A Hernandez Middle School librarian has been selected to represent Round Rock ISD in a prestigious national fellowship from the News Literacy Project (NLP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping educators teach students how to navigate today's complex media landscape.
Lianne Hames’ application earned Round Rock ISD a spot in the NLP District Fellowship Program’s fourth cohort, which includes visionary school leaders from across the country. As part of this three-year initiative, Round Rock ISD will receive $30,000 in funding to support professional learning, strategic planning, and districtwide integration of news and media literacy instruction.
“This fellowship is an exciting opportunity to build our students’ critical thinking skills and empower them to become informed, responsible consumers of news and media,” said Hames. “I’m honored to bring this resource to our district and grateful for the support of our campus and district leadership.”
The fellowship includes:
A planning and capacity-building year (2025–26)
During the first year of the program, fellows work with NLP to lay the foundation and develop an action plan for executing news literacy instruction in their district.
A pilot implementation year (2026–27)
During the second year, fellows pilot their implementation plans.
A scaling and sustainability year (2027–28)
During the third year, fellows continue to implement their plan and expand their impact.
Stephanie Inzana, Director of Library Media at Round Rock ISD, said her team is excited to help Hames strengthen students’ information literacy skills and build the confidence they need to navigate today’s world.
“Through the New Literacy Project Fellowship, Round Rock ISD students will have new opportunities to explore ideas, ask questions, and make discoveries that matter,” she said.
In addition to funding, Round Rock ISD educators will gain access to curriculum support, expert-led professional development, and a national network of peer educators working to bring news literacy education to all students before graduation.