I had several replies with suggestions on how to work breaks into the day, but no
one could verify if librarians are included in the category of classroom teachers
regarding the 45 minute planning period included in TEA's education code. The TCTA
representative for our district is researching that for me. I'll post a hit with
that answer when I receive one.
My aide and I decided this year to schedule a break in the morning and one in the
afternoon every day. We have to adjust the times slightly if a class is scheduled
to come in. So far, it has worked out nicely for us.
Below are some of the other ideas I received.
If you are on a fixed schedule you need a planning period to prepare for the
classes. I am on a flex schedule. I work on prep. (cataloging book, shelving,
inventory and any thing else that needs doing. If I need to run an errand I pick
my least busy time and make a dash. I take to 15 minute breaks. I do not do it on
a regular schedule, but float to that I get to visit with teacher in the
lounge/work room on their conference period. If I don't see a teacher this week I
make a point to pop into her room on her conference period the next week. If I have
students all day I take a break during their teacher's conference period and lunch.
I have never seen anything about a conference period and believe the librarian is
not considered a "teacher"- even though we take classes back-to-back-to-back
and get paid teacher pay - so would not be entitled under law to a conference
period. That would be up to the discretion of the principal/district. I have always
had a schedule that allowed us to kind of manage our own business and break each
other as necessary.
I am considered a classroom teacher (as per my contract), but I am the only person
in the library. I do have student aides at various times during the day. I take a
break when I have time, or feel the need to get out of the fishbowl for a few
minutes. I do have the library closed during lunch as this is my time to visit
with other adults and do PR for the resources I have in the library. I do not see
why the librarian and paraprofessional could not switch out when one needs a break.
We were told here in Dallas to not only take a planning, but also an administrative
period as well, that is 1.5 hours per day. Don't always get it, but it is on my
schedule. Our principals put it in their master schedule as well.
Carrie Casarez
Librarian
Whiteface CISD
Whiteface, TX 79379
806-287-1104 ext. 224
carrie.casarez@whitefaceschool.net
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