Knox Elementary Educator Named Media Specialist Of The Year

CANTON, GA — You won’t hear “shhhhh” in Knox Elementary School STEM Academy’s media center.

The bright and cozy library buzzes with learning and fun under the leadership of media specialist Leslie Hicks, who was recently named Cherokee County School District’s 2022 Media Specialist of the Year.

Superintendent Brian Hightower made the surprise presentation to Hicks, who now advances to represent the district in the regional competition, from which she could move on to the state contest.

“Leslie sparks joy among everyone near her and serves as a role model for her students and colleagues as to the value of lifelong learning,” Hightower said. “She has made the media center a hub for reading, learning and engagement. I most admire her dedication to building positive culture in her school and community through the media center and its many activities.”

As part of today’s celebration, Hicks was awarded an iPad tablet and plaque, with the costs sponsored by Credit Union of Georgia, a district partner. She also will be congratulated by the school board and superintendent at the March school board meeting.

All district school media specialists were eligible for the award, and Hicks was selected as the winner from a pool of nominees by a judging committee of retired educators and community leaders.

“The library is not just a place for books; it’s a place for learning!” Hicks said of her mission. “Fostering a positive environment is not only important to me within the media center, but school wide.”

Principal Jennifer McIntosh said Hicks embraces the role of the media center as the school’s “largest classroom” and its “heartbeat.”

“She creates an engaging environment for our students because she is dedicated to the mission of Knox to cultivate curiosity, critical thinking and create real-world connections,” she said. “She is a risk-taker, trailblazer and innovator. Her enthusiasm for both books and learning is contagious.”

This week, the media center bursts with Dr. Seuss characters and colors in celebration of Read Across America week, one of the highlights of the year that brings community members into the school to join in special reading activities. Hicks even was dressed as someone from a place she would like to visit (Paris, France in this case), as a nod to the Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go" to celebrate Read Across America week. She also coordinates Read for the Record and World Read Aloud Day events with community partners, and invites children’s book authors and illustrators, both internationally renowned and local, to visit.

Hicks teaches classes lessons in how to use resources for research and best practices for digital citizenship and effective use of technology. She constructed a Lightbulb Lab Maker Space for students to explore STEAM concepts hands-on and produces a school podcast for families and the community.

This school year, she took on new goals including: helping all students earn Microsoft Kids certification by increasing their technology literacy skills, and promoting reading through Beanstack app reading challenges with incentives and rewards for dedicated readers.

Beyond the media center, Hicks influences practices district wide by sharing her expertise, both from Knox and her previous work at Woodstock High School, through serving on district committees, developing district professional development and mentoring new media specialists. She further supports her colleagues at Knox by serving on numerous committees, including the staff wellness committee as part of the #CCSDCares initiative.

Hicks earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 2007, followed by a master’s degree in instructional technology and a specialist in education degree. She is a certified media specialist and teacher, with credentials in numerous subjects, and has earned additional technology certifications including Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and Common Sense Media certified educator.

“I want teachers and students to feel supported and experience positive learning opportunities,” Hicks said. “That is my goal with lessons, displays and programs that I provide through the media center. I want to inspired students and teachers to be lifelong learners.”