Mrs. Sutherland

Education: Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, University of Florida; Master of Arts in Library and Information Science, University of South Florida

 

How do you feel you can help students to “Start Here. Go Anywhere.”?
I can help prepare them for college by showing, teaching, and encouraging them to use educationally sound information sources—not just Google!

 

What experiences or people have had the most influence on you?
My mother has been my role model for many years. She never met a stranger, never had a bad word to say, and always treated people with kindness. I try to emulate her joy of living every day.

 

How do you keep current with the subject areas you cover?
I have been lucky to be able to attend state and national library conferences. I also keep abreast of current books by reading library professional journals, newsletters and blogs.

 

What are some of your interests and passions outside of the classroom?
Both my husband and I enjoy performing. We met while performing in a musical. I choreograph musicals, most recently at Surfside Playhouse. We also like to travel.

 

What are your hopes for the library program at HT?
I would like the students to be prepared for college. I can help them achieve success in college by teaching them good research skills. I also want to foster a lifelong enjoyment of reading. Putting good books in their hands or online through Overdrive will help foster the love of reading.

 

If teaching was not your first professional career, what was? How did you transition into teaching?
I received my Bachelor’s in Medical Technology and worked in the medical field for 13 years. I retired to become a full-time mom. When my daughter started in 1st grade at HTEA, I began substitute teaching and volunteering my time at school. As the years went on, Mrs. Ford (former Headmaster) offered me a job in the front office when the Upper School was built. I still wanted to sub and volunteer, so I worked part time in the office, part time as a volunteer. When my daughter moved up to the Upper School, so did I – as the library aide. I overheard Mrs. Ford saying we needed a librarian with a Master’s degree, so I told her I would get mine!