doing the best that you can with the situation at hand. We're not perfect and neither is this current state of education--but together we can provide each other with a support system to make our year less daunting. Also, by all means, never hesitate to reach out to me if you need some advice, encouragement, or a funny meme to get you through the day 😂. I'm always an email, tweet, or Instagram message away. I may not always have the answer(s), but I can always connect you with someone who might. This may be my last blog post for a while since I'm going to begin work and school soon, but don't forget--Be brave, be resourceful, & continue to advocate for meaningful change.

-Q.

Cue's PD - Digital Badges Galore!

6/17/2019

 
Picture
If it's one thing that I'm probably addicted to as an educator, it's the fun I have earning digital badges. Since becoming an Apple Teacher, I've challenged myself to become a Microsoft Innovative Educator, Google Certified Educator Level 1 and Level 2, Buncee Ambassador, Book Creator Ambassador, Flipgrid Certified Educator, and Common Sense Educator. Does the fun end there? No, I'm doing my best to document my Google and Microsoft trainings that I offer my campus staff so I can receive my Google Trainer certification and Microsoft Expert badge. I realize that it may seem like this all benefits me, but the truth is, I like incorporating each facet of these tools in my library lessons. From Buncee, to Flipgrid, to Google tools, the possibilities are truly endless. What badges are you currently working on for your summer PD? How are you staying current with changes in technology? Comment below! For a look at my earned badges, you can check out my Buncee Business Card or check out my Wakelet collection!

Buncee in the Library

2/13/2019

 
Using Buncee in the library has had wonderful benefits for my students. They're more confident in their projects and are inspired to create wonderful presentations. I made a Buncee highlighting some of the ways it's transformed my library. As a Buncee Ambassador, I've been able to reach more students about the awesome features it has to offer. Needless to say, students come in waves throughout the day to work on their portfolios, presentations, and creative designs.

DIY Lightbox Message!

3/27/2018

 
Picture
Stoked about how this project turned out! There aren't enough letters or emojis in the lightbox kits! Snagged this idea from @littlemissfiesta_ and used vellum paper from @michaelsstoresto create a custom marquee for my lightbox! I still need to work out the measurements and placement of the words, but the kids that noticed it liked it 😍👏🏼💡

Cue's PD - Officially an Apple Teacher!

3/23/2018

 
Picture
So excited to say that I am now officially an Apple Teacher! Took some time during spring break to study and go through the modules to earn the certification. Apple is my preferred platform, but I am working toward some additional badges in the future! 
<<Previous

    Professional Reader
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    May 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    October 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    July 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    February 2016
    January 2016

    Categories

    All
    Awards
    Bookshelf
    ESports
    Gaming
    Guest Blogging
    Library Lessons
    Podcasts
    Presentations
    Programming
    Reflections
    Resources
    Social Media
    Technology
    Templates

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact