Media Specialists Shape Modern Learning at Iron County Schools

Iron County School District’s media centers have evolved far beyond traditional libraries, blending timeless literature with modern resources. Media specialists Angie Campbell, Kelli Crockett, and Chris Haight recently shared insights into their dynamic roles with us on the radio.

Today’s media centers are bustling hubs of activity, offering much more than books. Maker spaces provide hands-on opportunities for students to explore engineering, art, and creativity. Campbell, who serves at East Elementary, described integrating building activities with story time. “We tie creative activities to stories, encouraging students to explore STEM and the arts through books,” she said. This approach nurtures curiosity and innovation from an early age.

Crockett, from Canyon View High School, emphasized that libraries remain gathering places for students. “It’s a space where they feel safe and supported,” she noted. Media centers host club meetings, athlete signings, and collaborative projects, making them central to school culture. These spaces also provide tailored resources for students and teachers, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Promoting literacy remains a cornerstone of their mission. Specialists curate diverse materials, from graphic novels and manga to classics like 1984 and Little Women. Crockett shared that her library’s manga collection “flies off the shelves,” demonstrating the importance of meeting students where they are. Haight highlighted the benefits of pairing audiobooks with print, especially for struggling readers, allowing them to connect with texts in multiple ways.

The December campaign, “Read a New Book Month,” encourages students to keep reading during winter break. Crockett’s 24-hour reading challenge inspires students with incentives like becoming junior librarians. “You wouldn’t believe the enthusiasm from fifth graders yesterday,” she said.

Beyond school walls, media specialists encourage parents to foster a love of reading. Haight recommended using Utah’s Online Library and Pinterest for family activities tied to books, such as baking gingerbread cookies after reading The Gingerbread Man. “Parents can engage in activities that make reading fun and interactive,” she added.

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As technology and education evolve, Iron County’s media specialists remain committed to fostering a lifelong love of reading. Their efforts transform libraries into dynamic spaces where students can explore, collaborate, and grow. By blending tradition with innovation, they prepare students for an ever-changing world while nurturing critical thinking, empathy, and imagination.