Amanda Senn
Kingsport
Summary
Experienced Library Media Specialist and Educator with nearly 19 years of service supporting youth literacy, engagement, and curriculum development. Passionate about inclusive, community-driven programs for children and teens. Adept at designing dynamic library events, integrating curriculum, collaborating with teams, and building strong community partnerships. Excited to bring this experience to the Kingsport Public Library and Archives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Library Media Specialist
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
01.2020 - Current
- Directed library services and youth programming for Pre-K to 5th-grade students, organizing and leading reading engagement initiatives such as the Book Fair, Read Across America, Mock Caldecott Awards, March Madness Book Tournament, monthly school-wide contests, and themed dress-up days to foster excitement and promote reading throughout the school.
- Coordinated and co-hosted family literacy and enrichment events, including Family Book Fair Nights, Haunted Halls, STEM Night, and Literacy Night, overseeing logistics, budgets, and resource allocation
- Organized author visits, author/illustrator studies, and school-wide literacy celebrations, creating engaging displays, reading challenges, and promoting new titles to further support student engagement in reading.
- Managed library operations, including volunteer coordination, book donations, mentoring future librarians, and overseeing the annual budget to support the procurement of books, periodicals, supplies, and educational technology.
- Delivered curriculum-aligned instruction on effective online research, source evaluation, and digital literacy skills, integrating Bee-Bots, Dash robots, and Evo bots (Ozobots) to introduce coding concepts and promote computational thinking.
- Collaborated with teachers to schedule library activities, procure resources, and support classroom needs, while maintaining an updated collection, including multicultural titles, and removing outdated materials to boost student interest and circulation.
- Organized the fiction section by genre, enhancing accessibility and encouraging student exploration of diverse literary genres.
- Incorporated whole-number Dewey Decimal classification in the nonfiction section, improving organization and facilitating easier access to books for my elementary students.
- Promoted library services via the school’s communication platform, social media, and newsletters to keep the school community informed and engaged.
Library Media Specialist
Fairmount Elementary School
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Led all library services and youth programming for Pre-K to 6th-grade students, integrating curriculum-based lessons and instruction in digital literacy, including practical Internet research and source evaluation.
- Promoted reading and information literacy through book clubs, reading programs, school-wide challenges, author studies, and engaging displays that connected students with a diverse range of literature.
- Curated and maintained a diverse library collection serving over 500 students and staff, managing OPAC systems, digital subscriptions, and new acquisitions aligned with curriculum needs and student interests.
- Managed annual library budget to support the acquisition of books, periodicals, library supplies, and educational technology.
- Organized school-wide literacy events and initiatives, including annual Book Fairs, Read Across America activities, student reading contests, and family engagement nights.
- Communicated library programming and resources through newsletters, the school’s communication platform, and the library website to keep families and staff informed and engaged.
- Collaborated on school-wide literacy initiatives by serving on reading/writing committees and tracking student data to support instructional goals.
Summer Bookmobile Outreach
John Adams Elementary School
06.2017 - 07.2017
- Coordinated literacy outreach for at-risk youth through a pop-up bookmobile, leading a book drive and creating marketing materials.
- Scheduled and organized volunteers, transportation, and food donations in collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank.
- Partnered with local churches to provide books, family engagement events, and school supplies to support the community.
Library Practicum Experience
University School Library
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Conducted collection analysis to identify gaps, recommend acquisitions, and weeded outdated books.
- Cataloged books and maintained library records using OPAC, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date inventory
- Delivered interactive read-aloud lessons across various grade levels
- Created QR code book displays featuring multimedia elements like book trailers and author interviews.
Fifth/Sixth Grade Literacy Teacher
John Adams Elementary & Indian Trail Intermediate
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Developed and implemented high-impact ELA and social studies curriculum aligned to Tennessee Academic Standards, designing differentiated lessons for general education and students with IEPs.
- Led schoolwide reading initiatives, organized literacy programs, and mentored student teachers, contributing to the overall academic development.
- Collaborated with colleagues and administrators to create engaging lessons, review data, and implement instructional strategies, resulting in high evaluations and positive student achievement scores.
- Recognized as a two-time Building-Level Teacher of the Year for exceptional performance and contributions.
