While reading the posts and vents on AV, I was contemplating the
profound issue of becoming indispensable. While Doug Johnson is the
clear leader of the practicalities of our profession in this area,
Gary Hartzell consistently states and restates the importance of our
establishing our own necessity in the eyes of administration. The ALA
Advocacy campaign and the marketing campaigns for the school library
portion of @ your library emphasize our seeking to find what it is
that we offer others that they most value. What teachers need often
isn't in the career description we have when we enter this field. So
here are some of my personal thoughts.
When a teacher apologizes for asking questions and seeking help for
things they think they should already know, I reply "everyone has a
first time to learn something. Glad I could be here for you."
When equipment breaks down and they are frustrated, I emphasize
"we'll get through this together. Here's where we should start... and
here's a handy troubleshooting guide I put together to help."
When the Risograph won't run two copies in a row because there is a
dark line on the page and the teacher needs 57 copies, I practice
cheerful disrespect of the equipment that doesn't function as it
claims and use humor to lighten the situation. Even when I'm busy, if
I can stand there with the teacher counting, pressing copy, pressing
reset, counting... this is a great time to put an article, new book,
cute lesson, or idea in her/his hands and slip in some collaboration.
The copying gets finished. Some tension gets relieved.
When a teacher has had a horrendous experience in the day, I can put
on the hot water and make cocoa and be there for them afterschool
until they unwind enough to head home.
When the team of 4 teachers attempting a distance Master's class
needs help, I can make things run easier, teach them some tricks, and
show them how to access the database of professional journals while
reminding them that they will survive this and get that degree
because they are TOUGH!
When the principal receives an urgent last minute project on Friday
at 4:30 due at 5:00, I can cheerfully help and remind him that I want
to leave early to go to a meeting or workshop in the next couple
weeks so I can be prepared with training in case this happens again.
When a teacher is hospitalized and out with 5 different subs for a
month, I can be visible to the parents of the kindergartners and let
them know how well there child is progressing and learning in classes
in the library. Helping with chants for lining up in the hall and
reminders to the class that I am watching their behavior help the
discipline, also.
Preordering bulbs for overheads, ink, and paper, just in case, with a
photocopy of the supply catalog page for them to restock maintains dignity.
Continue to add to this list. Each of those things helped someone
else do their job.
Today when a migraine hit and I went home half day, every teacher I
met on the way out volunteered to keep the school running and to
check on their teammates until I felt better. Professional
practicality with compassion - priceless.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diane R. Chen, Library Information Specialist
Hickman Elementary, 112 Stewart's Ferry Pike
Nashville, TN 37214 TEL: 615 884-4026
Personal Email: DianeRChen@comcast.net
Work Email: diane.chen@mnps.org
AASL Affiliate Assembly Chair
AASL Legislative Committee Chair
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