.I came across the name Andy Plemmons in a blog by Katie Beaudet. I liked what Katie had to say about him, so I went to investigate for myself.
Andy Plemmons is the media specialist at David C. Barrow Elementary School in Athens, Georgia. It’s truly exciting that we have such energy-charged professionals in close proximity, not to mention that we can actually communicate and interact with them.
Plemmons succinctly shares, “My library program is grounded in transliteracy, participatory culture, and students as creators of content shared with the global community.”
He had me at “grounded."
Many of us have tiptoed lightly around the political situation in our country. Rather than ignoring these issues, Plemmons has worked to help his students become informed and speak out. “There’s a lot going on in the world right now and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many current issues being debated and decided in our country and around the world,” Plemmons writes. See “Letters for Justice” for an excellent example of this.
Andy Plemmons is the media specialist at David C. Barrow Elementary School in Athens, Georgia. It’s truly exciting that we have such energy-charged professionals in close proximity, not to mention that we can actually communicate and interact with them.
Plemmons succinctly shares, “My library program is grounded in transliteracy, participatory culture, and students as creators of content shared with the global community.”
He had me at “grounded."
Many of us have tiptoed lightly around the political situation in our country. Rather than ignoring these issues, Plemmons has worked to help his students become informed and speak out. “There’s a lot going on in the world right now and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the many current issues being debated and decided in our country and around the world,” Plemmons writes. See “Letters for Justice” for an excellent example of this.
Student voice is evident throughout. After all, isn’t it our job to help students become free thinkers who can investigate and make decisions? He shares his own important perspective, “As a teacher librarian, it’s challenging because I want to support all students and families knowing that I might not personally agree with their perspectives.” Yes, we struggle to remain impartial and this statement echoes that difficulty: “I make sure that I step back and listen to the students, support their research and perspectives, and check my own beliefs.” In a nutshell, I think this is one of the most important aspects of a librarian’s job.
Mr. Plemmons has won numerous awards including:
Expect the Miraculous is about much more than technology; it is about applying all that we learn in order to be a media specialist. Students learn to ask questions, investigate, and speak out as they learn to use 21st century tools. Lots of inspiration here. Highly recommended.
- 2017 American Association of School Librarians Social Media Superstar for Sensational Student Voice
- Library Journal Movers and Shakers
- National School Board Association 20 to Watch in Education Technology
- School Library Journal Librarian of the Year finalist
- Georgia Exemplary Elementary Library Media Program
Expect the Miraculous is about much more than technology; it is about applying all that we learn in order to be a media specialist. Students learn to ask questions, investigate, and speak out as they learn to use 21st century tools. Lots of inspiration here. Highly recommended.