Publications
We Can Teach That: Information Literacy for School Librarians Contributing author; chapter on Visual Literacy
STEM Innovations and Global Competence Online course addition to Teacher Suite- K12 professional development offerings. I served as the Lead Instructional Designer.
Teaching Literacy in the Digital Age Contributing author
Presentations, Podcasts and Webinars
Stronger Together Podcast
with Dr. Matthew X. Joseph
Watch | Listen
Empowering Students with News Literacy
The Role of Ethics and Engagement in CS with Dr. Cathy Collins
with Carl Hooker
Understanding the Role of AI in Teaching Digital Literacy
TeacherCast Podcast with Jeff Bradbury
ISTE Conference June 2024 Panel Discussion “Teaching News Literacy in the Age of AI”
About Me
Cathy Collins is a Library Media Specialist at Sharon Schools in Sharon, Massachusetts, with over 20 years of experience spanning public, private, and international schools. Her journey into education began in an unexpected place—newsrooms. As a journalist covering business, arts, and education, she discovered a deeper calling while interviewing a school headmaster. That conversation sparked a realization: she wanted to bring her passion for research, writing, creativity, and technology into the world of education.
Since then, she’s never looked back.
Cathy’s work centers on empowering students to think critically and act ethically in an increasingly complex digital world. A strong advocate for STEM/STEAM, media literacy, and global education, she designs dynamic, project-based learning experiences that connect the classroom to the real world. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that news literacy is not optional—it’s essential.
She has contributed her expertise to the News Literacy Project and served as a consultant for Searchlights and Sunglasses: Journalism in the Digital Age. A frequent speaker at national conferences, podcasts and edWebinars, she also writes for professional journals and platforms including Library Media Connection, NEA Today, Knowledge Quest, and the ALA Intellectual Freedom Blog. Cathy is a National Board Certified Teacher and, most recently, an ISTE Certified Educator.
When she’s not championing digital literacy or guiding students through innovative inquiry projects, Cathy enjoys reading, traveling, spending time in nature, and practicing yoga—which helps her stay grounded and inspired.
This book reflects her commitment to equipping educators and students alike with the tools to navigate—and shape—the information landscape of today and tomorrow.
Awards & Recognition: Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Award: Innovative Library Media Specialist; MSLA Virtual Influencer, 23-25; MSLA Service Award 23; MSLA Super Librarian; AASL Intellectual Freedom Award; Fulbright/TGC Fellow; MSLA Web Seal of Excellence, 2014-2020; Reynolds Institute for High School Journalism Fellow; Ellen Berne Pathfinder Award for Innovative School Library Programming; Teacher of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching About China, Primary Source
Professional Activities: Doctorate, Education, Northeastern University; ISTE and ASCD Board of Directors 2020-2026; News Literacy Project Ambassador, 2021-2024; ALA Committee on Literacy; Past PD Chair & Board Member, MassCUE 2014-2019; Mass Library System Executive Board Member 2012-2015; Past Executive Board and Advocacy Chair, MSLA; ALA Intellectual Freedom Roundtable and blogger; AASL Publications Committee
MA Credentials/Licenses: Supervisor/Director; Library Media Specialist; Instructional Technology Specialist; Digital Literacy & Computer Science
Since then, she’s never looked back.
Cathy’s work centers on empowering students to think critically and act ethically in an increasingly complex digital world. A strong advocate for STEM/STEAM, media literacy, and global education, she designs dynamic, project-based learning experiences that connect the classroom to the real world. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that news literacy is not optional—it’s essential.
She has contributed her expertise to the News Literacy Project and served as a consultant for Searchlights and Sunglasses: Journalism in the Digital Age. A frequent speaker at national conferences, podcasts and edWebinars, she also writes for professional journals and platforms including Library Media Connection, NEA Today, Knowledge Quest, and the ALA Intellectual Freedom Blog. Cathy is a National Board Certified Teacher and, most recently, an ISTE Certified Educator.
When she’s not championing digital literacy or guiding students through innovative inquiry projects, Cathy enjoys reading, traveling, spending time in nature, and practicing yoga—which helps her stay grounded and inspired.
This book reflects her commitment to equipping educators and students alike with the tools to navigate—and shape—the information landscape of today and tomorrow.
Awards & Recognition: Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Award: Innovative Library Media Specialist; MSLA Virtual Influencer, 23-25; MSLA Service Award 23; MSLA Super Librarian; AASL Intellectual Freedom Award; Fulbright/TGC Fellow; MSLA Web Seal of Excellence, 2014-2020; Reynolds Institute for High School Journalism Fellow; Ellen Berne Pathfinder Award for Innovative School Library Programming; Teacher of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching About China, Primary Source
Professional Activities: Doctorate, Education, Northeastern University; ISTE and ASCD Board of Directors 2020-2026; News Literacy Project Ambassador, 2021-2024; ALA Committee on Literacy; Past PD Chair & Board Member, MassCUE 2014-2019; Mass Library System Executive Board Member 2012-2015; Past Executive Board and Advocacy Chair, MSLA; ALA Intellectual Freedom Roundtable and blogger; AASL Publications Committee
MA Credentials/Licenses: Supervisor/Director; Library Media Specialist; Instructional Technology Specialist; Digital Literacy & Computer Science