- Served as a representative on the School Leadership Committee, contributing to school-wide decisions and maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
Education
Graduate Certificate - School Librarianship
East Tennessee State University
01.2017
M.Ed. - Advanced Studies in Teaching & Learning, Literacy Focus
East Tennessee State University
01.2011
B.S. - Interdisciplinary Education
East Tennessee State University
01.2006
Skills
- Youth Literacy Programming & Events
- Outreach & Community Engagement
- Collection Development & Weeding
- Reader’s Advisory & Reference Support
- Volunteer & Staff Coordination
- Digital & Print Resource Curation
- Donation Acquisition & Reporting
- Follett Destiny and Atriuum
- Visual content creation using Canva
- Skilled in Google Suite applications
- Skilled in Microsoft Office tools
Core Skills
- Youth Literacy Programming & Events
- Outreach & Community Engagement
- Collection Development & Weeding
- Reader’s Advisory & Reference Support
- Volunteer & Staff Coordination
- Digital & Print Resource Curation
- Data Reporting & Grant Awareness
- Software: Atriuum, Destiny, OPAC, Google Suite, Microsoft Office
Licenses And Endorsements
- Library Information Specialist (PreK–12), TN, 08/31/30
- Elementary Education (K–6), TN
Professional Experience
- Library Media Specialist, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Kingsport, TN, 08/2020–Present, Led all library services and youth programming for K–6 students., Designed and hosted events including Book Blast, Spring Fling, Family Book Fair Nights, March Madness Book Tournament, and themed dress-up reading days., Facilitated author visits, illustrator studies, and classroom literacy celebrations., Created engaging displays, reading challenges, and promoted new titles., Managed volunteers, supported grant awareness, and mentored library staff.
- Library Media Specialist, Fairmount Elementary School, Bristol, TN, 08/2015–08/2020, Directed daily library operations and integrated curriculum-based lessons., Curated materials for over 500 students and staff; managed OPAC and subscriptions., Hosted annual book fairs, Read Across America, and student contests., Served on reading/writing committees and led data tracking for literacy programs.
- Fifth/Sixth Grade Literacy Teacher, John Adams Elementary & Indian Trail Intermediate, Kingsport & Johnson City, TN, 08/2006–08/2015, Developed and implemented high-impact ELA/social studies curriculum., Led schoolwide reading initiatives, mentored student teachers, and served on leadership teams., Two-time Building-Level Teacher of the Year recipient.
Library Practicum Experience
- University School Library, Washington County, TN, Spring 2017, Conducted collection analysis, cataloged books, supported OPAC/tech use., Delivered interactive read-alouds, created QR code book displays, and assisted with reader’s advisory.
- John Adams Summer Bookmobile Outreach, 06/2017–07/2017, Organized mobile literacy outreach for at-risk youth., Led book drive, created marketing materials, and partnered with churches to offer books, food, and supplies.
Leadership And Community Involvement
- KCS Diversity Team Member
- STEM Action Team (Jefferson Elementary)
- Lighthouse School Leadership Committee
- Chair, Student Learning Action Team
- ETSU & Milligan Student Teacher Mentor
- Bookmobile Outreach Organizer (2016–2018)
Professional Affiliations
- Tennessee Association of School Librarians (TASL)
- Kappa Delta Pi – International Honor Society in Education
Cover Letter
04/12/25, Hiring Committee, Kingsport Public Library and Archives, Kingsport, TN, Dear Hiring Committee, I'm excited to apply for the Youth Services position at the Kingsport Public Library and Archives. As a passionate and experienced Library Media Specialist with nearly 19 years of experience working with children and families, I am eager to bring my skills in literacy programming, outreach, and youth engagement to serve the Kingsport community in this impactful role. Throughout my career, I have planned and led diverse programming for children from birth through adolescence—ranging from early literacy read-alouds to interactive author studies and multi-generational family events. At both Thomas Jefferson and Fairmount Elementary Schools, I created and directed large-scale events such as Book Blast, Spring Fling, March Madness Book Tournaments, and Family Book Fair Nights. These experiences honed my ability to build excitement around reading, develop meaningful partnerships, and create inclusive spaces where students feel connected and supported. I have experience overseeing library operations, conducting collection analysis, leading book drives, and managing volunteers. In 2017, I organized a Summer Bookmobile Outreach Program that not only distributed free books but also partnered with local churches to provide food and school supplies to underserved students—an initiative that deeply reflects my commitment to equitable access and community outreach. In every role, I have been a collaborator, a leader, and a learner—comfortable both guiding teams and stepping in individually when needed. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the Kingsport Public Library’s mission by continuing to foster a love of reading, supporting youth development, and strengthening community relationships. Thank you for your consideration. I would love the opportunity to speak with you further about how my background, passion, and goals align with this position. I look forward to hearing from you. Warm regards, Amanda Senn
Timeline
Library Media Specialist
Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
01.2020 - Current
Summer Bookmobile Outreach
John Adams Elementary School
06.2017 - 07.2017
Library Practicum Experience
University School Library
01.2017 - 05.2017
Library Media Specialist
Fairmount Elementary School
01.2015 - 01.2020
Fifth/Sixth Grade Literacy Teacher
John Adams Elementary & Indian Trail Intermediate
01.2006 - 01.2015
M.Ed. - Advanced Studies in Teaching & Learning, Literacy Focus
East Tennessee State University
B.S. - Interdisciplinary Education
East Tennessee State University
Graduate Certificate - School Librarianship
East Tennessee State University
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