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Gail Bloom

Middle & Upper School Associate Librarian
B.S. Social Studies Education, Indiana University
M.S. Student Affairs Administration, Indiana University

Teaching Philosophy

Important skills I want to teach my students

I want to teach students the importance of being life long learners. Whether they’re doing research or reading for pleasure, I want them to understand that learning doesn’t stop when they leave Seven Hills. I also want to help students to learn to ask for help. When they go to college and beyond, they need to know how to advocate for themselves and who to ask.

Teaching methods to reach these goals

In the library, first and foremost, I try to build rapport with students so they feel comfortable asking me for help. I ask students about their extracurricular activities, what they’re reading, and what they’re working on in hopes that they feel that I’m interested in them and approachable. In terms of life long learning, I love working with students on the process of their assignments so that they start to learn that the process is just as important as the product.

My favorite projects

I really enjoy a library program we do every February called “Book Speed Dating (with nonfiction books).” The sixth-grade students come to the library with their English class to meet the nonfiction book of their dreams. We pull a wide variety of nonfiction titles and students love going through these books that they may have not considered before. I also love taking groups of Upper School students called “Big Readers” to read to the pre-kindergarten students each week. The pre-kindergarten children get very excited when the big kids walk in the door!

What I like best about teaching at Seven Hills

I really value the community at Seven Hills. At assemblies, students praise each others’ accomplishments and cheer each other on. It is a very nurturing environment.