Can you tell us about your role as Instructional Technology Coordinator and how you support libraries and media specialists across Frenship ISD? 

As the Instructional Technology Coordinator, I wear a few hats. I support instructional materials, guide teachers in effectively utilizing technology to enhance their instruction, and collaborate closely with our media specialists. My focus is equipping media specialists with the necessary tools, training, and support to feel empowered as instructional leaders. Additionally, I strive to be a source for ideas, problem-solving, and encouragement as they support teachers and students. 

About how many books are in our Frenship libraries across the district? 

We have almost 175,000 library materials across the 16 campuses that make up Frenship ISD! 

How do school libraries support student learning beyond just checking out books? 

School libraries are truly the heart of any school building. They are a hub for support, resources, and community connection. Whether you need assistance with a technology issue, finding your next book to fall in love with, answers to your questions, or simply a quiet, welcoming space to reset during the day, the library meets a wide range of academic and social needs. 

In what ways do libraries help students build skills like research, critical thinking, and digital literacy? 

Frenship has some of the most amazing media specialists I have had the pleasure of working alongside. I have seen them create March Madness brackets called “Tournament of Books” to spark excitement about reading and incorporate math skills by counting votes and using division and fractions when the books were narrowed down. They have taught book care lessons by creating “crime scenes” of damaged books where students had to use clues to find out how the books were damaged. They have taught research lessons on finding credible sources of information using resources beyond your everyday internet search. They have guided teachers and students in utilizing digital tools such as Canva, TexQuest, and NoodleTools, among others. They have organized book clubs during lunch for those who are seeking a quiet space to enjoy a good book. I really cannot emphasize the magic these ladies bring to their libraries every day! 

How have you seen media specialists collaborate with teachers to enhance classroom instruction? 

Our media specialists’ favorite job is collaborating with teachers to enhance instruction. Many have collaborated with teachers to host book tastings for students to get excited to choose their next independent read or literature circle book. One is getting ready to host a Murder Mystery with 7th graders in the library to connect RLA and Science concepts. Another helps students understand media literacy with two truths and a lie, where students found 3 facts in nonfiction books and tweak one to make it untrue. They then discussed how easy it is to make a lie seem real, especially on social media. Some have also collaborated with teachers on research lessons throughout the year and showed them how to present their findings in new and innovative ways using tech tools. They are a great resource not just to students, but also to the teachers and staff at their campuses. 

What are some simple ways families can encourage reading and curiosity at home? 

The best way to spark curiosity and reading at home is to engage in conversations with your students. Ask them questions about what they are reading in class or on their own. Let them know what you are currently reading, as children learn by example. Finding a book to read together or listening to an audiobook while traveling is a great way to build a love of reading. Ask questions about what interests them or what’s going on in their lives. Even if you don’t know the answer, look them up together. It doesn’t have to be complex; creating a routine and showing that reading and learning can open doors you never thought imaginable. 

Do you have a favorite book or a book that impacted you growing up? 

I frequently get asked this question, and honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint just one favorite book that has impacted my life. The simple act of reading and books themselves have influenced me during the various seasons of my life. I was the quiet kid who moved schools quite often, and the library was the one constant place where I felt comfortable and included. I see how our media specialists make that difference every day in the lives of our students at Frenship.