Debra W. Belue

Here I am all dressed up as Bob the rat from the book How To Save Your Tail.  The things we do to make reading come alive for children!

I started my journey in education way back in 1977 when I was hired as a fifth grade math teacher.  My BS from USC was in Early Childhood so that first year was an experience. I went on to teach second grade, kindergarten and first grade before I decided to interview for the library media specialist position at the same school where I had been teaching.  During my classroom days I had earned my Masters from Converse College in Spartanburg in Elementary Education.  I also went on to earn 30 hours above that in Early Childhood.  During this time I also taught Children’s Literature at USC-Upstate. After deciding on the move into the media center I earned my Masters in Library and Information Science from USC. It has been my privilege to serve as media specialist at O. P. Earle Elementary in Landrum since 1997.  I often tell my husband and sons that I am one of the lucky ones – I found my niche!

Professionally, I belong to the South Carolina Association of School Librarians where I serve on the Children’s Book Award Committee.  I am past president of the Media Specialists of Spartanburg County and will soon take office again as secretary for the 2009-2010 year.  I am also a member of the International Reading Association and the South Carolina International Reading Association.