Our school media specialists are extraordinary, and we’re profiling our Innovation Zones’ Media Specialists of the Year to celebrate them. Please read all about the Woodstock Innovation Zone 2019 Media Specialist of the Year Amy VanFossen of Woodstock Elementary School!

Woodstock Elementary School media specialist Amy VanFossen is a “difference maker,” according to her Principal, and she earns the praise of colleagues, students and parents alike.

“What I found to be Amy’s best asset is her strong instructional background and passion for serving teachers and students,” Principal Matt Freedman said. “She has worked diligently to create an inviting space for students to grow and learn. Every lesson is engaging and uses technology to help students excel. Ms. Van Fossen has been an asset to Woodstock Elementary and continues to lead with a caring and passionate heart.”

Ms. VanFossen’s dedication has earned her the Woodstock Innovation Zone’s Media Specialist of the Year title, which follows accolades including being named her school’s 2016 Teacher of the Year. Her degrees include a bachelor’s in education from the University of Georgia, master’s in library and information science from Valdosta State University and specialist in instructional technology from University of West Georgia.

During her last five years as media specialist at the school, Ms. VanFossen has significantly expanded the use of instructional technology and, with a fellow educator, three years ago established a Technology Club and has earned the center Common Sense Digital Certification. While focused on using technology to its fullest, Ms. VanFossen doesn’t overlook the simpler joys of the library… like her end-of-the-year “Camp Out and Read” event, during which children can quietly enjoy turning the pages and reading the words of books under the glow of flashlights and fairy lights.

In her own words: “Upon entering the media center five years ago, I decided that my No. 1 objective was to provide our students a safe place to learn, read and grow their technology skills.”

Special thanks to our Media Specialist of the Year program sponsor, Credit Union of Georgia! #CCSDfam