GEN: Clerk "management"

["Cheryl W. Stevens" <cheryls@NECA.COM>]

        I am writing to ask for wisdom from all of my fellow LM_NETters.
The one thing I have found my MLS program did not prepare me well for was
to be a "boss." I have a clerk who is good, but I am having some problems
with what she considers her duties. She was an English teacher who then
left the profession to be with her family. When she returned to work, she
decided to substitute.
        In June of 1995, the previous LMS retired and my clerk took over as
long-term sub until I was hired in January of 1996. We have had some "power
struggles" where she has rushed in to help a student or staff member when I
should have been the one helping. This past week she once again jumped in
on instructional consultation I was doing with a staff member on a new
lesson/unit he is planning to do in the lmc. While I appreciated her
attempt to help, it was wrong and confused the staff member. I must also
say that our difference in age is such that she is closer to my mother's
age than mine and not only has subbed in the system for years, but also has
children in the system, so has much closer ties with staff than I do.
        Thanks for all your help.



Cheryl W. Stevens
Library Media Specialist
Willimantic, Connecticut
cheryls@neca.com

Tolland High School
1 Eagle Hill
Tolland, CT 06084