[LM_NET] Target: Fixed vs. Flexible scheduling

["Naber, Mary Smith" <MJN1126@ECU.EDU>]

       I have been reading through a lot of postings to get a feel for the issues 
that are present in the library media field.  This is my first post.  One issue I 
am greatly concerned with is flexible scheduling.  I saw one post about this from 
Kendall Ryan;  therefore, I would like to ignite some further response about it.    
I am interested in reading responses to her target as well  

     I am a first year elementary Media Coordinator, but I was in the high school 
English classroom for twelve years.  One of the most disturbing parts of my job 
right now, (feedback is appreciated) is how I am utilized (and not) in the Media 
Center.  The trend is that the Media Coordinator is a specials teacher on a fixed 
schedule designed to cover teacher planning.  I have little to no opportunity to 
truly work with students or teachers (nor do most teachers want to) in the capacity 
that I should.  I have no assistant, so I have to maintain all the other clerical 
parts of the library with 23 classes a week. I try very hard to take advantage of 
opportunities to assist students with research when I have them.  I only have three 
computers in the media center, so that limits my ability to do anything with 
technology with the students when I have them.   What are the experiences of others 
out there?? Where is this trend with fixed scheduling ending?  Are there areas of 
the country where Media Specialists with a Masters in Library Science are utilized 
as respected educators and collaborators with other teachers.   How can schedules 
be arranged to give teachers the planning they need, but not put this on the media 
specialist?  This concerns me a lot and will impact my decision to stay in this 
field, particularly at the elementary level.  

 
 
Mary J. Naber
Media Coordinator
National Board Certified Teacher AYA/ELA
South Scotland Elementary School
Laurinburg, North Carolina
mjn1126@ecu.edu

--------------------------------------------------------------------
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
--------------------------------------------------------------------