Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Green, Rand, Young
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co, WI) 3/24/2021
Green Named WEMTA Professional of Year
Michele Green, library media technology specialist for the Greenwood School District, had been named the Wisconsin Educational media & Technology association Professional of the Year. Submitted photos
By Valorie Brecht
One Greenwood School District employee has been honored exceptional work in her field. Michele Green, district library media technology specialist and assessment coordinator, has been named the Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA) Professional of the Year.
The award recognizes a WEMTA member who has “demonstrated individual excellence in the library, media or educational technology profession through service to students, teachers and the community at the K-12 level,” according to a press release from WEMTA. It further states that the award is meant to recognize “outstanding leadership and professionalism.”
Green has 15 years of experience as a library media specialist. She received her bachelor’s degree from UW-Oshkosh in 2006, becoming certified to teach 4K-6 and in school libraries. She went on to receive her master’s of science in education degree in professional studies, with an emphasis in information, technology and libraries from UW-Whitewater in 2013. She served as library media center director for Black River Falls Middle School for two years. She then moved to the New London School District, where she was the elementary instructional resource coach for nine years.
“In that position I served the districts four elementary schools as the school library media specialist and a technology coach,” said Green.
In 2017, Green moved to Greenwood to serve as the 4K-12 library media technology director for the two school buildings.
Green has been involved with WEMTA since she began teaching in 2006.
To receive the WEMTA award, Green first had to be nominated. Criteria for nomination include the candidate must show leadership in instituting policies and practices, which result in the improvement of curriculum and instruction, and the candidate must show a sustained effort toward worthy concepts of service. Green received nominations from Raquel Rand, technology integrator at the Green Bay Area School District, and Donna Young, library media specialist at DePere Middle School.
In her nomination letter, Rand said that Green had volunteered numerous hours during her time with WEMTA in many roles. Most recently, Green served as WEMTA president. Over the course of four years, she helped to set up a new professional website for the organization.
“Michele also had a keen eye for things to change to make sure we were running the best board possible. She spearheaded our search for a new management company and worked diligently to make sure all of our needs were met,” Rand wrote. “Michele spent time on many committees both during her presidential time as well as other years. She put in many hours with the Battle of the Books and the Golden Archer teams. Michele’s contributions can be listed, but to count the ways in which she has supported WEMTA, and Wisconsin librarians, tech and educators would be a feat near impossible.”
Young worked with Green in the New London School District from 2008 to 2015.
“Michele was an innovator, always willing to try anything new,” Young wrote. “She infused an outdated elementary library program with rich technology and creative teaching methods. She collaborated effortlessly with all classroom teachers, integrating library lessons where they fit within the content area. In addition, while balancing three elementary schools, Michele also led the district technology committee. During her tenure, Michele led the district in the implementation of a teacher technology proficiencies program along with the increase in classroom projector, iPad, and Chromebook usage. “Michele presented at a variety of professional development opportunities each year, ensuring that all students were prepared to be active 21st-century learners. As she has moved to the School District of Greenwood. I have been amazed at how seamlessly she has continued to build a vibrant, welcoming library program that connects students not only to one another, but also to the larger community. Her Instagram account is a testament to her passion that she brings to her students.”
(Place photo of Michele with Kindergarten students here.)
At Greenwood School District library media technology specialist, Part of Michele Green’s job is to teach students and teachers How to incorporate technology into the classroom. Above, Green Teaches kindergarten students how to use their iPads.
Green said she was “extremely grateful” to WEMTA and her peers in the library/technology profession for recognizing her as Professional of the Year.
“I care deeply about not only our school libraries here in Greenwood but the library media technology profession as a whole. School librarians are vital to student and school success. Being recognized by my association and my peers is an honor for me. I have been involved in local, state and national events, which have advocated for our profession and for certified school librarians to be available to every student. Having my efforts recognized was a very special moment for me,” Green said.
Green was presented the Professional of the Year award during WEMTA’s annual business meeting on March 21.
