LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dina Garcia was nominated by her colleague, Nora Galvan.

Mrs. Garcia incentivizes students, parents, staff and fellow librarians in education.  She creates a positive school climate at different levels of education.  She does this by collaborating with teachers and fellow librarians to make teaching more meaningful.  Mrs. Garcia and her colleagues are members of a district committee that aligns lessons taught in the library to reflect the district curriculum in all areas of learning (math, history, fine arts, literacy, technology and much more.)  She takes the lead in many district, region and state initiatives.  Projects she helps to establish have great success due to her exceptional leadership skills. 

Students love how Mrs. Garcia brings stories to life through her animated fashion of delivery when reading to students. Even adults have shared how she captivates them when she reads a story. She develops a learning atmosphere in the library during her technology days (Research skills), Maker Space days, and when she promotes national programs such as Dr. Seuss, Million Father Walk, Black History Month, National Hispanic Month and more.

Each day is a special day at the PSJA Arnoldo Cantu Elementary library. Mrs. Garcia is sensitive to students who seem to have trouble socializing by including them with creative library activities. Students consider the library at Arnoldo Cantu as a safe haven for them.  She encourages students to participate with the following district and state programs: summer reading program (BRIGHT Summer Readers), book battles (Battle of the Bluebonnets), Texas Bluebonnet book list voting, and much more. She encourages students to read by inviting them to join the school Cantu Eagles Book Club. 

Mrs. Garcia expands her educational horizons by advancing in her education.  She recently has obtained her administrative certification.  She aspires to become an administrator that is proactive, inspirational and equitable with all.  Mrs. Garcia believes that all students should experience 21st Century learning.  She keeps up with the latest technology and educational trends to keep students up-to-date. 

Mrs. Garcia has shared her knowledge at different educational arenas.  She presents at the district (Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD), regional (Region One Educational Service Center) and state (Texas Library Association) levels.  Her presentations are well attended, and her energetic demeanor spills over to those who listen.  She is a committee member of the Texas State Library Archive and Commission advisory group, where she, along with other state librarians, delves into the new Texas Library Standards/American Association of School Library Standards and tailors information to fit and align them to the State library needs.

In the area of moral and ethical standards, Mrs. Garcia is well respected by her school and community. She is positive, proactive, and reliable.

"As her library supervisor, I can always rely on her to be on target with district, regional and state initiatives," said Galvan.