Lindsay Armbruster ’23
Educational Technology Librarian
As a middle school health teacher for 15 years, Lindsay Armbruster began to feel she was at a crossroads in her career. She explained that her favorite aspect of health education was information literacy related to health topics. When BOCES presented a scholarship opportunity for the library media program at Fisher, she knew she discovered her next step.
Armbruster now works as an educational technology librarian at a virtual school. She credits the program at Fisher for equipping her for this role as she was able to gain certification as a school library media specialist, an educational technology specialist, and for public librarianship. “The connections that I made with practicing librarians and my classmates was a huge component of my success.”
She recommends the program to others looking to advance or pivot in their career. “I gush about this program every day to practicing teachers,” said Armbruster. “It is an intense program but there is so much choice built into it regarding the books that you read and the learning tasks that you complete that the work is useful and practical and taps into your own personalized interests.”
Brian Cheng ’24
Library Media Specialist, New York City Public Schools
As a classroom teacher primarily working with English language learners, Brian Cheng says he never envisioned a career as a school librarian until he realized that the role is a perfect blend of teaching media literacy and sharing resources with students and peers. “I love teaching and didn’t want to move away from that, but school librarians have a unique opportunity to teach students lifelong skills and inspire a sense of curiosity in them.”
Fisher’s program first helped him realize how becoming a school librarian perfectly fit his skills and interests. Then, Cheng explained, it prepared him to succeed as a school librarian. “Every course at Fisher helped develop the skills and knowledge I needed to be a successful school librarian.”
He further described the connections and networking opportunities of the virtual program as some of the most beneficial experiences during his program. “I was taking classes with people rather than simply submitting assignments for a professor to grade.”
Cheng recommends the program as an opportunity to grow as an educator through the mentorship and support of the program’s highly credentialed professionals in the field. “It was the most supportive educational experience I have ever received. The professors are all practicing librarians and want you to succeed.”
Mandy Feddern ’23
Librarian
Transitioning from a classroom teacher to a school librarian, Mandy Feddern was seeking a new challenge and a change in her professional life. The M.S. in library media program at Fisher prepared her for this rewarding role. Feddern loves working with students, fostering a love of reading, and developing their critical research skills. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see students discover new interests and become more independent learners,” Feddern explained. “Plus, I enjoy the variety of tasks that come with managing a library, from curating the collection to organizing events and collaborating with teachers on projects.”
She believes the program at Fisher helped prepare her for her new role. “Fisher gave me the practical knowledge to manage both physical and digital collections while also teaching about the importance of creating inclusive learning spaces that promote a balanced and diverse collection.”
With the asynchronous format, Feddern benefited from the convenience of the program while building a professional network. “The Teacher2Librarian cohort and knowledgeable instructors provided real-world experience and practical knowledge.” Now, she highly recommends the program for those passionate about education and looking for a dynamic role. “The program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to manage a library effectively, and it’s a fantastic way to expand your professional horizons and continue making a positive difference in students’ lives.”