Last year I found myself discouraged and frustrated with my job for the first time in 13 years of being an elementary school librarian. I made a promise to myself that I would not become a disgruntled, complaining, get-by-doing-the-bare-minimum kind of teacher that I had seen, though rarely, around me.
So I began to look around for other positions in the area. I discovered it was a great year to be looking around! Lots of open positions in my field, especially for someone with experience! So I began the process of updating my resume, cover letters, letters of reference and all that goes along with a job hunt. It was rather nice; knowing that I had a job relieved the pressure of interviews and I went into them all relaxed and open. I enjoyed them and made a good impression, at least I believe so, at all of them. I was offered and accepted a position in a smaller school as a Library Media Specialist and Technology Integrator. And this is where my journey really began.
I had considered myself, and had been told by many, that I was a darn good Librarian! I read with expression, my lessons were engaging and I had great classroom management skills. While all of this was true, I came at my new position feeling at a loss, at least as far as the technology integration was concerned. I used technology in my own classroom, yes, how could I not! But how could I become a true leader in my school and my district as a Technology Integrator? Did I know enough to help a Kindergarten teacher incorporate Google maps into her lessons? Could I inspire a 3rd grade teacher to use a document camera in her lessons? Could I enable an entire grade level of students to use their 1 to 1 iPads in new and innovative ways? Could I open up the "Twitterverse" to my fellow colleagues and show them that Twitter is indeed the best PD tool I have ever used? Well, as with anything, you win some you lose some!
The main thing I am learning is to be patient, with myself especially, but also with others. It will take time for them to see me as a leader, to trust that I will work hard for them and with them, and to know that I will do whatever I can to help kids learn and be successful. The patience with myself is vital, I don't have to know everything all at once, knowledge grows each day and builds on trying new things, failing at them and trying again. After all, fail simply means "first attempt in learning"! So in order to help my students and fellow teachers, I've taken step 1 and created this blog. I hope to learn more about blogging because I truly believe that I cannot help others do something unless I have done it myself, not simply read about it! I also find that writing can be a release, a quiet friend that listens without question or judgement. So I will write what I am learning on my journey in these pages; some may choose to read them, and some may even be inspired by some of the trials and tribulations that I share. One thing is certain, I do this for myself with an open heart and an open mind. I can't wait to check my growth and progress as I spend the year learning, doing, creating and teaching.
