Feel Good Story: DPES Librarian Mandy Watson Named to Texas 2x2 Reading Committee
Feel Good Story: DPES Librarian Mandy Watson Named to Texas 2x2 Reading Committee
January 17, 2025
DPES Librarian Mandy Watson Named to Texas 2x2 Reading Committee
Mandy Watson has served Decker Prairie Elementary as a school librarian for almost 10 years and has cultivated a love for reading in young minds. Each day, she inspires and guides students on a journey through the world of books, sparking curiosity and imagination.
For her continued passion and ability to create a welcoming space where children feel inspired to explore new stories, ideas, and perspectives, she has been recognized for her talents and love for reading by being selected as one of eight librarians in Texas to serve on the Texas 2x2 Reading Committee. The Committee is a three-year term for the Texas Association of School Librarians Children’s Roundtable in which she helps in the selection of the best 25 picture books for ages 2 years old to 2nd Graders.
Watson’s journey into this leadership committee began back when she was named Outstanding New Librarian of the Year for Texas almost 10 years ago in just her first year at DPES.
“That year, I attended the TLA’s annual conference to accept my award and attended many sessions,” Watson recalled. “One of the sessions was the Texas 2x2 Awards, and from there, I immediately felt like this program and committee’s goals aligned with mine - to find the best books that serve a variety of purposes - not only to educate but to read aloud and create memories. Serving on this committee has been a goal of mine since then.”
While serving on this committee, Watson will have the chance to read over 800 picture books a year that are sent to her by publishing companies to decide her top picks to present to the committee. The committee then narrows the list down to the Top 25 each year, notifies the author and illustrator, and then the titles are presented out in publications, during convention, and through social media.
Watson’s participation on the Texas 2x2 Committee is an honor that is a testament to her love for being a librarian. Whether it is teaching lessons connected to classroom learning or sharing resources that help foster a love for reading and learning in the community, Watson’s leadership and dedication to her role is invaluable.
“Being a school librarian is extremely rewarding, especially in Tomball ISD,” Watson said. “The community values, appreciates, and recognizes all we do. The best part is the lessons I get to teach to all of our students. I may teach a lesson in a fun and unique way about something they are learning while connecting it to a great book. Sometimes the students don’t even realize they are learning, and I get to see the ‘lightbulb moments’ that their teachers often see too.”
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