Alumni Spotlight: Tracie (Dossman) Sanders (THS, '92)

Tracie (Dossman) Sanders, Tomball High School, 1992
School Librarian at Tomball Elementary

For more than 25 years, Tracie (Dossman) Sanders has been inspiring generations of Tomball ISD students through her passion for literacy and education. As an alumna of Tomball ISD herself, she understands firsthand the impact that a dedicated educator can have on young minds.

As a 1992 graduate of Tomball High School, Sanders now serves Tomball ISD as the school librarian at Tomball Elementary, a position she has held since 2007.

Sanders is a Tomball High School legacy graduate as her father’s family was one of the original German families to settle in Tomball. Sanders’ father, aunts, brother, sister, and many cousins are all products of the Tomball ISD system.

Attending four years at Tomball High School, Sanders was an active member of the Cougar Charms Dance team.

“I absolutely loved being a part of the drill team, especially during football season,” she said. “There was nothing like the excitement of cheering on our team from the stands and getting hyped up at pep rallies. Those memories from the games and rallies are some of my favorites.”

In addition to dance, Sanders was also in Journalism and worked on the school newspaper.

Following graduation from Tomball High School, Sanders attended Sam Houston State to pursue a career in elementary education.

“I was uncertain about my career path approaching graduation, but after receiving advice from two of my high school teachers, Mr. Ernest White and Mrs. Betty Atkinson, who believed I would make a great teacher, I decided to pursue elementary education.”

After earning her degree from SHSU, Sanders began teaching in Aldine ISD where she had completed her student teaching. In 1998, Sanders attended a job fair in Tomball ISD and met Bob Fontenot, Principal of Tomball Elementary. 

From there, Sanders returned home and began teaching fourth grade at Tomball Elementary the first year the campus opened. 

“I always knew I wanted to return home and teach in Tomball,” she said. “I have so many fond memories of growing up in Tomball, and it holds a special place in my heart.”

Sanders has been at Tomball Elementary since 1998 when the campus was built. She taught fourth grade from 1998 to 2007 before transitioning into the campus’ school librarian.

Being a school librarian was a career she was initially introduced to while a student at SHSU, attending a children’s literature class.

“That turned out to be one of the most challenging but rewarding courses I took,” Sanders recalls. “We were required to read over 100 books, and I fell in love with children’s literature.”

After teaching at TES for several years, Sanders noticed many of her colleagues pursuing their Master’s in Education, but kept being drawn back to children’s literature. From there, she chose to pursue a Master’s in Library Science from SHSU.

In 2007, Sanders transitioned into a school librarian, a position she has held ever since.

Her dedication goes beyond books - she has been instrumental in creating engaging library programs, integrating technology into lessons, and fostering an inclusive space where every student feels welcomed.

“The most rewarding part of my job as an elementary school librarian is definitely sparking a love for reading in all of our students,” Sanders said. “It is so fulfilling to watch them grow and develop their reading skills from kindergarten all the way to fourth grade.”

For Sanders, at the center of her campus within the walls of a creative library space, she has made lasting connections with her students.

“What truly makes my heart happy is seeing former students return as parents of TES students themselves, and continuing to be a part of their lives and their children’s learning journey. I like seeing the impact of my work come full circle.”

Throughout her 18 years in this role, Sanders has recognized that being an effective school librarian goes beyond organizing books - it requires continuous growth as an educator. As teaching methods evolve and technology reshapes how students access information, she has embraced growth opportunities within Tomball ISD.

“The District’s focus on innovation has allowed me to incorporate new technologies and strategies into the library while continuing to inspire lifelong learning. In both my roles as a classroom teacher and librarian, growth came through my experience, flexibility, and my commitment to adapting to evolving needs of students. I’m grateful for the opportunities Tomball ISD has provided in my journey.”

Reflecting on Sanders’ journey from Student2Staff, she takes pride in the legacy she continues to build at Tomball Elementary. Her passion for literacy, her dedication to student success, and commitment to lifelong learning have made her an invaluable part of the Tomball ISD community.