Information Session Project LEAD Fellowships for Teacher Leaders Eliza T. Dresang, Eliza Atkins Gleason Professor Nancy Everhart, Associate Professor School Library Media Specialists for the 21st Century: Leaders Educated to Make a Difference Florida State University College of Information Tallahassee, FL

Topical Outline What is a 21st century media specialist? Background of Project LEAD Introductions to Project LEAD personnel Fellowships - what is being offered Fellowships - what is required of participants Questions

A 21st Century Media Specialist Teacher Recognized instructional leader Collaborator/team player Information specialist Expert in instructional design Manager of collections and resources

Background of Project LEAD IMLS National Leadership Grants 12-credit leadership curriculum –Within the masters degree 45 credits for already certified teachers (one additional course) National Board preparation –Post-masters certificate –Within the specialist degree Project LEAD courses –Information Leadership –Leadership in Reading –Leadership in Technology –Instructional Role of the Information Professional

Survey of Successful National Board SLMS Existing Research and Statistics Interviews with Unsuccessful Candidates Student Guinea Pigs Curriculum Development Electronic Discussion Groups Local and National Advisory Boards

Project LEAD Personnel Professors: Dresang and Everhart Teaching Assistant Daniella Smith Graduate Assistant Rachel Besara Project/Research Assistant Melissa Harrell ________________ Also working with fellowship students : 38 other FSU faculty members, including 5 additional faculty with school media/youth services specialization Coordinator of Student Internships Renee Franklin National experts in the National Board Certification process

Project LEAD Fellowships Support the full cost of tuition and fees for an ALA masters degree in Library and Information Studies from FSU; eligibility for certification as a school media specialist in the state of Florida (transferable to many other states); an award-winning leadership certificate that will be noted on students transcripts; intense preparation for the National Board Certification process (see

Recipients Lasting Learning Community Through specific courses taken only with other Project LEAD students. participation in one Educational Testing Service and one American Association of School Librarians 2-day summer leadership workshops in Tallahassee specifically designed for Project LEAD students (expenses paid); preparation for National Board with others in your district and around the state; participation in state and national conferences with Project LEAD colleagues (expenses paid); formation of an ongoing statewide leadership group.

Other Fellowship Recipient Benefits A district-provided National Board Certified mentor throughout the fellowship period Assistance from Project LEAD TA and GA with online learning and other course-related needs Assistance from Project LEAD PA/RA with travel arrangements for workshops and conferences Opportunity to meet and network with other leaders in state and nation Opportunity to complete 6 credits each summer in 4 weeks rather than 6 or 12 (culminating in on-campus workshops)

Requirements for Finalists District and FSU requirements –Teacher leader questionnaire –Principal recommendation FSU Graduate School requirements –Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher; OR –1000 or higher on the GRE (GRE is still required even if GPA is 3.0 or higher) GRE website: –Admissions information: College of Information requirement –Leadership essay

Requirements for Fellowship Recipients Take 45 credits of online coursework as a cohort - 6 credits per semester (evenings) Join the American Association of School Librarians ($40) and Florida Association for Media in Education ($20) each year as a student member Attend one national and one state conference during the course of the program and serve as a volunteer (expenses are paid) Come to Tallahassee for summer workshops in 2007 and 2008 (expenses are paid) Commit to work in a school media center after graduation for at least three years Intend to pursue National Board Certification in Library Media Respond to all surveys or questionnaires required by FSU related to Project LEAD

Project LEAD Timeline for Choosing Recipients Local district sets deadline for teacher leader questionnaire and principal survey, shortly after FSU visit. Finalists (not yet recipients) in each district will be chosen by FSU faculty with at least twice the number chosen as there are fellowships available. Finalists will be notified as soon as possible (no later than 3 weeks after FSU visit). Application to FSU must be received by November 1, including official transcripts. Fellowship recipients and alternates will be informed by December 1.

Project LEAD Schedule December Participate in self-paced online orientation January Start classes in January 2007 June Attend 2-day summer workshop in Tallahassee June Attend 2-day summer workshop in Tallahassee Fall Spring Attend one state and one national conference with FSU Project leaders Summer Complete degree and leadership certificate requirements in the first summer session 2009 (2 1/2 years); graduate in August 2009 Fall Start work as a media specialist as soon as placed but Fall 2009 at the earliest Take National Board as soon as eligible and prepared

Questions? Project LEAD website Dr. Eliza T. Dresang Dr. Nancy Everhart