Lauren Ochs joined the iSchool in July as school librarian licensure coordinator. Her new duties include advising students about coursework and field experiences leading to school library licensure and/or endorsement; placing, supervising, and evaluating students in schools around the state in field experiences, such as practicum and student teaching; and aligning the school librarian licensure program with state and national standards.
While new to her position, Ochs is familiar with the program. She is an alumna (MSLIS '07), advisory committee member, and cooperating librarian for practicum and student teaching placements. For the past eight years, Ochs served as the high school librarian at Mahomet-Seymour High School. She worked an equal number of years as a district librarian for Warrensburg-Latham CUSD #11.
"Working with iSchool students as they complete their field experiences has been amazing, and I wanted to continue to help others become school librarians," said Ochs of her decision to join the iSchool.
In addition to her MSLIS, Ochs has taken nondegree coursework through the iSchool in order to obtain her Technology Specialist Endorsement and a Certificate in Teaching Media Literacy. She also holds a bachelor's degree in English with teacher certification from Eastern Illinois University. In her free time, Ochs enjoys reading books, crafting, and going to movies with her family.
"I am looking forward to helping students become school librarians and working with faculty and staff to support our students," she said.