Pam Coomer, a library media specialist at Fairdale High School (Jefferson County), has been named a 2016 Fund for Teachers (FFT) Fellow.

With her $3,200 FFT grant, Coomer – the only recipient from Kentucky – will participate in the Library of Congress Summer Teacher Institute to deepen her knowledge of primary sources and connect students with historical artifacts that inspire realistic learning experiences. The five-day institute includes 55 hours of instruction, as well as pre- and post-institute sessions, facilitated by Library of Congress education specialists.

Coomer, a National Board-certified library media specialist, is among 500 grant recipients awarded approximately $1.8 million for experiential learning that impacts student achievement.

“The mission of my library program is to empower students to become lifelong learners and provide students the opportunity to explore new technologies in order to learn how to use information effectively and ethically,” Coomer said. “I want to be effective and provide the best instruction and facilitation to my students and this fellowship will help keep learning and acquiring new skills to remain current and relevant.”