@image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/johanna-spotlight.png PebbleGo Community member spotlight graphic. The image shows the PebbleGo homepage on an iPad, smiley faces, and a book. From a childhood fascination with the Dewey Decimal System to her role today as a school librarian, Johanna’s career journey has been fueled by a deep love for libraries and learning. What began as admiration for the way books were organized eventually grew into a passion for teaching, organizing collections, and inspiring students to explore knowledge on their own. “I was eight years old when I decided I wanted to become a librarian, and I never changed my mind,” Johanna proudly shares, “I just fell in love with the books and the history of libraries.” [b] A Journey Shaped by Curiosity [/b] Although Johanna’s journey began as a planned career in specialized libraries in law, she found her true passion in school librarianship. Over the years, she has embraced the unique balance of her role – supporting student learning while managing the behind-the-scenes systems that keep her library thriving. From running library clubs to curating diverse and inclusive collections, Johanna has made it her mission to create a space where students feel welcome and empowered to explore. These years have left her with many proud and rewarding moments that she holds closely to her heart. One of her most meaningful moments came when a group of her students in a special education program PEP (Preschool Education Program) class independently checked out books for the first time. Their excitement and success at the circulation desk showed the real impact of teaching library skills in ways that built confidence and independence. [b] Teaching, Organizing, and Inspiring [/b] For Johanna, the love of being a librarian lies in both the visible and invisible work. She loves helping students discover new interests, but she also truly values the administrative side – intentionally selecting books that align with curriculum needs, expanding Spanish language offerings, and staying current with technology. “I’m a forever student,” Johanna shares. She is excited about reaching her goal of expanding her Capstone eBook collection to 1,500 eBooks, expanding her school’s Spanish collection, and developing new choice boards to give students meaningful options in their learning. @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/ms-sep-kids.png Graphic with 5 kids looking at a computer. [b] Sparking Curiosity in Students [/b] Johanna’s teaching approach focuses on independence and exploration. She encourages her students to browse different sections of the library, experiment with various book formats, and follow their own curiosity. By giving students space to choose, she helps them develop habits of lifelong learning. She also highlights the importance of behind-the-scenes work. This includes everything from cataloging to carefully selecting books that connect to curriculum and student interests. Johanna shares that there is so much thought and planning that goes into a strong library program, and she wishes more people could see the care behind every choice. [b] PebbleGo’s Role in Digital Literacy [/b] Digital literacy is another area where Johanna shines. She uses PebbleGo as a resource to help students navigate digital tools in ways that are age-appropriate and engaging. PebbleGo’s simple design gives young learners the chance to practice research skills, explore topics in English and Spanish, and build confidence in learning these new skills. She also integrates PebbleGo Create, allowing students to demonstrate what they learned in a creative way. For Johanna, PebbleGo isn’t just a database; it’s a jumpstart for independent learning. [b] Supporting Early Readers [/b] One of Johanna’s favorite things about the PebbleGo Suite is how it supports early readers. With read-aloud audio options, Spanish translations, and adaptive filtering, it provides access for students at different reading levels, English language learners, and even those with vision challenges. These tools help students build confidence and find joy in reading, whether they’re turning digital pages, preparing to pick up a print book, or exploring curiosity through research. Johanna’s story is a reminder of the impact a passionate librarian can have on both children and adults. Her dedication to teaching, her thoughtful curation of collections, and her creative use of digital tools make her library a place where curiosity thrives. @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/johanna-footer.png An image of Johanna de Leon with a blue and yellow background. [b]The PebbleGo Community [/b] Our community is at the heart of what we do! We couldn’t do it without you – and we wouldn’t want to. We’re always hoping to connect with fellow PebbleGo lovers and elementary educators who want to shape the future of digital learning. Whether you want to connect with like-minded folks, learn about the latest Capstone and PebbleGo news, or contribute to making our products the best they can be, we invite you to join us! @button #8DF1FF https://www.pebblego.com/resources/community Join the Community