Robin Pattillo is the heart of Lakewood Elementary School’s largest classroom, the library. She has served as the school librarian for two decades, managing the sunlit space and engaging students in reading and storytelling.
“I love being in the library because it’s a place where the kids have a little bit more freedom to learn about what they are interested in. I love seeing their growth as that changes through the years,” she said.
Growing up with two teachers as parents, Pattillo spent most of her childhood in classrooms. This early exposure to learning laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to education.
Pattillo moved to Dallas in 1996 and began her journey as an educator after earning her bachelor’s degree from McMurry University. At just 22, she taught English and history, later joining Dallas ISD’s Lakewood Elementary in 2000. Pattillo received a master’s in library science from Texas Woman’s University.
“Things are constantly changing in education,” Pattillo said. “I became a librarian after teaching high school and sixth grade. Although I don’t create full lesson plans, I am still able to teach mini lessons, interact with all the different grade levels and see where they are and what they are into. That has been fun, and I feel very lucky.”
With five to six classes a day, Pattillo said she has the privilege of interacting with every student on the campus.
“Teaching kindergarten is probably the highlight of my job because they change so often,” she said. “We look at the pictures, and I read to them. Over time, I get to watch how much they grow with the help of their teachers. [The students] are just so happy every day.”
Pattillo creates engaging spaces within t
he library where students can explore interests like robotics using Lego kits.
“Students get to be creative, use problem-solving skills, learn to listen to each other and take turns. This allows them to explore in new ways outside of their classroom,” she said.
She also provides students with a variety of supplemental activities, such as helping with the school garden, 3D pens, and introductory coding opportunities.
Pattillo’s favorite part of the library is an old, colorful chair, an heirloom from the school’s previous library before it underwent renovations. She feels that this unique chair grounds the room and represents the 25 years of growth and change that she has experienced as an educator at Lakewood Elementary.
“I try to instill in the students a pride for the library and teach them to take care of the space. Everyone should walk in and feel positive about being here,” Pattillo said.
