When she graduated from college, Tracie Livingston wasn't sure what she was going to do with her degree in English.
"Then I met a friend who was a school librarian, and when they told me about the career and how much they enjoyed it, it just clicked with me," she said. "I love books; I love children; and I love libraries. It was what I really wanted to do, so I went back to graduate school and now, here I am. I truly enjoy coming to work every day."
Mrs. Livingston has been a media specialist at Bayvale Elementary School for three years. Her duties include cataloging, making sure teachers have the materials and equipment they need, and ensuring the school's technology works properly.
What she enjoys most, though, is the teaching side of her job.
"Media specialists have many hats to wear," she said. "A lot of people don't understand the instructional side that media specialists perform, and that to me is my main duty and my main focus.''
She teaches classes in the library, and she collaborates with teachers on their lesson plans to incorporate information technology and information use.
She also teaches pupils about news production through the WBES News Club. Each semester, a new crew learns about conducting interviews, using cameras and editing.
"I like teaching the kids a skill and opening them up to a career possibility that they may not have thought about before," she said. "They really enjoy it and have fun with it. That's the best part -- seeing them enjoy what they are learning."
If given the chance at another career, she would still choose to be a media specialist, she said.
"I couldn't see myself doing anything else. It's been an amazing experience for me," she said. "It's a joy knowing that you are teaching them skills they will be able to use for the rest of their life."
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
TEACHER OF THE MONTH: TRACIE LIVINGSTON
FAMILY: Husband, Steven
SCHOOL: Bayvale Elementary School
YEARS AT THE SCHOOL: Three
NOMINATOR'S QUOTE: "(Mrs.) Livingston is an exceptional media specialist who puts extra time and effort into everything she does in the school," wrote co-worker Teryn Vardoulis. "She has the patience of a saint and deserves to be recognized for her hard work."
WHAT IS COMMUNITY COUNTS?
Community Counts is The Augusta Chronicle's collaborative effort to benefit the communities in our area. This multitiered program of involvement includes recognition of outstanding youths, teachers, volunteers and public servants in the area.
Nomination forms are available online at augustachronicle.com/communitycounts, or you can contact Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
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