Melissa Ingram – 25/75 Featured alumni
Media Specialist, Lawton Chiles High School
| Name | Melissa Ingram |
|---|---|
| Degree(s)/Year(s) received at FSU | MLIS 2007 |
| Please list awards, recognitions, other degrees/certificates earned, and leadership roles in professional organizations during your professional career. | Florida Association of Media Educators-Board Member & Florida Teens Read Committee member 2016-2019 Glenn Howell Distinguished Educator 2020-2021 school year for Chiles High School Team Leader/Woodville Elementary Department Head/Chiles High School |
| Tell us about your job. What does a typical day look like? | No such day exists and that is one of my favorite things about what I do. I have the opportunity to interact with every member of my learning community-students, teachers and administrators. My day is spent managing the IRC (library), collaborating with teachers and administrators to provide resources and instruction and solving problems. I also work closely with the media specialists at our feeder schools and advise those new to the profession on procedures and ideas to help their program run more smoothly. |
| What is your favorite thing about your job? | My students are the favorite thing about my job. Teenagers are my most favorite people! Their energy and enthusiasm is contagious and they keep me on my toes. I enjoy the opportunity to watch them grow from annoying, immature Freshmen into capable Seniors ready to go into the world.As a PLATO instructor I work with those struggling to make up credits needed to graduate. The greatest reward is on graduation day when. As a Senior sponsor, I help plan and organize their bog day. It is a celebration for us all! |
| How did you become interested in this career and how did your education prepare you for it? | When I became dissatisfied with my role in State government, I reflected on what I enjoyed and was passionate about. Those times I felt most satisfied were working with young people and helping to provide information to solve a problem or just learn something new. I am passionate about education and believe it helps provide opportunities. Also, it’s fun to learn! |
| What does the future look like for you? What’s next? | The past couple of years have been very challenging. Teaching during the pandemic has brought many challenges and has stretched me to overcome the obstacles masking and distancing brings to forming relationships with teachers and students. I am relying even more on technology to communicate and distribute information and the resources provided don’t always fully support the new way of work. While I continue to work to meet the needs of my learning community, I am exploring more ways to serve them here or in a different role. |
| Anything else (personal or professional) that you’d like to highlight? | I am a licensed beekeeper, a hobby I have always found interesting. I took advantage pf being home during the pandemic to start two hives in my backyard and enjoy learning how they work and how to care for them. |
| How long have you been working in the information profession? | 13 years |
| Did you use your degree for anything beyond traditional information profession positions? If yes, please explain in more detail. | I use it everyday to research, gather information and solve problems at work, at home and with my family. |
| What did you learn that has been the most applicable/useful/vital to your current position? | How to find information to solve a problem. That is a life skill I try to teach my students. Also, flexibility to change when the situation and needs change. |
| What led you to choose to seek a graduate degree from the FSU School of Information? | I wanted a more satisfying career and to lead a life that was more authentically me. I got that and much more. |