Media specialist makes difference in school libraries
By Nila Harris
FALMOUTH — Tina Record, media specialist at Northern and Southern Elementary schools, was recently awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership.
Nominated by Mark Hegyi, Southern Elementary’s principal, Record received the award last Tuesday night, according to the school’s Facebook page.
The post stated, “This special recognition is a reflection of the dedication, compassion and excellence she brings to our school. Mrs. Record goes above and beyond to support our students and make learning meaningful and engaging. We are so proud to have her as part of our Southern Elementary family.”
According to goldenapple.org, “Golden Apple elevates the teaching and school leadership professions through recognition of master teachers and school leaders with the Golden Apple Awards for Excellence in Teaching and Leadership. Award recipients play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers by providing instruction and mentorship.” goldenapple.org
Record holds a National Board Certification in library science, Master of Arts in elementary education with an emphasis of reading and writing, and a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education P to fifth grades.
She has taught for 24 1/2 years, with the last 10 years serving as a media specialist.
Working between two schools can prove challenging. She explained how it is often difficult to build relationships with 900-plus children in the libraries but that she is “dedicated in providing enriching experiences for students” in the limited time she has with them.
Record stated, “I am grateful for the recognition and inspired to continue to make a difference.”
When the elementary schools were built in 1972, both schools had a full-time media specialist. Sometime around 2012, the district made the decision to eliminate two media specialists in the county.
The elementary schools share Record, and the high school and middle schools share Amanda King.
The teachers provide research experiences for children, assist classroom teachers with materials, help children with projects, ensure that the libraries are filled with high quality and current literature, and strive for students to read age-appropriate books, among other things.