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.
Cross-grade learning occurs naturally when students take ownership for their education.
The librarian frequently reminds students to “Go show others something you have learned.” and “If you want to know what everyone is doing and how, walk around to look and ask them how they did that.” Active learning. 
Notice the displays to inspire students to ask questions. Nana Charlene Smith works on these with her grandson Trevor. Pirate ships, World War II, Dinosaurs, Animals, Space, Famous Women in History, whatever topics will help stimulate interest in history and science are welcome. 
Interestingly, three teachers are partially visible behind student teacher Amanda Murray. One is checking out her own students so she can see what they are interested in reading. One is advising his class how to find biographies. One comes daily with her Language! group to locate interesting free voluntary reading materials. Creating displays to inspire students to learn takes time. We appreciate library assistant Dorothy Reed’s working on the Black History Display to make it better each year. 
Community relationships are essential to well-run school library programs. Involved members of the community know what happens and care to make learning a successful experience in the elementary school.
They enjoy it so much that only one child is distracted by the camera.
and creates art displays to interest students in history and science books. 
Students read at tables and talk to each other about their favorite parts of the story.
Computer technician Mike Powell arrives with 15 donated computers that need to be stored in the library office until new hard drives, mice and keyboards can be obtained. While he is in the building, he consults the librarian to see which classrooms have computer problems and installs a new computer and fax/printer/scanner to use with a new math initiative. The librarian will attend half-day training to be able to support classroom teachers scanning in assessment papers.
