David wrote:
This is a good point. While we are salaried professionals and therefore
not paid by the hour, the fact is that, like other teachers, there is
/always/ something more that /could/ be done. I used to be at a school
that said teachers were on duty 24/7, and all to often I was called in
the evening to return to school to get a microphone, projector, or
something for an outside group that was meeting on campus-a group that I
was never told needed something set up.
I don't mind putting in some extra time once in a while when it is
really necessary, but I've gotten to the point that I'm /not/ willing to
put in extra work when the only reason I'm asked to put in extra is to
avoid hiring another employee.
Give me a minute to climb up on my soap box:
Although I love my job/profession and think that it is a teaching job
and that teaching is the greatest profession.
I do get frustrated especially this time of the year when I am on duty
30 minutes before most teachers -- who never can make it to work on
time, and I stay at least 30 if not 60 minutes longer than any one else.
Teachers that have a planning period, team time, and a study hall, but
seem to be first ones shouting from the roof tops about being so busy.
But they expect me to drop everything to be at their disposal.
Especially when they can't plan beyond the next hour. These are also
the same teachers that shout the loudest at kids for not being prepared
for class or for being tardy. I've given up on teachers that refuse to
make a budget or refuse to justify why they need new items to support
their curriculum, or can't return my questionnaires about what the
library can purchase to help them. I've always prepare a budget request
for the next year, which usually includes an increase -- if you don't
ask, you don't get. I have also become a great believer in year end
reports -- ya got to blow your own horn.
I am also the crazy person that wants to try something new, introduce
something new to the kids, staff, district, or just step outside the
box. And yes if I had to do it all over again, I would still be a
teacher/librarian; or if I win the lottery tonight, I would still be
here in the morning.
Curtis L. Clark
Library Media Specialist
Harrisonville Middle School
601 South Highland
Harrisonville, MO 64701
816 380 7654 #243
Fax: 816 884 5733
clarkc@harrisonville.k12.mo.us
--------------------------------------------------------------------
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