Oak Hill Elementary School Media Specialist Kimberly Ramsey is Newton County School System’s 2013 Media Specialist of the Year. Ramsey will now represent Newton County Schools in the South Metro District Library Media Specialist of the Year competition, part of the Georgia Library Media Specialist of the Year program.

“I feel honored to receive this special recognition,” said Ramsey. “In addition, I feel blessed to work in a school system that recognizes the value of the media specialist in the instructional development of students. The media specialists in this county work hard to ensure student success and I am glad to be a part of this group.”

Ramsey, Porterdale Elementary School’s Rachel Peters and Indian Creek Middle School’s Lori McGovern were this year’s school district finalists, having been chosen by their peers during a selection process. Each of the three finalists then submitted essay packets that were reviewed by a panel of five judges. Essays were judged on the following criteria: leadership role through staff development, committee involvement, or professional advocacy; involvement in professional organizations; promotion of information technology utilization and literacy; promotion of reading and literature; involving parents and/or the community in the library media program as partners; working collaboratively with the educators in your building; innovative techniques used in your library media program; and deliberate and ongoing professional development as a learner which is relevant to media services. After scoring the essays, the judges then interviewed and also observed each finalist presenting a lesson in her school’s media center. Ramsey had the highest score and was announced the winner.

“Mrs. Ramsey is an outstanding teacher and media specialist,” said Oak Hill Elementary School Principal Brenda Gammons. “She is the best media specialist that I have ever worked with.”

“Ms. Ramsey is an important member of the media team,” added Gary Shattuck, Newton County School System’s Director of Technology and Media Services. “She was selected to serve on the Media Leadership Team because of her vision and abilities. She is well respected by her peers and by the staff at Oak Hill. Her contributions to the media program during this year have been invaluable.”