Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
Libraries Are The Place to Be
Library Director
Nora A. Galvan
Email: nora.galva@psjaisd.us
Website: www.psjaisd.us
Location: 601 E Kelly Ave, Pharr, TX, United States
Phone: 956-354-2041
Facebook: facebook.com/nora.galvan.90
Twitter: @naggalvan
Professional Experience
My educational experience consists of 14 years of teaching grades 1-6. I was highlighted as "The Teacher that Goes the Extra Mile." I worked as an elementary librarian for 3 years and a high school librarian for 3 years. For 14 years I have been the PSJA District Library Coordinator. I have attended every TLA Conference since I worked as a librarian. The following are TLA groups that I am or have been involved with: TASLA (Present President Elect), TASL (Present secretary), Tall Texans as a Mentor, Texas State Libraries Archives & Commission (present committee member), Texas Media Awards (Present Co-Chair), TLA 2015 Planning Committee, South Texas Literary Coalition (2013 Librarian of the Year), Tejas Star Books Committee Member, Committee Member for updating the librarian EXCET test, Hispanic Caucus, and a group of community organizations.
Innovative Library Practices
Every new school year, I start a new library program. In an effort to hightlight libraries and librarians, this year I started a research program for students at the elementary level entitled: "Book A Trip...A Passport to the World." All 5th grade students in the District will use online databases and Internet sites to develop good research skills and to utilize electronic devices to enhance learning. Seven travel trunks, full of books of many countries around the world and activities cards, will circulate throughout District libraries. Each student will have a passport that will be stamped to highlights all the countries they visit through their research. At the end of the year an event is scheduled to introduce foods, costumes, languages and much more for our students.
Favorite Book
Cloudy With a Change of Meatballs is a book I treasure because it reminds me of my Daddy. Ever since I can remember, my father would sing a Spanish song that is similar to this book. My Dad died a year ago in May and even the day before he died he would sing that song to me and my entire family of brothers, sisters, daughters, etc.
Most Memorable Experience
I feel that every TLA Conference has memorable experiences for me. Last year; however, was a memorable experience because, for the first time, I was able to get the best of everything without waiting so long. Lois Lowry's books are wonderful and I was able to have all of my books autographed. The sessions I attended were innovative and inspirational. Due to the STAAR Test, I was afraid I would not attend the conference, however, my boss is the greatest. She granted my request to attend and this helped me to be able to obsorb the benefits of the numberous amount of ideas, technology updates, and wonderful authors and celebrities. I was able to sponsor six of the librarians I supervise and they really enjoyed the conference as well.