GCPS selects Library Media Specialist of the Year

     Partee Elementary School’s DeAnna Espinoza, has been named the Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) 2024-25 Library Media Specialist of the Year. The annual award honors a K-12 library media specialist whose program is exemplary in collaborative partnerships, research skills development, incorporation of technology, and reading promotion. 

     Partee Elementary Principal Jennifer Clowers says Espinoza is special. “Her resolute dedication, innovative initiatives, and

collaborative spirit have transformed our library media center into a dynamic hub that fosters creativity, literacy, and student success,” Clowers shares.

     As a library media specialist, Espinoza’s philosophy is to transform the library into a shared space where everyone in the school can share thoughts, explore new ideas, and create new meaning through learning experiences. “New information isn’t always discovered in books or online. So many times, it is found through experiences,” Espinoza explains.

     Dedicated to supporting students, staff, and the community in becoming effective and ethical users of ideas and information, Espinoza sees students as enthusiastic readers, critical thinkers, skillful researchers, and collaborative creators. Her vision aims to empower students to become informed and productive citizens. Collaboration is at the heart of her library program. By aligning goals with the curriculum, she has built strong partnerships that elevate the school librarian’s role. Espinoza’s Just Read program has a 95% participation rate among teachers and has fostered a love for reading, inspiring students to develop a lifelong passion for it.  

     Later this spring, Espinoza will compete for the Metro Atlanta Library Media Specialist of the Year award, sponsored by the Georgia Library Media Association.