Patricia A.

Riordan
Chicago, Illinois 773-810-9216
riordanp@fxw.org
OBJECTIVE: Passionate, dedicated educator seeking a librarian position in
an elementary school.
EDUCATION:
Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois
Masters of Arts in Library Information Science
May 2015

Expected Graduation:

Northeastern Illinois University, May 1977

Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education
Licensure: State of Illinois Type 03 Elementary Education K-9
Northeastern Illinois University, May 2000
Masters of Arts Reading Program candidate
Completed 36 credit hours (degree not conferred)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
The Frances Xavier Warde School, Chicago, IL
Preschool- 3rd Grade Librarian, July 2010-present

Plan and organize weekly library lessons to support school curriculum in

alliance with I-Sail goals and standards for grades Pre-K through third
Collaborate with teachers and administrators to enhance and support schoolwide curricular instruction in 21st century library information skills
Promoted reading for enjoyment and for personal growth and assisted in the
location and checkout of resources
Conduct general library work and collection management
Initiate grade level field trips to Chicago Public Library with parental consent
to enhance and facilitate learning process
Use bibliographic computer software program to catalog the school library
collection
Organize, train and supervise parent volunteers to assist in the library
Take an active role in school improvement and ISACS accreditation activities
Support MindUp program by encouraging social skill, mutual respect and
cooperation in library classes.
Communicate regularly regarding goal-setting, library budget, curriculum
Organize, train and supervise parent volunteers to assist with the Scholastic
book fair
Share expertise by presenting at faculty meetings, parent meetings

The Frances Xavier Warde School, Chicago, IL

Preschool Teacher, July 2003 June 2010

Created multi-sensory lesson plans that enhanced students academic,

social, and emotional development
Met weekly with co-teacher and preschool team
Provided children and parents with activity schedules and established
classroom routines
Prepared classroom materials and maintained clean, safe facilities and
equipment
Initiated grade level field trips with parental consent to enhance and
facilitate learning process
Taught interpersonal skills, hygiene and proper nutrition habits
Organized group activities: literacy, field trips, games, painting, storytelling,
music and plays
Read literature to entire class and in small groups
Kept anecdotal notes evaluating behavior, development, and health
Reported and discussed any possible problems with co-teacher, specialists
and parents
Met with parents whenever necessary to discuss progress or concerns

Archdiocese of Chicago Our Lady of Mercy School, Chicago, IL. 1977-2003

Preschool Teacher, Grade One, and Multi-age Grades 2-3 Classroom
Teacher
Planned and implemented best practices curriculum in a culturally diverse
school.
Collaborated with members to create activities to improve teaching and
collaboration skills
Maintained an environment encouraging social skill, mutual respect and
cooperation
Oversaw special projects and events arranged for the students
Acted as liaison between the faculty members and the school principal
Scheduled and conducted meetings for the unit faculty members
Tracked the effectiveness of programs and students progress
Taught first grade and 2nd/3rd grade students in a self-contained classroom
setting.
Maintained excellent classroom management skills and an ability to keep
students on task
Used behavior modification techniques as a motivator for improving conduct
and encouraging participation
Integrated multiple teaching styles to intensify the range of learning
Facilitated stimulating math learning centers utilizing various manipulative
Taught guided reading lessons to model questioning, clarification, and
problem solving techniques. Evaluated student progress and support
recommendations for further student development
Generated quarterly narrative report cards
Organized cooperative learning activities
Implemented portfolio grading system in literature classes
Incorporated new texts into standard curriculum

Tutored students seeking additional guidance with course work

Assessed student performance throughout the term
Conducted individual student conferences
Chaperoned field trips and school dances

Leadership Roles and Activities

Serve on decision making teams in the school

Take an active role in school improvement and accreditation activities
Share expertise by presenting at faculty meetings, parent meetings
Attend LMAIS (Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools) Chapter
Meetings
Plan and implement library related field trips

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Member of American Association of School Libraries

Member of American Library Association
Member of Illinois Reading Council
Volunteer at Greater Chicago Food Depository.