Valerie Byrd Fort
Learning Commons Specialist/Teacher Librarian
New Providence Elementary School
803.821.3314
vfort@lexington1.net

Hello, my name is Valerie Byrd Fort and I am so happy to be the Learning Commons Specialist/Teacher Librarian at New Providence Elementary School!

I have an undergraduate degree in English Literature (1999) and a Masters degree in Library & Information Science (2002), both from the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!). I have been a Library Media Specialist since August 2002. I am a National Board Certified Teacher (Library Media/Early Childhood through Young Adulthood) and I am very active in professional organizations for librarians and educators, including the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, for which I am a Past President.

My professional interests are collaboration with classroom teachers, parents, and the community; integrating technology into the curriculum; integrating information literacy skills into the classroom curriculum; advocacy for school library media programs; and encouraging teachers, parents, and students to read for the FUN of it. My personal interests are vast, but include listening to and watching live music (my husband is local musician, Marty Fort); watching and talking about movies; teaching and practicing yoga; and cooking. My husband owns the Columbia Arts Academy and I have two "children" - Lucky and Mozzy (dogs!).