Although I have never taught at the primary or secondary grade levels, I find the challenge of reaching these students from a library perspective to be unique. Many elementary schools in North Carolina are on a fixed schedule with possibly an assistant, but often times, they are flying solo. This means that the librarian is seeing students every 35-45 minutes with a break/planning time splitting the morning from the afternoon. This varies from school to school, but the overall effect is that the librarian is serving the planning needs of the teachers.
I would like to see my schedule change to a partially flex schedule for the following school year. While I enjoy seeing the younger students, they need less instructional time with me. My older students need more research and information skills. Seeing them for 45 minutes to do a lesson, hands-on skills and book check out is extremely limiting. I have begun splitting my lessons across several rotation schedules and am exploring the use of stations in my library to accomplish objectives and standard goals.
Professionally, I would like to continue to grow as a school librarian or a librarian working with students in some capacity. My career goals vary as I explore other options within the educational realm from staying in a K-12 environment to moving into a community college position.
Short Term (1-2 years)
- Finishing my MLIS degree at UNCG.
- Completing and passing my praxis exam in School Library Media to become licensed in NC.
- Researching other opportunities in K-12 and community college librarianship.
- Taking technology workshops to enhance skills; interests in web development, blogging, social networking.
Long Term (3-5 years)
- Establishing myself in an educational setting, possibly teaching graduate or undergraduate in the area of instructional technology, literature or educational technology.
- Seeking leadership opportunities within NCSLMA's and NCLA's committees.
- Discovering area of research interests.
- Write and publish professionally for ALA, AASL or YALSA.
My other goals are to become more versed in educational technology and finding ways to incorporate technology into my library classroom. Currently, I serve the needs of 860+ students with minimal technology access. I am looking to increase the number of laptops so that students can conduct research and be able to construct meaningful products through the use of various technology applications.
I would like to find an area of interest to begin conducting research and possibly teach at the undergraduate or graduate level. I enjoy writing and publishing articles, as well, and will be looking to develop my skills in this area, too.
I am passionate about the field of librarianship and I know that, wherever I may land, I have the tools and resources to become a successful leader, manager, advocate and teacher in this profession.
