LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Alyson Monroe was nominated anonymously. 

Ms. Monroe works to make the middle school media center a place where students actually want to be, not just somewhere they have to go. She greets students when they walk in, learns their names and interests, and tries to make each interaction feel welcoming and genuine. She keeps expectations clear and consistent so students always know how to navigate the space. At the same time, she tries to not make the library feel overly rigid. She wants it to feel calm, flexible, and student-centered, where they can read, explore, collaborate, or just take a breather when they need it. She also really focuses on giving students choices — what they read, where they sit, and how they engage in activities. She found that when students feel a sense of ownership, they're more invested and respectful of the space. Above all, she tries to lead with encouragement. She celebrates when students find a book they love, recognizes positive behavior when she sees it, and highlights their work so they feel proud being part of school family.