Values diversity - Willingly works with others from different ability, race, gender, or ethnic groups. Welcomes feedback and interaction with others. Listens carefully to others and respects the views of those perceived as different from self.
The student population at Zoneton Middle School is diverse in different ways than one might expect. Our school has less than 1% of ethnic diversity. However, I have seen all varieties of student abilities walk in to check out books! I have never seen a student population who love to read as much as they do. While not all kids love to read, even most of the students with reading disabilities have a book from the library by choice! I believe the ZMS library collection has really meets these students needs with a wider variety of graphic novels, magazines, and other high-interest low-Lexile titles. Dr. Mac never criticizes any child's choice of reading material. Even if they check out a magazine on WWE wrestling, at least they are reading! Meeting student interests is the highest form of valuing diversity that I could imagine.
Values collaboration. Actively seeks out and incorporates ideas of others. Takes leadership in working with others to improve the overall environment. Regularly share information and ideas.
Dr. Mac and I have a great working relationship. Already, we completed a collaborative instructional unit (See Week 3 post). We also incorporated the district technology specialist's idea for student websites. Dr. Mac also shares at least one email a day to all the staff with a resource, link, video, or lesson plan. She is a member of the KY librarian listserv and she regularly communicates with the other middle school LMS in our district. Collaboration is key to developing a network of support for the library! I hope to continue her legacy and share with teachers valuable resources in my future LMS position.
Values professionalism: Respect for school rules, policies, and norms Knows school rules and policies. Follows them consistently. Understands the purpose of regulations and respects their intent. Accepts responsibility for personally following them in patterns of dress, behavior, etc. EPSB Code of Ethics
As a current school professional, this disposition seems almost unnecessary for graduate work. There must be some interesting stories behind this requirement! I have been a member of this school for four years now and I also student taught here. Obviously, I have followed the rules and policies or else I wouldn't be here. I completely understand the necessity for professional dress and behavior. Students must recognize adults as the authority in the building. Without having proper dress and behavior, students will not respect a classroom teacher, professional, or librarian! I try my best to look nice in the library as well, even if I'm on my hands and knees shelving items!
Values professionalism: Commitment to self reflection and growth. Recognizes personal limitations and strengths and uses them to best professional advantage. Actively seeks suggestions and constructive criticism. Regularly practices critical thinking. Regularly engages in learning through self-reflection.
Reading this disposition immediately makes me think of PLCs as a current classroom teacher. PLCs are Professional Learning Communities. In this weekly team meeting, we always self-reflect on our practices and effectiveness as teachers. We work together to share tips and suggestions for improvement. Every educational professional's ultimate goal should be the success of every student. How do we know if we are meeting students' needs if we do not self-reflect on our practices? Currently, the LMS does not participate in PLCs but I believe that I should as a future LMS! How better to support the needs of our students without participating in regular professional growth opportunities?
Values professionalism: Professional responsibility. Accepts responsibility for own actions and for helping all students learning and actively seeks self-improvement. Consistently holds high expectations for the success of all students. Consistently looks to explain and remedy student lack of success by factors within the control of self
This disposition seems very similar to the previous one. The librarian at every school should not see themselves separate from the rest of the faculty. It is EVERY faculty member's job to ensure the learning of all students at high levels. In PLCs, we focus on four questions: What is it you want our students to know? How will you know if they are learning? How will you respond when individual students do not learn? How will you enrich and extend the learning for students who are proficient? Every teacher is responsible for consistently reflecting on these four questions. Librarians should be no exception. I fully intend on using this practice in my future position to become a truly reflective educator.
Values professionalism: Professional development and involvement. References and makes use of professional organizations or publications. Willingly participates in professional activities or events that promote professional development.
Many teachers grumble and complain about professional development. I actually love it, no matter the topic! I would much rather be learning and broadening my horizons as an educator than just using the same tired teaching practices. This week, I got the opportunity to attend the pre-conference sessions at KYSTE 2014 at the Galt House. Since I teach, I was only able to attend one day. But that one day was JAM-PACKED with PD opportunities. I loved all the new tricks and tips to incorporating technology into every classroom lesson as well as the library. I attended 4 sessions from 10 am to 4 pm. It was an amazing day!
My FAVORITE session was presented by two librarians from Lexington. They work a lot with digital portfolios at the elementary and middle school levels. They shared a variety of apps, Web 2.0 tools, and software students can use for literacy or research projects. It was amazing to see such a variety of student work! We even integrated our own technology during this session using TodayMeet, a real-time presentation chatroom, so to speak. Here's the website with all of the tools they shared with us!
https://www.smore.com/5g67
I left the conference feeling so excited about BYOD and other technology integration initiatives I could start as a future LMS!
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