Re: More Library Lessons

[Jean Townes <townesj@PEAK.ORG>]

Art, library, music, etc. teachers have been called "specialists" for
years in our district, but we are not "specially" regarded.  The label
has no bearing on how you are viewed.  It is difficult in our district
for even excellent teachers in one of the specialties to truly become a
member of the whole building teaching team.  I have yet to figure out what
all the factors which inhibit this are.  At the moment I think one of the
more pernicious ones is the "specialists" function of covering teacher
prep periods.  That automatically makes your value one of "babysitting"
rather than as a teacher of valued content, let alone a part of the
educational team.

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Jean Townes, Media Specialist                  townesj@PEAK.ORG
Waverly Elementary School                      Phone: 503-967-4617
Greater Albany Public Schools
425 Columbus
Albany, Or 97321
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