My name is Jennifer Gayle, and I currently live in Naples, Florida. I work as an elementary school teacher in Collier County Public Schools, where I have taught second through fifth grade, spending most of my career in third grade. Teaching has been a meaningful and rewarding experience, and it has played a major role in shaping my professional goals.
I am in my second semester of Florida State University’s Master of Science in Information program, following the school libraries specialization. While I enjoy classroom teaching, I feel ready to explore new opportunities that allow me to support students and teachers in a broader way. My goal is to transition into a media specialist role, where I can combine my instructional experience with information and media literacy.
Outside of work and school, I stay busy with family life. I am a mom of six and a grandmother of two, and much of our time is spent supporting my youngest daughters in competitive dance. I also enjoy visiting Walt Disney World and taking advantage of the beautiful beaches here in Naples.
One of the things that interests me most about this class is the focus on digital media and design. I enjoy experimenting with digital tools, even when it takes a bit of trial and error. I am at a fairly basic level. Through this course, I hope to develop a stronger understanding of how to create high-quality, effective digital content that I can use both professionally and personally.
I am looking forward to learning alongside my classmates and expanding my skill set as I continue working toward my future role in school libraries.
Hi Jennifer! Coming to you as a (sadly) former media specialist, I can almost guarantee that you will love the role! Especially if you have been in a classroom for a long time. The Specials teachers are a fun bunch. The freedom and creativity that you get to express is really something. I am sure you are going to get a lot out of this class to put to good use in your new role.
Holy Kids, Batman! You are a better woman than me! I have one 13 year old and I feel like I need a grippy sock vacation every once in a while! I couldn’t imagine having six! Especially with a couple in the demanding area of competitive dance! I am sure they are amazing with as much support as you give them. They must be very grateful to have you as their mom.
Hello Jennifer! I really enjoyed reading and learning more about your journey into this program, and I genuinely hope that you are able to meet your goals and exceed all of your expectations for the semester. I just wanted to note that your experience across different grade levels will definitely prepare you for a transition into a media specialist role, and I think that you have such a strong foundation to start with that it will feel easy and natural as you grow into your next position. I also wanted to note that balancing graduate school and being involved full-time with your family is extremely impressive. I often find it difficult to manage my work/school life and then feed my three cats, so you are definitely doing a great job! I appreciate you being open to learning about the different digital tools, and this class seems like a great fit for you to strengthen your skills as you prepare to progress in your career. If you don’t mind my asking, what types of projects are you most excited to explore in this class that will prep you for the media specialist role?
Hello Jennifer! I enjoyed reading your post and it seems like we’re on the same level of experience when it comes to digital media. I’ve never been the best at using my creative side for media, but I do enjoy learning and experimenting with new tools like you mentioned. The trial and error when learning new tools is what keeps me coming back. Being from Miami I can relate to the feeling of taking advantage of beautiful beaches, I have never been to any beaches in Naples but from the picture you shared it looks amazing! Nothing better than taking a day off and going to the beach. Even though you’re at a basic level with digital media, I believe this course could potentially be beneficial to your work as an elementary school teacher. I hope this class helps you expand your knowledge and skillset with digital content. I look forward to the semester and learning alongside you!