Micro Elementary’s Laura Warren Named JCPS 2024 Media Specialist Employee Of The Year

SMITHFIELD – Micro Elementary Media Specialist Laura Warren was awarded the 2024 Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) Media Specialist Employee of the Year. She received the award at the Spring Special Recognition Celebration held at Cleveland High.

Warren is from Newton Grove, where her mother was also a librarian.  As a child, Warren would hide under the desk at the Selma Public Library with her favorite book Leo the Late Bloomer, and read to her brother, while her mom worked. “I grew up in libraries!” she said. She also grew up seeing firsthand the importance a library has and the community it can reach. 

She is a JCPS alumnus graduating from South Johnston High where, oddly enough, her mom was the school’s media specialist. A career librarian, her mother served the students of JCPS for 20 years as a media specialist at several schools, retiring in 2023 from Princeton Middle/High.

After graduating, Warren received her undergraduate degree from East Carolina University and began a career in education with Sampson County Schools, where she taught first grade for two years. In 2011, Warren joined JCPS teaching fourth grade at Glendale-Kenly for four years. During that time, in addition to her full-time job, Warren earned a Master of Library Science on a scholarship from her alma mater, got married, and started a family. 

Then, in 2016 Micro Elementary was about to open its doors, and Warren couldn’t wait to get her hands on the media center. Although it was her first time as a media specialist, she was well prepared. “My library career started way before that,” she remarked.

Although the walls were blank, Warren’s mind was full of ideas. In an effort to change the stigma of the library as a place just for reading, the walls were painted bright colors, furniture was moved around, and Warren added her special touches to create a welcoming space that was entertaining and inviting. “I’ve been able to mold that library to what it is today,” Warren said proudly. “There’s collaboration and communication, as well as knowledge seeking and asking questions.” 

Designing a media center to create a positive atmosphere is of utmost importance, but it is merely one aspect of Warren’s role. What most people don’t realize is that being a media specialist entails much more than checking books in and out. It’s the business of creating a budget, taking out older books to make way for new ones, fixing Chromebooks, and assisting with login issues. 

Being named the Media Specialist Employee of the Year fills her with pride for several reasons. Warren is proud of herself for what she has accomplished, but she shares the accolades for the award with her mother. “I am proud of myself because I know my mom is proud of me,” she said. “Through me, she has fulfilled something for herself.” 

Warren also credits her Micro Elementary team for their support, sensing when she needs a helping hand, and jumping in without being asked. “Knowing the impact I’ve had on my colleagues for them to nominate me for this award is wonderful,” she said. 

Now that summer is here, she wants families to know that JCPS and the Johnston County Library system have a wonderful partnership. With a JCPS student ID number, students can access books, e-books, audiobooks, and many other resources at any Johnston County public library. Click HERE for more information. 

There is one thing Warren would like students and staff to know about media specialists across the school district. “We’re here to help,” she remarked. “That’s our job!”