The school’s media specialist for the past two years, Stone-El says being at Pearsontown is like being back home. The library, she added, has always served as her happy place. “I have always loved to read and would read anything I could get my hands on,” said Stone-El, a 32-year veteran whose entire career has been spent in Durham Public Schools. “I would often visit the library to wait for my mother, who was a teacher, before we left school. I developed a relationship with then librarian Mrs. Clarence Allen, who always had the best book recommendations and made the library a fun place. She introduced me to one of my favorite books, ‘Ellen Tebbits’ by Beverly Cleary.”
Stone-El said she wants the students at Pearsontown to feel the same way about the media center and have the same memories as she does. However, the banning of books in school and public libraries (fortunately not in Durham County), has brought much controversy. “Book banning is not new, but it has taken on a new layer. As a media specialist, I feel banning books stunts children’s curiosity and can cause a negative impact on their learning. Those of us who are the keepers of books must stay informed and up to date on policies that some may try to implement. We must be the voice and speak out on behalf of our students.”
In addition to the role of media specialist, Stone-El taught history, as well as language arts, at the middle school level for 21 years. A lover of all things history, she is saddened to see the movement to water down the teaching of the subject, especially in her home state. She is referring to House Bill 187, “Equality in Education,” which would make it harder for educators to facilitate important conversations with students about the effects of race and class on American society. This bad bill passed the House and is still alive in the Senate. However, it is unclear if it will move further this session. “It will make teaching harder because it will be difficult for educators to navigate laws being put into place,” said Stone-El.
As she thinks about coming full circle at Pearsontown Elementary, Stone-El reflects on her years as an NCAE member and what she wants her legacy to be. She has been a member nearly her entire career, thanks to her mother who told her early of the importance of joining. “It’s one of the first things my mother told me to do when I became a teacher. It’s imperative for educators to belong to their professional organization, where they can connect with like-minded people who care about public education and are advocates for students and the profession.”
“My legacy will be giving back to my community and the many students I have taught over the years. Many have remained in touch and are doing great things. They have often expressed the influence I had and the important part I played in their lives."
"As for the future of education in North Carolina, it will always be affected by those who hold office and their agendas. The future will depend on them listening and extending a hand to us to work together for the benefit of our children.”
