Mrs. Julie Hampton, the Fair Grove Elementary School Librarian, has dedicated 10 years to fostering a love for reading among her students. She shines a light on education and encourages her students to take ownership in their learning.
From a very young age, Hampton knew that she had a love for learning and wanted to become a teacher. She stated, “I have always had a love for books and reading. I also have known since I was about four years old that I wanted to be a teacher.”
She has fulfilled her dream of teaching and this is now her 23rd year in education. She explained, “I taught 2nd grade at Fair Grove for four years, a Title I math teacher for a year, Fair Grove’s Director of Curriculum & Assessment for four years, a principal at Marshfield for four years, and this is my 10th year as the Fair Grove Elementary Librarian.”
Being an elementary librarian is not only about reading, but the desire to help inspire kids to build a love for learning. Hampton said, “In my opinion, libraries allow students to learn more about the topics that interest them at their own pace.”
She continued, “Students are allowed to make choices and take ownership in their learning which hopefully builds a love of learning.”
Teresa Hartman, the library aide, has been a Para in the elementary library since October of 2013. Hartman stated the way that Hampton is compassionate in her teaching, “I don’t teach. I take care of the clerical side of the library which allows her to teach. She has 6 classes a day, PK-4, that she pours her heart and soul into improving their reading skills and teaching them how to use a library to further their research for learning.¨
While working side by side with Hampton, Hartman describes her as both kindhearted and professional.
Hartman explained, “She is an excellent teacher who teaches each student with care and compassion. She has a God-given gift to be a teacher, and she is fulfilling her calling and purpose at Fair Grove. She teaches with professionalism, skill, compassion, love and integrity for her students.”
She added, “She wants students to improve their reading skills while developing a love for reading. She is also an amazing co-worker who cares deeply for her fellow colleagues.”
Above all, Hampton wants the library to be a comfortable and safe place for children to learn about what they choose and grow a love for reading.
Hampton said, “I hope the library is a place of comfort for our students. I want all students to feel welcomed when they come in our doors and know they will always be my kiddos.”
