Lofton Wins Sandacre Teacher of the Year

By Riaz Mamdani

Executive Online Editor

Being a librarian entails a lot more than just managing books.

Such is the case for Teacher Librarian Jane Lofton, one of three Mira Costa Teachers to be awarded the Sandacre Teacher of the Year award for the 2015-2016 school year, her final year at Mira Costa before she retires. Lofton has been an active member of the Mira Costa Faculty staff for over 5 years, instituting countless technological upgrades and programs in her library, in the hopes of creating a more engaging and intriguing atmosphere for students.

“Ever since my first year at Costa I have been one of the major players in moving the school towards taking advantage of technology,” Lofton said. “Teaching students and staff how to properly utilize technology was one of my main goals in order to promote work and productivity.”

Lofton has worked hard to not only change the ambience of the Library itself but also introduce new and top of the line technology, such as iMacs and Google virtual reality boxes, in order to give students more opportunities to fully utilize the programs and applications that are present at the Library.

“A few years ago we made the transition to iMac computers which has been really helpful for students working on almost anything,” Lofton said. “Earlier this year we also bought 3D printers and have been hosting monthly ‘maker fairs’ to encourage students to learn how to design objects for the printers,”

To support these technological endeavors, Lofton has also been active in supervising student run clubs, such as the Library Club and Geeks Club, which help coordinate and run library events such as the ‘Maker Fairs’, in addition to helping students having issues with their own technology.

“It has been quite rewarding working with the Geeks Club the 3D Printers,” Lofton said. “It’s going to be a big transition for me into retirement, but I still hope to take an active role in MBUSD and MCHS library programs, […] It feels good leaving knowing that I made a positive impact on students experiences at Costa.”