Education

Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education

Master of Science in Administration
Library Certification
Kimberly Schultz
Librarian

Kimberly Schultz has been working in education for almost 18 years. From teaching elementary school at several different grade levels in a number of subjects, to working as a librarian, Schultz has seen just about all that elementary education has to offer. In 2009, Schultz completed a certificate degree program in library science, and she currently supervises two elementary school libraries for a large school district in Houston. She also keeps a full schedule outside of work by running two home businesses, leading three Girl Scout troops, and spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Why did you choose your major?

I chose to complete a library certificate because after being in a language arts classroom for 15 years, I discovered my passion for books and encouraging reluctant readers to find something they might enjoy reading. The growing demands on a classroom teacher also influenced my decision.

What did you like/dislike most about it?

I loved being required to read books and genres that I otherwise may not have picked up. I discovered new authors and was introduced to many different writing styles. I wouldnít say that I disliked anything about the program, but being required to read the number of books required for each class was a difficult task because it meant sitting and reading for hours on end. Another difficult challenge was that several of the courses also required in-depth research projects, both in groups and on your own, that required countless hours of research and documentation.

How has choosing your major impacted your career?

It’s had a huge impact on my career. Since earning my library certificate, I have been working in two libraries in the district I taught in, and I feel like this is where I am meant to be. I love education, but teaching children in the regular classroom is so restricted by other demands. Teaching in the library is wide open with fewer restrictions, and I have the flexibility to create my own lessons and curriculum.

What skills from your major do you still use?

I learned so much about how to be more efficient with information searches through my studies. I am able to teach students to search and cite their sources without much trial and error.

What advice would you give future students hoping to pursue a math major?

The field of information and research opens the door to the world. Embrace the curriculum as a challenge to introduce others to the world through books and technology. By doing so, you can help children develop their imagination, quench their thirst for information, and encouraging them to dream bigger.