Amanda Birro Email & Phone Number

I facilitate a Book Club/Course via the Nyack Teachers Center, which provides in-service credit for my colleagues at Nyack Public Schools. The course is 6 weeks long and is administered in the fall semester. The course revolves around the book "Was the Cat in the Hat Black?: The Hidden Racism of Children's Literature, and the Need for Diverse Books" by Philip Nel. The objective of the course is for participants to understand how important it is for all children to read books featuring non-white characters, not just children of color. Reading develops empathy and we want empathetic students. We also need to avoid the "danger of a single story" and to try to avoid stereotypical stories and genres, and also avoid whitewashing (which is difficult since the publishing industry is predominantly white).

I coach both the boys and girls teams in epee and foil. I incorporate games, stretching, cardio, reflex/response training, footwork and conditioning into all practices. I compile rosters for meets/competitions. I attend and coach at league-sanctioned events. I communicate on a regular basis with the students on the team, parents, and the Athletic Director.In the 2021-2022 season at the Section 1 Championship in February 2022, the women's foil team won 3rd place.In the 2022-2023 season at the Section 1 Championship in February 2023, the men's foil team won 2nd place.In the 2023-2024 season, the team began practicing inside the high school. While it was an adjustment, the team was able to practice more days per week and increase team camaraderie. At the Section 1 Championship in February 2024, the men's epee team won 2nd place and the women's epee team won 1st place.

By purchasing diverse print & ebooks, creating displays, performing booktalks, and genrefying the collection, circulation has continued to increase each school year.I write lesson plans that encourage collaboration with subject-area teachers to support or enhance the curriculum. I collaborate on lessons with teachers from various departments, most notably those in the English, Social Studies, and Special Education departments. I routinely teach lessons regarding research skills, information/media literacy, citations and plagiarism, how to find books or resources that meet their needs, and more.I assisted in the development of writing a district library handbook including a mission statement, collection development policy, and more. Along with the other librarians in the district, we have reviewed and edited the curriculum for grades K-12. In 2023 we began the process of reviewing and editing the curriculum as it pertains to NYS Digital Fluency Standards.Additionally, I am the library liaison. As the liaison, I am the bridge between the librarians and administration. I schedule, plan, and facilitate department meetings. I implement professional development and coordinate the training of library professionals and paraprofessionals. I keep abreast of new developments and am an active member of numerous professional organizations. I provide resources that are academically appropriate to prepare students to be 21st century learners. I provide assistance to students and teachers with technology use, including computers, printers, copiers, online databases, eBooks, and more. I maintain a collection of books that appeal to both students' academic and personal interests. I provide board and card games, puzzles, coloring sheets, crafts, and other activities for social emotional learning. I am constantly working to make sure that the environment of the library is inviting for all students and conducive to learning.

Ossining, Ny

Responsibilities include reference and readers’ advisory, creating book lists and book displays, collection development, weeding books, ordering new books, helping patrons use the computers, registering patrons for programs and other duties as assigned. Use of Evergreen Library System.

Coverage at the Adult Reference Desk or Youth Services Desk. Responsibilities include assisting patrons both in-person and over-the-phone, reference and readers’ advisory, registering patrons for programs and other duties as assigned. Use of Evergreen Library System.

New City, Ny

Responsibilities include reference and readers’ advisory, registering patrons for programs and other duties as assigned. Use of SirsiDynix Symphony (Workflows) Library System.

Haverstraw, Ny

Responsibilities include reference and readers’ advisory, registering patrons for programs and other duties as assigned, mainly in the Children's Department, with assistance in the Adult and Teen Departments as needed. Use of SirsiDynix Symphony (Workflows) Library System.

Register patrons for programs. Request items for patrons. Readers advisory. Make program reminder calls. Plan, prepare and carry out programs for families, children and teens of all ages. Assist patrons in using library materials effectively, including electronic resources. Answer reference questions both in-person and over the phone. Edit and create bibliographies. Create book displays. Responsible for maintaining a specific portion of the collection (J600’s). Maintain the children’s makerspace and come up with a new craft every month. Create engaging posts on social media, including Facebook and Instagram. Use of Sierra Library System. Perform other duties as assigned.

