@image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/mandy-spotlight.png PebbleGo Community member spotlight graphic. The image shows the PebbleGo homepage on an iPad, flower, and book @h6 A Childhood Spark From lugging 15 library books up a hill in her small Nebraska hometown to inspiring K–12 students to be confident, curious thinkers, [b] Mandy Peterson [/b] has always known she was meant to teach. “It was just something I knew in my bones,” Mandy says with a smile. “I’m meant to be a teacher.” Today, her love for reading and learning shines through every corner of her library; from her preschool littles to the seniors about to graduate. Mandy’s goal is simple – [b] to make reading fun, meaningful, and shared [/b]. Through creative contests, thoughtful awards, and goodie bags her students can’t wait to earn; she’s building not just stronger readers, but an eager community of learners. @h6 From Inspiration to Impact Mandy’s passion for teaching grew from special moments with her mother, a Special Education Paraeducator. Sitting on her mom’s lap as a child, she read book after book, forming memories that would shape her future. “My mom made sure I was going to be a reader,” Mandy shares warmly. Though teaching wasn’t her first path, Mandy made a bold decision to change her degree as she neared graduation, soon pursuing education with courage and determination. Twenty years later, she continues to inspire students daily and was recently recognized as the [b] 2024 Nebraska School Librarian of the Year [/b]. Kudos to you, Mandy! “Seeing your students and staff appreciate you like that is… it’s a big deal,” Mandy reflects. The school even managed to keep the award a surprise for weeks proving that kids can keep a secret. Tissue box please! @h6 Curious Kids, Confident Learners In Mandy’s library, nothing gets her students more excited than PebbleGo! [b]PebbleGo is the primary go to for all things exploration[/b] at Shelby Elementary School, allowing students to choose topics they’re curious about and navigate independently. Students being excited about reading AND being able to navigate a site independently? Sounds like a win to me! A recent questionnaire revealed that over [b]90% of Mandy’s students prefer PebbleGo over other learning platforms[/b]. Mandy credits this to PebbleGo’s intuitive navigation, read-aloud scaffolds, videos, and vibrant visuals. “PebbleGo has their hearts!” she laughs. But the benefits go beyond students. Mandy partnered with the school’s ESL teacher to host a community session introducing PebbleGo Next Spanish. Students showed parents how to navigate the platform at home, boosting usage and engagement. Even non-Spanish-speaking students have been intrigued by the Spanish tool! Bilingual students in the making! @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/mandy-spotlight-mid.png An image of a student on a laptop @h6 PebbleGo Supports Every Learner For Mandy, PebbleGo isn’t just fun, it’s transformative. High-needs students, including nonverbal learners using eye-tracking devices, benefit tremendously from read-aloud features, highlighted words, and visuals. It’s a tool that makes learning accessible, independent, and empowering for [b]every child[/b]. “PebbleGo is a lifesaver when you decide to switch things up,” Mandy says. “Teaching research and inquiry can be challenging, especially getting students off Google. PebbleGo makes research exciting, guided, and meaningful.” @h6 Get to Know Mandy! Mandy was asked a few questions so the PebbleGo Community could get to know her better, and you might want to grab a pen to take some notes! Drum roll please! [b]Q: What is a trend your students won’t let go?[/b] [b]A:[/b] Six seven. (If anyone knows what it means, let us know!) [b]Q: What is your go-to attention getter?[/b] [b]A:[/b] A wireless doorbell! It signals her students to gather during transitions, keeping her 4th and 5th grade classes on track. [b]PSA:[/b] Add a wireless doorbell to your wish list, it sounds like a real game changer! [b]Q: What is your go-to book recommendation?[/b] [b]A:[/b] Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card and Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds. [i]Get your pens ready for this one! [/i] [b]Q: What’s your favorite way to decompress after a long day?[/b] [b]A:[/b] If it's a hard class, I just have to go outside. I have to take a walk. It could be a walk around the parking lot. I just need a moment to breathe and reconnect with nature, remind myself that there's a lot outside of these four walls, and our students are dealing with a lot, too. However ideally, my favorite way to decompress would be to hop on a flight and go sit on the beach, but Nebraska and doom scrolling will do for now! @h6 Creating a Community of Readers Through PebbleGo, Mandy has turned her library into a space where inquiry grows, and [b] everyone belongs [/b]. Students aren’t just reading; they’re discovering, sharing, connecting, and creating a safe place of learning. Parents are involved, cultures are celebrated, and [b] students of all abilities [/b] have the tools they need to be successful. Mandy Peterson’s story is a reminder that one passionate educator can spark curiosity and confidence in countless students- one book, one goodie bag, and one PebbleGo click at a time. @image /content/dam/pebblegodev/blog/mandy-footer.png An image of an librarian with a pink and yellow background. @h6 Feeling Moved by Mandy’s Story? Feeling inspired and wanting to bring this kind of excitement to your school? [b]Check out [url=https://pebblego.com/spanish.html]PebbleGo Next Spanish[/url][/b] and see all the great ways it can benefit your bilingual learners, enhance independent exploration and watch confidence within your student's skyrocket! Don’t forget to join the [url=https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=xzFEqESvvUusTmY82ngRPw7yNaAOIsRMuLJp8470EAdUNTFFUUJDR1lGSjJYNElFUk5XSUtTQVlVSiQlQCN0PWcu]PebbleGo Community[/url] to see, share, and implement new ideas into your space! We are excited to connect with you! @button #8DF1FF https://www.pebblego.com/resources/community Join the Community