Who is Scott Summers from Jeopardy? Librarian’s Age, Job, Family & More

Scott Summers is a distinguished professional librarian and educational technology expert based in Apex, North Carolina. With over nine years of combined teaching and library instruction experience, Scott currently serves as the Assistant Director of the Media and Education Technology Resource Center (METRC) at North Carolina State University (NC State). In his role, he is instrumental in promoting technology integration into education and fostering collaborative learning environments. His efforts in advancing library services have earned him recognition, including being named one of Library Journal’s 2024 Movers & Shakers.

Scott’s academic background is a cornerstone of his expertise. He earned his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2019, after completing his Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature at Michigan State University in 2012. These degrees provided the foundation for his work in both library science and educational technology, setting him apart as a leader in integrating these fields to enhance learning experiences.

Contributions to K-12 Education and Professional Development

Before his tenure at NC State, Scott worked in K-12 education as both an English teacher and a school librarian in the Wake County Public School System. During this time, he developed professional development programs aimed at helping teachers integrate instructional technology into their classrooms. His work helped enhance student engagement and success, especially by fostering collaborative learning environments that were supported by technology.

As a school librarian, Scott managed an extensive collection of over 13,000 books and online resources, ensuring that the library met the diverse curricular needs of students and teachers alike. His focus on technology integration and collaboration made a significant impact on the school’s academic environment, and his efforts in this area contributed to improved student outcomes.

Advocacy for Intellectual Freedom in Education

Scott Summers is also passionate about protecting intellectual freedom in educational settings. He established the Professional Growth Unit (PGU), known as “Students Protecting Intellectual Freedom for Youth” (Get SPIFFY), which addresses key issues related to case law, policies, and ethics around intellectual freedom. This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to ensuring that students have access to diverse perspectives and that their academic freedom is protected.

His advocacy for intellectual freedom extends to his work with future educators. At NC State, Scott continues to mentor and train pre-service teachers, providing them with the tools and skills needed to succeed in integrating technology into their teaching methods while upholding the values of intellectual freedom. Through his work, he equips the next generation of educators to create open, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for their students.

Recognition and Future Impact

In 2024, Scott’s contributions to the library and education technology fields were recognized when he received the Library Journal’s Movers & Shakers award. This prestigious honor celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing library services and educational access. Scott’s award highlights his dedication to his work and the impact he continues to have on both current and future generations of educators.

Scott’s role at NC State University allows him to continue shaping the future of education by focusing on technology integration and the promotion of intellectual freedom. His ongoing work with pre-service educators ensures that his influence will continue to be felt in classrooms across the country.

A Career Built on Collaboration and Innovation

Scott Summers’ career is a testament to his dedication to education, technology, and intellectual freedom. Whether he is working to enhance library services, developing programs to support educators, or advocating for students’ rights to access diverse information, Scott has consistently been a leader in the educational community. His ongoing work at NC State, combined with his past achievements, makes him an influential figure in the realms of educational technology and library science.

Through his role as Assistant Director at METRC and his work with future educators, Scott Summers is leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, collaboration, and advocacy. His story is one of passion, purpose, and a relentless drive to improve the learning experiences of students and educators alike.