By Angel Sabater |
Mary Jane McClendon is a school librarian who is nice, thoughtful and loves reading books.
“My desire is to create a safe, welcoming environment that encourages students to explore their interests and connect with others,” McClendon said.
Her career of being a librarian started out when she realized what a haven the library can be for students. McClendon started off her journey to become a school librarian by first going to South Western University for Bachelor of Arts in English and then went off to University of Texas at Austin for Master of Science in Information Studies. To become a school librarian in Texas, you must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, successfully complete a certification program, pass the School Librarian’s TExES (Texas Examination of Educator Standards), and have at least two years of classroom teaching experience from a public or accredited private school.
As a school librarian, McClendon has multiple roles, including teacher, collaborator, curator, manager, and reading advocate. She assists teachers and students in learning to use technology tools and online resources. McClendon also collaborates with teachers on lessons and projects; Provides instruction on the research places, using electronic resources, note taking, citations, technology tools, evaluating websites, and more.
“I love being able to show my passion for reading with students and watching them grow [as] both readers and young adults,” McClendon said. “Eliciting feedback from students and staff helps me keep the collection current, interesting and relevant. Through our partnership with the San Antonio Molly Pruitt Public Library, we also offer a variety of programs and activities with games, craft and activities like the Isshoni, a weekly anime club.”
McClendon loves to have classes come to the library to show off the library collections and make reading suggestions. Students have created book trailers, made spine label poetry, participated in book speed dating and book clubs.
“I think the love of story telling and how stories connect people, allow you to explore the world around you, get to know different characters and spend time living in another world or looking through different lens,” McClendon said. “Stories help us understand one another, and that can coly make the world a better place. I love helping students develop a love of reading and cultivate their identities as readers. Seeing students excited about reading is my ultimate reward as a librarian.”
