Sara Martini
Sartell
Summary
Experienced Library Media Specialist enthusiastic about helping students of all cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic levels excel in learning. Outgoing and reliable professional with a flexible, collaborative approach. Consistently promotes a love of reading, media literacy, information literacy, research, and technology integration across all grade levels to support student learning and engagement.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Library Services Manager
St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
07.2024 - Current
- Provide leadership for library operations, supporting planning, resource management, and assessment
- Oversee public and technical services, including Circulation, Course Reserves, Interlibrary Loan, and Library of Things
- Supervise 6 staff and a team of student workers, coordinating daily operations to ensure efficient, user-focused services
- Manage cataloging, metadata, and physical collections to enhance access and organization
- Support digitization and archives initiatives to expand access to collections
- Plan and implement engaging programs and activities that promote student learning, belonging, and engagement
Adjunct Professor
Saint Cloud State University, College of Education and Learning Design
St. Cloud, MN
09.2000 - Current
- Taught graduate-level courses in the College of Education and Design for the media specialist program, including children’s literature, introductory courses, and capstone seminars
- Supervised practicum experiences for graduate students completing media specialist licensure
- Mentored and evaluated teacher candidates, supporting their professional growth and readiness for school library roles
Media Specialist
ISD 742
St. Cloud, MN
08.1998 - 06.2024
- Worked in four elementary schools during a 26-year career in District 742
- Served as Lead Media Specialist for three years, with a focus on collection development and mentoring new media specialists
- Designed and delivered K–6 lessons in media literacy, digital citizenship, STEM, and computational thinking
- Developed K–12 media curriculum scope and sequence
- Managed library collections, budgets, circulation, and acquisitions using multiple library systems
- Supervised library staff and oversaw daily media center operations, including inventory and reporting
- Led district-wide initiatives as K–12 Media Specialist and coordinator of the PAKRAT reading program
- Founded and coordinated the PAKRAT Summer Book Bus to expand student access to reading
- Leadership team member
- Family engagement coordinator at Westwood Elementary
Education
Master's Degree - Information Media
Saint Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN01-2000
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Saint Cloud State University
01-1997
Skills
- Media literacy instruction
- Information literacy and research skills instruction
- Digital citizenship education
- Reading promotion and literacy programming
- Curriculum design and scope & sequence development
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners
- Collaboration with classroom teachers
- Learning management systems (Google Classroom, Seesaw, Canvas, Schoology)
- Educational technology integration (iPads, Chromebooks, interactive tools)
- Library management systems (Destiny, Follett, Alma, Primo)
- Digital creation tools (Canva, Adobe Express, Seesaw)
- Coding, computational thinking and STEM integration
- Technology support and training for teachers, staff, and students
- Web development and digital content creation
- Data privacy and student information systems awareness
- Professional credentials: Code Savvy Educator cohort graduate, Seesaw Ambassador, Modern Classroom certified, Library Collection Development Specialist
Timeline
Library Services Manager
St. Cloud State University
07.2024 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Saint Cloud State University, College of Education and Learning Design
09.2000 - Current
Media Specialist
ISD 742
08.1998 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Saint Cloud State University
Master's Degree - Information Media
Saint Cloud State University
Awards
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Saint Cloud State University 1997
- Gertie Geck Love of Reading Award 2014
- LEAF Instructional Excellence Award 2015
- LEAF Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award 2026
Licenses
Minnesota teaching licenses in Elementary Education (Grades 1–6) and Media Specialist (K–12)