Deep Thinking

Why do my teachers still believe they have to be the “all-knowing experts” in their subjects? Fine if you are an algebra teacher in H.S. Not acceptable if you are an elementary teacher. Hello!?! Knowledge keeps growing. For those teachers who have taught the same lesson every year for 25 years, how are they demonstrating life-long learning? Some lessons stay the same. But there should be some growth!

During a first grade level planning meeting they decided to have their students research Important Americans in History in preparation for reports using technology & quilts. I agreed to do a quick check of our World Book Student Discovery Encyclopedia to be sure the figures chosen were easily located. In addition I would check the other resources so we could have a differentiated list by difficulty level for students needing challenges. Sounds great. Until one of the teachers stopped me at the door to remind me to only choose very famous figures so they would know about them before the students began their research. They didn’t want me to choose anyone esoteric. Imagine the horror if I included someone they weren’t an expert over! How does this demonstrate life-long learning? Argh!

I guess this provides validation as to why my students need me to be there everyday. Inspiration. Modeling of life-long learning. Realistic expectations. Continual renewal of knowledge.

One year ago I felt very alive mentoring a student teacher. This year I have none. In 1991 I had a student teacher. There was a gap in between because I had changed placements and lost contacts with local universities training graduate students in library information science. I wish we could bring back a strong mentoring system. There are not enough student teachers out there who are willing to be stationed in a school “without.” Many of the student teachers look for places close by their current schools. Some choose schools with new technologies, exciting innovations, and links between the teachers and the universities. What is the reality? Many placements will not be “exciting.” Transforming programs is one of the exciting perks to our profession. I yearn for the opportunity to teach new professionals in our field how to bring about change and inspire students. There are many days when I want to go be a student again and follow around the library stars of our profession. Since we don’t have the resources in my school, I want to visit active programs utilizing smart boards as if they are extensions of their minds. Since I’m not a title 1 school, I want to go visit schools that actually integrate resources so their libraries benefit. Since I only receive $7.50 per child (as I have enough resources to meet SACS and TN state standards and those who don’t receive $15 per child in my district), I want to visit schools that receive $20 per child to purchase books plus their other funds for technology, equipment, supplies, etc. I know they’re out there. I want to see them in action. In the meantime, I’ll continue on in my own little world trying to bring a ray of sunshine in my school.

At ALA Midwinter I was fortunate enough to pick up two books at substantial discounts. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Anahita’s Woven Riddle by Meghan Nuttall Sayres. I met Ms Sayres in the vendor booth and was able to ask her a few questions about the writing of this book. Unfortunately the copy I have was purchased and autographed for my friend Allison. I should have bought ten copies so I could have kept one and given the others to friends. That’s how much I enjoyed that book. Both were recommended in reviews, but for Grades 8/9 and up. Adults should definitely discover these two books. While I was reading them, I recognized the impact they were having on my life. When I finished reading, I knew that I was changed for the better. These are special moments in your life - knowing you have read something outstanding and that it won’t let you go. What have you read that impacted you recently?