Tricia Small Named Conway Teacher of the Year

Tricia Small was recently named the Teacher of the Year for the 2010-2011 school year for her exceptional work as the school's librarian.

"She makes sure our library collection meets the readiness, interest and curriculum needs of all our students," Conway Principal Dr. Lane Narvaez said in a newsletter.

"I felt very honored because we have so many excellent teachers at our school," Small said of her reaction to receiving the news of her Teacher of the Year title from Narvaez.

Janet Reichmuth, a first-grade teacher at Conway, was eager to sing Small's praises as well.

"She knows all the kids and knows their strengths and weaknesses," Reichmuth said. "She's fabulous at steering students to books that would be best for their reading levels, and she's not afraid to challenge the kids to read more advanced books."

During students' library time, which amounts to about 30 minutes, Small makes the most of it by doing more than just check out books. She reads to the students and also plans activities or projects based on the books they read.

Small's work is not only recognized within the halls of Conway, but throughout the school district.

"Tricia's an outstanding teacher," said Michelle Schmitt, the librarian at . "She touches every student in the school--she's a dynamo."

Small believes she received the honor in part due to her love of reading.

"I'm passionate about helping students read," she said. "I love sharing my love of reading."

She has held the position as Conway's librarian for six years. Prior to her time there, she received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Anderson University in Indiana, while her master's degree in information science and learning technology was obtained at the University of Missouri.