JC Booth Middle media specialist Holly Moseley helps students find the joy in finishing a good book.
From an early age, Moseley knew she was destined to work in education.
“I loved it, when I was little, just that aspect of thinking I would be a teacher. I don’t know that I really considered a lot of other options,” said Moseley. “I would sit and play school and write and do all that.”
She started her career teaching English, reading, and social studies before transitioning to media specialist as her family grew. Even though it wasn’t her original plan, she has found her passion in the media center.
“I’m very happy where I am,” she said.
She always loved reading, from trips to the public library with her dad to now diving into good books with her husband. As a media specialist, she gets to stoke that fire for students.
Each morning starts with study hall, and she has regulars she can count on to see most days. She loves offering them a safe, comfortable place to get ready for the day.
“Do not bother my friends because this is a positive place,” she said.
In the past, she has added enriching activities via monthly crafts, like gingerbread houses, friendship bracelets, and crochet. She also likes to mix in some outside-the-box titles, like cookbooks. A student even checked one out and brought in samples she baked with her mother.
Book tasting events help students find new titles they didn’t even know might whet their appetite. They read books in different genres for a couple minutes each uninterrupted, then give feedback. With that knowledge, Moseley can help them find a new read.
“A lot of times they’re only in here for 10-15 minutes (with their class) so there are so many books they’ll never see.”
The best is when a student who is resistant to reading finds that story they just can’t put down.
“That’s definitely a win when I finally get a kid to finish a book.”
The doors to Moseley’s media center are always open.
“Sometimes it’s very quiet, and I don’t like the quiet,” she said. “I like it bustling. I like lots of kids in here.”
“The Honor Role,” an official podcast for Fayette County Public Schools, features employees, rotating through key stakeholders, including teachers, staff, nurses, custodians, cafeteria workers, and bus drivers. Join us as we dive in and learn about their journeys, their inspirations, and their whys.
Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and promoted on the social media channels of Fayette County Public Schools.
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