Taking Over a Media Center

I am already into week 3 of my new job as a Library Media Specialist.  So far, things are going very well.  I love the variation of activities, from meeting with book reps to assisting teachers in technology adaptation and assignment to the computer lab.   I also love the fact that I have time to go over material that is relevant to my position.  The students have been great but I am hearing from teachers and obsreving myself that students are not motivated to put the effort in to complete projects properly.  One teacher made his class do their papers over again because their work was so shoddy.  I see students coming in for class time in the computer lab and not working on the project at hand.  Of course, part of this is the responsibility of the teacher.  I also am finding that many high school age students do not enjoy reading and only read when they have to - looks like I have my work cut out for me.  What I am trying to do first is get a feel for what I will tolerate during study hall.  The previous Media Specialist was very strict and expected silent work.  I, on the other hand, can tolerate a minimal amount of talking as long as I see the students are working on something at the same time.
There are many students that come to the media center with two teachers signatures that indicate they have work to do and they are doing nothing.  This is what I am addressing first.  In the meantime, I am trying to reach out to teachers to get a feel for what kind of books they would like and suggesting some technology they can add to a lesson.  I feel like my coworkers are being very receptive. 

Switching Teams

This week I am in between jobs and I am taking a break in Key West Florida. It is a great chance to refocus and read. I left my job in one school district after eight years because my position as a Computer Teacher and Resource for other teachers was cut to half time this year. I have accepted a Library Media Specialist position at a local high school. Though I am sad about leaving my friends and colleagues at my prior position, I feel there is no challenge left for me there. This new position allows me the opportunity to rebuild the program and introduce new technology to students and teachers! I am very excited.

While at Providence Airport, I purchased a magazine I had never heard of before, Fast Company. It was very interesting. Its focus is on businesses using new technologies to better service consumers. There were also articles related to education and innovative thinking about how we need to rethink our teaching strategies in order to prepare students for their future. I liked it so much I have become a subscriber!

Vacation ends Saturday and my new career begins on Monday. I am looking forward to a new challenge.