Beyond the Bookshelves: How Tiffany Thiede Fosters Community at Lindbergh Elementary

On a typical day at Lindbergh Elementary School, library media technology specialist and REACH teacher Tiffany Thiede is rarely in one place for long. She weaves around tables and shelves with her arms full of books or craft supplies, greeting students as the library hums around her.

Of course, like any school staff member knows, there’s not really such a thing as a “typical” day — and at Lindbergh, the physical library space isn’t exactly typical, either.

Located in the heart of the school, the library is less of a room than it is a plaza, with several rows of wooden bookcases sectioning off the library from the rest of the school. Together, they construct a nest filled with novels, cozy chairs and stuffed animals of beloved children’s book characters.

It’s here, in a space without traditional walls — literally and figuratively — where Thiede has built a space that reflects who she is: welcoming, flexible and always ready to help. 

“I was one of those people that knew what they wanted to do in life,” Thiede said. “I remember walking into a public library with my mom when I was five years old, and I just knew I would be a librarian.”  

That passion shows up in big and small ways. It might mean tracking down an out-of-print Spanish version of a book their classmates are reading so a student can fully participate. Or adjusting the schedule of the crochet club she co-leads so more students can join. It can even mean noticing when a problem, like a pair of boots that don’t fit, is standing in the way of a student’s day, and quietly working to solve it.

“I can't do everything, but I will move heaven and earth to do what I can to get you what you need. That's my philosophy,” Thiede said. “I am an extra set of hands. I'm here to help with teaching, help kiddos and I will do whatever I possibly can.”

Building a sense of belonging isn’t just for students. In a small school where she’s the only full- time specials teacher, relationships are everything. Teachers stop in for supplies, collaboration or even just a piece of chocolate from her desk. 

She’s quick to jump in wherever she’s needed, helping with art projects, tracking down materials or supporting the annual school t-shirt design process.

“I’m here to be a resource,” Thiede said. “Not just to supply books, but to make everyone’s job a little easier.”

The physical openness of the space is a benefit to her caring nature. She’s often the first to notice if a student leaves a classroom and needs support, whether that’s a quick check-in or a quiet place to regroup.

As both an LMTS and REACH teacher, Thiede ties literacy into everything she does. Recently, she brought a picture book about a frog to life by helping students build a “jumping frog" project out of paper cups, construction paper and rubber bands; creating not just a fun craft, but also exploring early science concepts, building fine motor skills and sparking curiosity.

“I want this to be a place people want to come to,” she said. “A place where they feel welcome.”