by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
Karina León earned her master's degree at St. Cloud State University and advocates for the importance of cultural representation in the classroom and high-quality Spanish-language books in the library. She will be the Spanish teacher at Highland Park Middle School this fall.
Like many media specialists, Karina León has held positions at several schools. She's spent time at Emerson Dual Language Elementary School (in Minneapolis) as well as Creative Arts Secondary School and Open World Learning Community (both in St. Paul). Karina is a recent graduate from Saint Cloud State University's Master's in Library Science program, and she embodies the crucial role that multilingual educators and skilled media specialists play in supporting diverse student populations within K-12 education. She may also be Minnesota's first accredited Mexican-born media specialist. Her professional journey is inspiring, and her impact in the schools she serves is, too.
Karina's decision to pursue her master's degree grew out of her experience as an assistant teacher and librarian at Emerson. Having already earned, in Mexico, a bachelor's degree in Spanish literature and a master's degree in education, her appreciation for literature and education led her to pursue her master's in library science. "I decided to start my master's degree in library science because I have a connection with literature and teaching in Spanish," she shared. This existing foundation, combined with the practical need for licensure in Minnesota, pushed her forward. But it wasn't as simple as picking a degree and studying for it. She had to balance her education against full-time work and raising her son, who was just one year old when she began. The flexibility of online classes at Saint Cloud State was instrumental to her ability to succeed.
Karina's transition to American academics was challenging, notably the language barrier and differing academic expectations. Karina vividly recalled her advisor, Jenny Hill, emphasizing the importance of strong writing. Professor Hill pushed her to craft her essays with precision and eloquence. She harkens back to that rigorous experience now as she guides her own students.
As a multilingual educator for Saint Paul Public Schools, Karina directly supports Latino students, offering translation and academic help in subjects like algebra and English. Her support transcends academics, however. It's also about representation. Karina believes it's vital for Hispanic students to see someone like them leading schoolwork. "It's very important that the Hispanic students can see a Latin woman like a teacher and identify," she said. Her message to her students is clear: "I did it, yes, but you can do it too."
As for the library, Karina envisions it as a welcoming, safe space that encourages multilingualism, especially for middle and high school students who might feel less comfortable speaking Spanish outside their homes. "I try to make my library a space, a welcoming and warm space, where all students can feel safe and comfortable," she said.
Her experience working across multiple schools has given her firsthand insight into the importance of quality library collections. Karina stresses the need for more thoughtfully curated Spanish-language book collections, particularly those by Latin American authors addressing engaging topics. She notes that current selections sometimes miss the mark, lacking the depth to truly captivate students. And translations aren't good enough. There's a wealth of amazing literature, in Spanish. "No, my expectations are bigger," Karina said. "We can engage more with our books in Spanish. We can have amazing collections."
Karina's experience shows that media specialists are more than just the organizers of books. They are cultural leaders, language advocates, and essential figures in creating inclusive and enriching environments where every student can thrive. Their ability to shape resources, foster welcoming spaces, and model success and professionalism is invaluable in today's K-12 landscape.