Mrs. Cheryl Conoly, School Library Media Specialist
I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education and a minor in mathematics from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. My first teaching job was in a small rural town in 1989. I was a teacher in a self-contained 4th grade classroom. During my 16 years teaching 4th grade, I spent a few of my years team teaching. The year before I moved from that small town, I had the privilege of teaching 5th grade science with my friend and former 4th grade co-worker.
In the summer of 2005, our family moved to South Texas near San Antonio. I took my first junior high position teaching math. After about 21 years in the classroom, I decided that I wanted to do something different. As an adult, I learned to love reading. I also liked working with computers. So, while I continued to teach math at the middle school level, I decided to go back to college and earn my master degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas. I chose UNT because it is an American Library Association (ALA) accredited library school. Because I loved working with technology and liked to read, it only made sense to work in a school library since I also like to work with students. I wanted to teach others about the importance of libraries and how technology and information, such as reading and books go hand in hand in all libraries of today. Helping staff is also something that I enjoy doing. While in grad school, I learned that libraries and certified school librarians are an important piece of the educational learning spectrum for all students, schools at every level, and community members. Without libraries, how do doctors become doctors, lawyers become lawyers, and students become users of the plethora of information that is at their fingertips in this ever so changing world of technological advances?
Laura Zarsky, School Library Media Specialist
I am from polka-dotted Apple Pants, summer trips to the Coast, three sisters fighting over the front seat, and special trips with Dad to Dunkin Donuts. Originally from Austin, I attended the University of Texas and earned a degree in English. I moved to San Antonio in 1995 to teach Middle School, Reading and ELA. After 11 years at Middle School, I went to High School and taught 10th grade PreAP classes, and 11th and 12th graders. It was around this time that Sam Houston State University was recruiting students for a Masters of Library Science Program. My husband, Paul Zarsky, and myself decided to join this cohort. I have been a librarian in Southside at Losoya for 9 years, and I have to say I love, love, love what I do. Helping teachers and students find resources, helping them use technology, helping them go on virtual field trips, and helping them learn to rely on themselves with the power of their knowledge. It is both satisfying and amazing. It is my personal goal to use creativity and technology to design programs that are both meaningful and fun for all.
Rebecca Santos, School Library Media Specialist
I have been a Learning Resource Media Specialist for 13 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and graduated from University of Texas in San Antonio in 1996. I have my Masters Degree in Education from Our Lady of the Lake University and graduated in 2007.
I started my career at OakCrest Intermediate and worked with grades four, five and six. In 2010 I came to Southside ISD district. I have worked for Gallardo Elementary School for the past eight years. We service grades 1-5.
I love what I do and have been blessed enough to work in the profession that I have dreamed of as a child. I used to spend my summers reading and hanging out at the library. Taking a book to bed is a great way to wind down and when bored you would find me with a good book. Sharing my love for reading will hopefully touch one child to see how important reading can be in creating future leaders.
Paul Zarsky, Library Media Specialist, SISD Library Coordinator
Carla Rodriguez, Library Media Specialist