Farmingville, New York

Previously was a coach for Sachem Fencing Club from November 2012 through June 2013. Sachem Fencing Club evolved into Suffolk Fencing Academy under Anthony Mattera.I coached all three (foil, epee, saber) fencing weapons to children and adults ranging in ages from 4 years old to 17 years old, and 18 & older. Epee is my specialty. Lead group instruction as well as private lessons. Incorporated stretching, cardio, reflex/response training, and conditioning into classes/lessons.Marketing Assistant: responsible for SFA's social media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Wrote the SFA newsletter and blog, as well as assisted the owner with any promotional ideas or events. I wrote and sent out surveys using Survey Monkey to determine how and what worked for the business. I created and edited content. Frequent use of Zen Planner and Constant Contact.General Manager: Responsible for SFA staff, budgeting hours, managing, scheduling, training, and recruiting new hires. Recruit and oversee Interns. Primary contact for current or potential members with questions or concerns. Act as HR for staff. Assist owner with other duties as assigned.www.suffolkfencingacademy.com

Smithtown, New York

Split time between two branches, the Main and the Nesconset branch. I created booklists in the form of trifold brochures and bookmarks for the children’s and YA departments. Maintained the YA Pinterest account. Assisted patrons needing a guest pass to use a computer. Answered patron questions and helped them find materials. Assisted the YA librarian in charge of the teen Battle of the Books program. Observed at the reference desk.

Islandia, New York

Write and compile sales proposals, proposal follow-ups, and presentations as the lead proposal writer and presentation/RFI writer, working under the direction of the Senior Communications Associate. Write and distribute internal and external communications. Write Whitson's Delivered Meals bid letters, proposals, and support the development of the delivered meal business. Review and report on daily online and newspaper bidding opportunities. Assist in research and writing articles for the Traditions newsletter. Collaborate with the Marketing and Sales team to assist in the development of prospect marketing plans and materials. Use of Salesforce database. Oversee electronic and paper filing for sales and marketing departments. Maintain inventory and order new supplies for sales and marketing teams. Other duties as assigned.

Hauppauge, New York

Check all customer orders/imprints for accuracy including spelling, grammar, punctuation, size, color, style, format, and logos. Proof order sheet for errors, any missing or misleading information, be sure to kick back any found errors to appropriate department. Communicate between artists, supervisors, and other departments. Physically move orders from Art department to the next. Be the last line of defense in verifying orders before they go to production. Occasional use of film processor and plate machine to develop film and make plates for imprinting. Use of AS400 software.

Port Jefferson, Ny

Help set up and break down/clean performance area. Greet and talk with audience members. Take photos of performances. Social media work (Facebook). Make posters/flyers. Any other assistance as needed.Camera used: Canon T2i, with a variety of lenses.http://www.fridaynightfaceoff.com

South Setauket, New York

Responsibilities: Cashier and Customer Service, sales, returns, exchanges, process gift cards, process credit card applications, sell warranties and necessary accessories to meet customers needs, clean & maintain front end, light paperwork, light phone use, regular computer use.

New York, Ny

Responsibilities include reading and responding to mail/email, writing to current/potential subscribers, contributors and donors, social networking (twitter, facebook, etc), developing marketing ideas, reading submissions from writers, reading and providing feedback and edits of work, proofreading, data entry, archives, and cleaning/organizing work space.

Lake Grove, New York

Responsibilities: Cashier, process sales, returns and exchanges; process gift cards, sales floor, truck/stock, create and maintain displays, clean, light phone use, greet customers, answer phones, assist customers with their needs.

Master Of Library & Information Science (Mls), School Librarian/School Library Media Specialist

Certificate In Editing (Publishing), Publishing/Editing

Completed Courses: - Fundamentals of Copyediting and Proofreading Books - From Writer to Reader: An Intro To Book Publishing - Magazine.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), English Language Arts

Activities and Societies: NCAA Division 3 Fencing-Minor in Sociology -Dean's List Fall 2010, Spring 2012

Regents Diploma

Activities and Societies: Newspaper "Cross Currents" and Varsity Fencing

Education

*Non-matriculated Student* Graduate Courses taken include: -- Digital Literacy -- Active Learning in the Contemporary Classroom -- Student.