Re: Uneducated "librarians"

[Sharon Arndt <sharndt@GW.KCKPS.K12.KS.US>]

Elizabeth wrote:

"In England it is very rare for a school librarian to be qualified as
a teacher, but it takes just as long to become a librarian as a
teacher (usually first degree plus postgraduate diploma in both
cases). We are generally considerably less well paid (different pay
scales so it is difficult to be precise about how much we should be
paid, but surely not less than a basic scale teacher of similar
length of experience)."

In Kansas a librarian must have both a valid teaching certificate and 30 =
hours of library science courses or an MLS.  We are paid on the same scale =
as the teachers since we do carry a teacher's certificate.  Even so, I =
have been in my present building for almost 10 years and still do not have =
the respect of all the teachers.  The response is "I make the same as you =
but you don't have anything to do but check books in and out.  I wish I =
had your job."

I do the best I can to change their opinions but what little extra time I =
have, I spend on my library and students not trying to defend my position. =
 To me, the kids come first!   I work with one teacher at a time and have =
begun the slow process of winning them over.  It is amazing to see their =
reaction when I offer them materials they didn't have to ask for a unit, =
or offer to plan a lesson with them to teach collaboratively,  to find =
internet sites for them to use with their students or for themselves, to =
take a few students to help reading.   Change is slow, but it can happen.

I'm very thankful for all the support and advice I receive from this =
wonderful group.  Thank you!!!!

Sharon Arndt
Frank Rushton Elementary
Kansas City, Kansas 66103
sharndt@gw.kckps.k12.ks.us

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