Other Speakers-

Karin Woodruff, Lincoln Elementary School, Library Media Specialist

Presentation Title: STEAMifying Storybooks in an Elementary Classroom

Abstract: With STEAM programs increasing in schools, teachers are inspiring students to build, create, tinker and make. The elementary classroom, makerspace and STEAM Lab provide ideal places for teachers to create a stage for learning by using engaging picture books that will hook students on a multitude of topics. In this session, participants will be provided with STEAM ideas that engage students using the engineering design process through the use of picture books. Attendees will participate in hands-on STEAM activities that range from coding using either Ozobots, Spheros, Cubelets, or Makey Makey to simple low-cost design and construction. The presenters will share resources that align with standards and can be used across the curriculum in grades 3-5.

Biography: Shannon Hill has been teaching for 14 years, all in the Talladega County School System. She taught 6th grade, 3rd grade, and is currently the Reading Specialist at Lincoln Elementary School. She has an Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Education and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Throughout her teaching career, she has served as a STEAM Cohort Leader, Math and ELA Leader, Project Based Learning Trainer, and JSU CORE Presenter. She is AMSTI certified and was selected to attend the 2014 MEMTA ((Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teacher Academy) in Jersey City, New Jersey. In 2015, she was voted as Talladega County Elementary Teacher of the Year. Karin Woodruff is the Library Media Specialist at Lincoln Elementary School in the Talladega County School System. She has worked in this position for 13 years. In the six years prior, she taught 2nd and 3rd grades, as well as Kindergarten. She has Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education and Library Media Science. Karin has served in many leadership positions and is an advocate for the STEAM Initiative on the school and district levels. In 2017, she was voted as Elementary Teacher of the Year for Talladega County Schools.