Previous by Date | Next by Date | Date Index
Previous by Thread | Next by Thread
| Thread Index
| LM_NET
Archive
| |
Thank you to all those that gave advice. I had some people ask to post the responses : I haven't made this jump, but this is my first year working full-time as a librarian at a junior high school (grades 7-8). I made a brochure outlining resources and services and included a bookmark with logins and passwords for databases. I also addressed staff briefly at the first faculty meeting when new teachers were introduced, and I was warm, friendly, and let them know what kinds of research lessons I can design and/or teach. I always have chocolate available on my desk. When teachers come in for chocolate, it's a good time to get to know them one-on-one and make a good impression. Either then or when they pass through the library to the copy room, I will sometimes ask, "Sooo, when are you going to be bringing in your kids to do some research." I always ask it with a smile, and I've actually had some teachers plan with me and bring in their students from this personal invite. :) Congratulations on entering the wonderful world in the middle! This is my 32nd year in a middle school and I still love it. If it is a true middle school with teachers working on teams, asking to be on the agenda for a team meeting is worth considering. Ask them to consider what they might want from you in the way of resources, instruction or support and be ready to really listen. If they don't have requests in mind be prepared to offer to work with them on projects which supports state or national standards/state test areas. You may need to do most of the work the first time, but when the word gets around that you are good to work with it gets easier all the time. Teaming is great--planning a lesson together can really build a strong partnership. One of the best ways to become acquainted is to have lunch with people. I do a lot of listening and get to know their personal interests as well as curriculum concerns and upcoming projects. Whenever a new WWII book comes in I know which teacher wants it first. I try to rotate between our four grade level lunches and on tough days spend time with groups that are most congenial. People know they can vent to me and I will listen sympathetically and it goes no further. Our staff has a tradition of Friday after school gatherings at a local watering hole. We have planned a number of special projects for students, done informal curriculum planning, and I pass along book ideas regularly on those Fridays. Because middle school students are so intent on peer groups, the positive feedback from students is not like an elementary building. In our school the adults support one another and try to provide a consistent, caring and positive atmosphere for the students. Being positive, upbeat, responsive and flexible helps. I specialize in tech support for technology-anxious teachers. Storytelling can also be alive and well. We do festivals tied to the social studies curriculum in sixth and seventh grade and I am generally a featured storyteller. I also do scary stories around Halloween, folktales and myths as the curriculum requires and booktalks are a steady request. I might not be the best person to give advice since a few of my LA teachers refuse to come into the library, but here goes. What has worked for me in the past are the following: 1. Staff breakfast in library showcasing new books (I did this with my team members so it wasn't too much $$ out of my pocket.) 2. E-mails to subject area teachers with online resources to use in their classes. You can also do a library newsletter - Churchill Jr. HS in East Brunswick (my Mom's school) does a "Media Mentionables" 8 times a year. It has new books listed, library news, trivia, a recipe (you can ask staff members to contribute a favorite recipe), and other things. It works at my Mom's school, but I found that it wasn't that popular here. I just keep in touch with e-mails. 3. Approach Language Arts teachers about doing booktalks and book selections with their classes. Ask them if they plan on having students read a certain genre, study poetry, etc. and offer to pull books for them to use with their classes. 4. Speak at faculty meetings about your resources and how teachers can use you and the library. 5. Offer training classes using EBSCO, Grolier Online, or whatever databases to which you subscribe. 6. Ask social studies teachers what research projects they do, get copies, and offer to help them with the research process, MLA citations, website evaluation, etc. I also teach an Internet research class but I used to teach that type of stuff at the start of a social studies research project. 7. Ask to attend department meetings, especially for LA & SS. 8. Ask teachers (and sometimes students!) for book or subject recommendations. This is how I built up areas of my collection to support the curricula. 9. Always look happy and enthusiastic even when you're not. -- Mrs. Elizabeth Ullrich Media Specialist Cavallini Middle School Upper Saddle River, NJ eullrich@usrschoolsk8.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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://lm-net.info/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------