You can call Mary Ellen Clements a librarian, but you wouldn't be doing her justice.
As the library media and reading specialist at Lyons Elementary school, Clements does more than check out books.
"Most teachers in her position are content to just read a book to a class," said Lyons Principal Sheila Govern. "Ms. Clements may begin with a book for kindergartners, however that is just the first step."
What comes next is a lesson on an electronic, interactive white board where students chronicle the events of the story and build vocabulary, Govern said.
Clements works with students on research using books and the Internet, PowerPoint and voice-overs for stories to present their final product.
It's that dedication that earned Clements a surprise visit Thursday from TUSD Superintendent John Pedicone and the Educational Enrichment Foundation, honoring her with the 2012 Evelyn Jay Excellence in Education Award.
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The award recognizes outstanding TUSD pre-K through third-grade educators who inspire a lifelong love of reading and books.
Every year three winners are selected.
This year's top winner, Clements was shocked as she was handed an over-sized check for $1,250 - $1,000 for her, and $250 for reading materials.
One student suggested that Clements purchase a new car with her winnings, but Clements has other plans.
"Books!" said Clements, who every year spends hundreds of dollars of her own money to make sure her students have new reading material. "We haven't had a budget to spend on books for a long time. This will be so much fun to shop for new books - that really is a gift for me."
The other two Evelyn Jay honorees were awarded $750 each, along with $250 each for classroom reading materials. They are Gina Hunter, kindergarten teacher at Davidson Elementary; and Denise Murphy, who teaches a first- and second-grade combo class at Borman Elementary.
Clements worked her way up to being a certified teacher and librarian, first volunteering in the Whitmore Elementary School library with now-retired librarian Cheryl Ridgley, who nominated Clements for the award along with Beth Rietz, instructional coach at Hollinger Elementary School.
"Mary Ellen's enthusiasm for literature and love of reading seeps into every lesson she does," the pair wrote in a nomination letter. "She connects her lessons with quality literature supporting the core curriculum through teacher collaboration."
Did you know?
Evelyn Jay was a TUSD educator whose career spanned more than 50 years at nine schools. The Evelyn Jay Excellence in Education Award was established in 2004.
The award is presented by the Educational Enrichment Foundation, which works to support students and teachers in the Tucson Unified School District.
Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at ahuicochea@azstarnet.com or 573-4175.
