Elementary ed grad named one of nation's top 10 librarians
December 10, 2008
A passion for students and an understanding of the educational applications of technology represent some of the components that resulted in Jennifer Dempsey '91 receiving one of the 10 national "I Love My Librarian'' awards.
Dempsey, the library media specialist and technology coordinator at Wrights Mill Road Elementary in Auburn, earned a master's degree in elementary education from the College of Education.
One of the factors that led to her selection for an "I Love My Librarian'' award was her creation of the Tech-Know Expo, which affords Wrights Mill fifth-graders the opportunity to make presentations on technological aspects they felt they have mastered.
"The Expo empowered the students to become the teachers and to interact with interested participants of all ages,'' read the award nomination form. Dempsey, who serves as the school's team leader for the 21st Century Learners Project, also hosts voluntary "Tech Tuesdays.'' On those occasions, teachers receive guidance on how to best enhance their classroom teaching with the help of modern technology.
Lynda Tremaine, the principal at Wrights Mill, calls Dempsey ''the driving force behind our school's transformation into a 21st Century learning community.''
The "I Love My Librarian'' awards are administered by the New York Times and the Carnegie Corporation in conjunction with the American Library Association. The winners, who each receive $5,000 prizes, were honored at a Dec. 9 reception at the Times Center in New York City.
"Librarians are even more important to their communities in this digital age," said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York. "These 10 librarians deserve applause because their professionalism has won the attention and respect of their neighbors."
Dempsey and her fellow award recipients, who represented elementary school, high school, middle school, university, public and even juvenile hall libraries in nine different states, were selected from a pool of 3,200 nominees.For more information on the "I Love My Librarian'' awards, log on to the School Library Journal's web site at: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6621723.html?nid=3241 
Last Updated: Jun 17, 2011
