Bring back mentoring
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.
I guess most people would think of themselves first before others. It’s okay to serve by teaching, but to sacrifice something and serve, sometimes is unfair.
Comment by Power Learning 21 — March 13, 2009 @ 12:51 pm