Hello,
I'm hoping I'll feel better after I get this off my chest. Thank you in advance
for being here.
A local United Way organization is trying to get Battle of the Books started in my
county. I thought this was a great idea and I met with my administrators and,
after assuring them that this would require nothing extra from the teachers, that I
would do it all myself, I got the go ahead.
Keep in mind that I am volunteering to perform this extra duty in addition to my
regular full load of classes. I serve as coverage for teacher plan time. I already
have one other additional duty that takes me out of the library once a week. I
already have no true uninterrupted planning time since I would never turn a child
or teacher away just because they need help during my "planning time." The library
is active and busy most of the time. Good! All of these facts are just part of the
job and I accept them.
Anyway, I've put HOURS into getting set up for Battle of the Books and it hasn't
even started yet. It has been so thrilling to see the excitement of the kids since
they heard about it on Wednesday. Last night I had a parent meeting with the
interested kids and their parents. The excitement was worth every bit of extra
time I've put in.
So, what's the problem? After the last parent left, the principal hung around to
chat and talk about wonderful this will be, blah blah blah. Then the bomb drops.
She tells me that she thinking about how much extra time I will be putting in to do
this project. She wanted me to know that she was doing me a huge favor in that she
was only going to assign me one extra duty each week while other people will be
getting two. This extra duty involves supervising a classroom during the last 45
minutes of the day while the teachers get together for additional planning time
they need because of Reading First. Babysitting.
After I picked my jaw off the ground I filled her in on the reality of life in the
library. The fact that the very nature of the job makes it a double duty job. I
am never closed. I offer help whenever asked, even when I'm supposed to be
planning. I come in early and stay late to be available to teachers. As librarians
we order and maintain equipment, books, and supplies for the entire building to
use. No one else has those extra responsibilities. The art teacher doesn't
maintain a supply room - the computer teacher doesn't troubleshoot computer
problems, etc. We don't go to the gym teachers for fitness tips during their
planning period. Every other person in the building can close their door and work
when they need to concentrate. I can't.
She said it was good to listen and hear about life in someone else's shoes.
I told her I would not be able to do Battle of the Books if I am required to do
another duty. She didn't say much. I don't think she believes I'd let those
people down, and I would really hate to do it.
I am so HURT! I feel manipulated and backed into a corner. This apparently has
been it the works for some time. I would NEVER have volunteered to do Battle of
Books if I had known that I was going to be assigned to another 45 minutes out of
the library. She knew I was volunteering to take on a huge project and allowed me
to go ahead knowing that she was going to be changing my schedule.
What will happen if they stick to their guns and assign me this duty? What should
I do? I am heartsick. Thanks for listening.
~Molly
Molly Clark
Intermediate Librarian
Michael Maroun Elementary School
Phoenix, NY
mclark2@phoenix.k12.ny.us
"When the going gets tough, the tough get a librarian." Joan Bauer
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home