Re: GEN: TEACHER LOSES BOOK

[Josephine Dervan <rderva@infi.net>]

I have been following this thread with interest.

Many years ago when I started in my first teaching job, one teacher
often lost books from collections that she signed out for her class. I
tried to get her to assume financial responsibility. However she was a
good buddy of the principal. I was told by the principal that if a
teacher took out a book and misplaced the book it was OK to forgive any
fines. Reason: the book had been used by kids and for educational
purposes. At the time I thought that it was favoritism. I learned much
later that this was a wonderful piece of advice.

I have never considered charging a teacher for a lost book since. I have
discovered over the years that we are in fact, all on the same team. To
antagonize a teacher over the cost of a book is foolish. What I do now
is to suggest that that if the book does turn up later, just send it
back. I make lots of friends that way. No matter how large a school is
it is not helpful to have enemies.

My Media Center is a friendly place where all are welcomed- teachers and
students alike. If I make an enemy over a book it is not worth it. A
class can sense when a teacher and a Media Specialist are on friendly
terms and when they are not. It is easier for all to grit your teeth and
forget the whole thing. You never know when you may need favor from
her.


Jo
***********************************************************
Josephine G. Dervan, Library Media Specialist
Strathmore Elementary School
Aberdeen, NJ 07747

Home-
rderva@infi.net
School-
jdervan@marsd.k12.nj.us

Staff Development for Technology Integration
http://www.uni.edu/profdev/staffplan


He who has a garden and a library, wants for nothing- Cicero

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