Kaitlin Ward has been named an ELA-8 librarian at Darlington School. She holds a B.S. in Middle Grades from Georgia College and State University and recently earned her M.Ed. in Instructional Technology with a focus on Media Science from Georgia Southern University.
Ward most recently served in the library at Rising Starr Middle School and as an after-school aide at Huddleston Elementary School, both in her hometown of Fayetteville, Ga.
“I believe that instead of giving students the answer, we should guide them towards it, helping them to figure it out,” said Ward. “I am also a strong believer in lifelong learning.”
Before completing her undergraduate degree, Ward took part in the hands-on Student-Teacher Apprentice Program at Starr’s Mill High School for an entire school year. She also has experience working as a summer camp counselor for Peachtree City Adventure Camp.
“Kaitlin brings a lot of excitement and enthusiasm to Darlington," said Melinda Holmes, director of library services. “Her ability to not only connect with ELA-5 students but also with middle-schoolers and the versatility that comes with that put her heads above other applicants. It is hard to find someone that can cover such an expansive age group.”
Last May, Ward volunteered her time to spend a week shadowing former ELA-8 librarian Liz Overberg, who relocated to Indiana at the conclusion of the school year.
“I like being prepared," said Ward. "By shadowing Liz, I got to learn more about Darlington, better understanding the environment here.”
Ward holds membership in the American Library Association and Pi Lambda Theta, a national teaching honors society.
She is an avid reader, and in particular enjoys Garth Nix’s “Sabriel” and its accompanying series, as well as “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell. When she is not curling up with a good book, Ward loves spending time outdoors, playing video games, and walking her dogs, Sasha and Buddy.
“I look forward to working with the students and also with the teachers, co-working on units and giving my expertise where it is needed,” she added.
Ward lives in Cartersville, Ga.
