Deanna McDaniel, Library Media Specialist at Genoa Middle School, and Brandi Young, Elementary Library Media Specialist, have both earned certification as an iCoach from INFOhio, Ohio’s PreK-12 Digital Library. The certification requires five hours of group training and individual study, which was completed on their own time this past summer.
iCoaches – short for “integration coach” – work with teachers to incorporate digital technology and research tools in their classrooms. The women join 71 other educators around Ohio who have received District/Building iCoach certification.
Stephanie Donofe, District Coordinator for Instructional Technology and Library Media, said, “By Brandi and Deanna taking personal time to learn more about these digital tools, they will directly and positively affect the quality of instruction our students receive. They have added yet another layer of support for our teachers, and enhanced an already robust Library Media program. Our Library Media Specialists use many tools to enrich instruction for staff and students, and now having two certified iCoaches will add another level.”
“District/Building iCoaches are a linchpin in promoting INFOhio’s free resources and services to educators across the state,” said INFOhio’s Executive Director Theresa M. Fredericka. “An iCoach has first-hand experience with the demands classroom educators face, along with boundless curiosity about the newest educational technologies. And they love to share their excitement.”
For more than 20 years, INFOhio has provided online digital resources to Ohio’s PreK-12 schools and is one of the country’s largest library and information networks. In addition to library software group licensing and support, INFOhio provides a collection of online academic research databases to all preK-12 students and their families as well as classroom information technology and curriculum support to educators.
For more information, please visit www.infohio.org. You may also contact a library media specialist from your child’s school, or Stephanie M. Donofe at donofes@wcsoh.org.