new job

[MICHELE BATES <micheleb@EMERALDIS.COM>]

I, also, started my first media specialist job this year.  I was hired a
week before school started.  I went in without a clue as where to start.
All the teachers AV equipment was housed in the library and I couldn't get
to anything. The library is in the middle of being automated with only half
of the collection in the computer when I had been under the impression that
the library was fully automated. I had boxes of books from the summer all
over the place.  I am, also, on a fixed schedule and the teachers were upset
that I was not going to be open the first day of school (the principal's
decision).  When I thought I would have to start classes the first week of
school, I went into a panic.

I really don't mind being on a fixed schedule, but I really needed the time
I was given (2 weeks) to get the library ready for the students and
teachers.  I, also, wish that I was given a planning period, which the
teachers get, but I don't.  I do get some time on Monday and Tuesday, but
the rest of the week I teach classes from 8:30 - 2:20.  I am a service
oriented person and would like to be of more help to my teachers and
students, but there doesn't seem to be enough time in the day.  I do as much
as I can and I never say "no."  I just wish the teachers could get a taste
of how much work goes into a media center.  I always thought it would be a
great idea to have a week when teachers change places with other teachers so
they can get an appreciation for the work that goes into other positions
such as media specialist, special education, etc.
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Michele Bates                     *
Media Specialist                  *
Saluda Elementary School          *
Saluda, South Carolina            *
Home: Greenwood, South Carolina   *
Phone:  (803)223-2588             *
E-mail:  micheleb@emeraldis.com   *
***********************************