Opening Education: Introducing Megan Zara, UTA's OER Librarian

Dear UTA Community,  

To those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, I'm Megan Zara, your Open Educational Resources (OER) Librarian! I'm wrapping up my first month as a Maverick, and diving into the dynamic atmosphere of UTA has been an exhilarating journey! Everywhere I turn, there is a commitment to excellence and innovation, and I am thrilled to be a part of it all. I look forward to contributing to this outstanding legacy. 

As I settle into my new role as the OER Librarian here at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), my heart is overflowing with passion and purpose. Embracing open educational resources is not only about making college more affordable for students; it is also about harnessing the collective strength of diverse voices to redefine and elevate the educational experience, with student success at its core.  

UTA is actively fostering a culture of open teaching and learning by empowering faculty through the UTA CARES Grant. This initiative encourages faculty to adopt, adapt, or create OER for their courses. However, OER is just one element of the broader open education movement. The goal of open education practices is to democratize access to knowledge by ensuring high-quality educational materials and opportunities are freely available to everyone. Creative Commons, a pivotal organization in the realm of open resources, defines OER as “teaching, learning, and research materials that either belong to the public domain or are licensed in a way that grants everyone the free and perpetual permission to engage in the 5R activities: retaining, remixing, revising, reusing, and redistribution.” This framework fuels educational innovation and ensures that these valuable resources are accessible to all. 

With the evolving landscape of education and democratizing learning at the forefront of our shared mission, I think it is important to reflect on the experiences that shape our perspectives. To give you a clearer picture, I would like to share a little into my background in public education.  

Over my decade-long tenure in K-12 public education, I worked closely with students, teachers, and community members to foster innovative educational approaches. It's been my privilege to teach and develop professionally within both Frisco ISD and Fort Worth ISD. In the early phase of my career, Frisco ISD ingrained in me a fundamental belief: to see students as individuals, distinct in their personalities and potential, rather than mere statistical data. The district’s ethos, centered on knowing each student by ‘name and need,’ has resonated deeply with me. It is an ethos I have internalized throughout my career, emphasizing the value of the experiences and perspectives everyone brings to the community.   

My time as a middle school classroom teacher posed a myriad of challenges and inquiries, pushing me to delve into the subtle complexities of teaching and fostering a drive for continuous learning. After a few years in the classroom, it inspired me to pursue a master's degree in Literacy Education from Texas Woman’s University. My learning at TWU was transformative, acquainting me with the importance of socially and culturally responsive teaching and underscoring the need for accessible and diverse content and resources that foster a sense of agency and belonging.   

Prior to joining the UTA community, I served the Fort Worth ISD as a digital learning specialist. In this role, I worked as a member of an exceptional EdTech team to guide educators in weaving innovative learning strategies and tools into their instruction to create meaningful and effective learning experiences. This background has equipped me with a unique perspective on the intersection of technology, information, and education, which is directly relevant to my current role as an OER Librarian. 

At UTA, I am committed to leveraging this experience to support and enrich our academic community. My journey through Fort Worth ISD has been instrumental in shaping my approach to open education, fostering the collaborative, innovative spirit that I now bring to the UTA community. 

Now, as I embark on this new chapter at UTA, my enthusiasm knows no bounds. I am wholeheartedly committed to championing open education pedagogy and open educational resources. I am excited to build upon the remarkable initiatives already set in motion within UTA’s vibrant community.  

The University of Texas at Arlington is more than just an institution; it is a collective force driving change. UTA’s commitment to diversity, social mobility, and access is both admirable and inspiring. I am eager to collaborate with the community to leverage our combined expertise and vision.   

It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the UTA community!   

Sincerely, 

Megan Zara (She/Her/Hers)

Open Educational Resources Librarian

UTA Libraries 

If you would like to schedule a consultation or have questions regarding open educational resources and/or open pedagogy, ‌email oer@uta.edu or reach out to me directly at megan.zara@uta.edu. 

What is OER? (n.d.). www.Creativecommons.Org. Retrieved November 2, 2023, from https://wiki.creativecommons.org/wiki/What_is_OER%3F